The Ron Clark Academy

Specialties

The Ron Clark Academy is a model school with a vision to transform classrooms around the world by demonstrating transformative methods and techniques that are embraced and replicated everywhere.

History

Established in 2006.

Ron Clark and Kim Bearden met in 2000 when Disney honored them both as Teachers of the Year. They became fast friends as they shared their passion for students and creative teaching. In the fall of 2004, Clark and Bearden met to hold a serious discussion about something that they had casually chatted about numerous times over the previous five years: Clark wanted to start a school of his own — one that would be unlike any other. At that time, the school had no name, no funding, and no facility. However, Clark and Bearden’s vision for the institution were tangible from the very start– they shared common beliefs and ideas, and they knew that they were called to move forward. Bearden gave Clark her word that she would help him with the endeavor, and the dream began.