At the Ron Clark Academy, an innovative curriculum fosters academic excellence through immersive, interactive learning. Students engage actively, from project-based tasks to real-world applications, igniting passion and creativity. The Academy prioritizes strong relationships between students, teachers, and the community, recognizing connection as vital for effective education. By cultivating a positive climate where all feel valued and supported, students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them up for success inside and outside the classroom.
As fourth graders, students will work extensively with real world problem solving to cultivate their passion for math and elevate their thinking! Our math program is guided by a suite of state and national standards and rooted in the highly touted Singapore method. The Singapore approach emphasizes real-world, hands-on experiences through a concrete-pictorial-abstract learning progression. In addition, STEM challenges and weekly “Essentials” will provide an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and review concepts.
This course is designed to serve as a bridge for 5th grade students that will provide them with the skills necessary to perform at higher levels in their middle school math courses at RCA. The curriculum is structured in a way that will enable students to be challenged and held to the absolute highest standards.
As fifth graders, students will work extensively with real world problem solving to cultivate their passion for math and elevate their thinking! Our math program is guided by a suite of state and national standards and rooted in the highly touted Singapore method. The Singapore approach emphasizes real-world, hands-on experiences through a concrete-pictorial-abstract learning progression. In addition, STEM challenges and weekly “Essentials” will provide an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and review concepts
6th grade is an exciting year in math! It marks the bridge between utilizing what was learned in the lower grades and the faster-paced rigor of pre-algebra! The class will begin focusing on relationships between numbers and proportional reasoning. We will dive deeper into statistics and probability, as well as introduce transformations that will prepare students for 7th-grade mathematics. The class will also discuss test-taking strategies and habits for the success of different types of learners. Students will be expected to complete tests in the allotted time, again, to prepare them for 7th-grade mathematics and beyond.
As fourth graders, students will work extensively with real world problem solving to cultivate their passion for math and elevate their thinking! Our math program is guided by a suite of state and national standards and rooted in the highly touted Singapore method. The Singapore approach emphasizes real-world, hands-on experiences through a concrete-pictorial-abstract learning progression. In addition, STEM challenges and weekly “Essentials” will provide an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and review concepts.
This high school level course covers 12 chapters of content including quadratics. Students in this class will obtain a review of basic arithmetic skills and learn how to work with problems involving solving equations, radicals, graphing, factoring, fractions, linear and quadratic equations, functions, inequalities, word problems, and rational & irrational numbers. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and application principles. This course in algebra covers the standard content of a first-year course in algebra with greater intensity and emphasis on analytical thinking. Students who complete and pass Algebra 1 should take Geometry next.
This process-oriented course will encompass a variety of STEM, music, and student-driven experiments. Students will focus on applying the scientific method to each unit to increase each student’s curiosity and excitement about the subject.  This will range from the learning about the earth and space to counting atoms in chemical equations. This course is in accordance with the Georgia Standards of Excellence, as well as the Next Generation Science Standards
This lab-oriented course will encompass a variety of STEM, music, and student driven experiments. The class will focus on applying the scientific method to each unit to increase each student’s curiosity and excitement of the subject. This will range from the learning about the ecosystem to the periodic table. This class is in accordance with the Georgia Standards of Excellence, as well as the Next Generation Science Standard.
Earth science is a class that collectively seeks to understand the Earth and its neighbors in space. The main purpose of Earth Science is to introduce students to the Earth and the intricate workings of our Earth’s systems. Weather, oceanography, volcanoes, earthquakes, rocks and minerals, environmental issues, and astronomy are all covered as part of this class. Labs and investigations are used to give students hands on learning and practical applications as well as to teach the material.
Life science is the study of living things. The life sciences comprise all fields of science that involve the scientific study of living organisms, like plants, animals, and human beings. The students will learn about environmental and global issues which affect our world. Labs and dissections are used to give students hands on learning and practical applications as well as to teach the material. Emphasis will be placed on skill development to provide students with the basic tools they need to be successful in the course.
Physical Science is a study of matter and energy and includes chemistry and physics. It is a basis for the further study of chemistry and physics. Labs or investigations are used to give students hands on learning and practical applications as well as to teach the material. Math is also very important to science students and calculators should be brought and used in class. Topics that will be studied include matter, the periodic table, elements, mixtures, compounds, chemical reactions, light and electromagnetic spectrum, energy, heat, motion, Newton’s laws and momentum.
In fourth grade, students continue with year two of a three-year study of United States history in which all four strands (history, geography, civics/government, and economics) are integrated. Students begin the year learning about the French and Indian War and end with the Reconstruction period. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on U.S. history during these same time periods. In the civics/government strand, students learn about concepts and rights contained within our founding documents. The economic strand uses material from the history strand to deepen understanding of economic concepts. Students will develop information processing to locate, analyze, and synthesize information related to social studies topics and apply this information to solve problems/make decisions. Also, students will utilize map and globe skills to retrieve social studies information.
Fifth grade students study the United States history in which all four strands (history, geography, civics/government, and economics) are integrated. Students begin the year learning about the Civil War and Reconstruction, the growth of 19th century industry and innovation in the United States and culminate the study with the events and impact of September 11, 2001. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on U.S. history during these same time periods. In the civics/government strand, students learn about the rights of citizens contained within the Constitution, and how changes have been made over time to the Constitution to protect the rights of citizens. In the economic strand, students explore the ways consumers and producers have interacted in the American economy.
This course is designed to expand student understanding of the world we live in and the connection between people, place, ideas, and events throughout history. We live in an incredibly complex and interconnected world. Understanding these connections will help students make sense of the issues we will all face moving forward in life. This course will be a combination of current events, world history, geography, and economic analysis. Upon completion, students will display knowledge and understanding of important issues facing the globe and how the history of various areas has led to the current conditions found around the world.
This course is designed to expand student understanding of the world we live in and the connection between people, place, ideas, and events throughout history. We live in an incredibly complex and interconnected world. Understanding these connections will help students make sense of the issues we will all face moving forward in life. This course will be a combination of current events, world history, geography, and economic analysis. Upon completion, students will display knowledge and understanding of important issues facing the globe and how the history of various areas has led to the current conditions found around the world.
Seventh grade students study Africa and Asia. The goal of this course is to acquaint students with the world in which they live. The geography domain includes both physical and human geography. The intent of the geography domain is for students to begin to grasp the importance geography plays in their everyday lives. The government/civics domain focuses on selected types of government found in the various areas to help students begin to understand the variety of governments in the world. The economics domain builds on the K-5 economics standards; however, the focus shifts from the United States to how other countries answer the basic questions of economics. The history domain focuses primarily on significant events in each region from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
In eighth grade, students study Georgia geography, history, government, and economics. While the four strands are interwoven, there will be in-depth study of the government of Georgia. While learning about the government, current events will be incorporated. While studying about the history, certain time periods will be studied. For example, when discussing the Civil Rights Movement, an in-depth study of the Civil Rights Leaders from Georgia as well as significant historical places will be featured. The study of economics will focus on agricultural, manufacturing, tourism, Savannah port expansion, and the film industry. A unit on personal finance will conclude our year.
Students will learn reading strategies and skills designed for the 4th and 5th grade, with an emphasis on volume, development of background knowledge, and vocabulary acquisition. Vocabulary acquisition is stressed daily through a specific vocabulary curriculum, as well as word study within the context of varying texts. The class is designed to enhance student success in reading more complex texts with an increased level of comprehension, confidence, and overall passion for reading.
This class is designed to help students produce clear and coherent writing that is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Students will write routinely and strengthen their work through proper planning, revising, and editing. Students will read a lot in this class, but they will read with a writer’s lens. The class will explore the art of persuasion, narrative, and informative writing. Additionally, students will enhance their vocabulary acquisition and demonstrate an understanding of the standard English grammar when writing or speaking.
Language arts is the study of the four modes of communication: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. All students will be expected to become competent and fluent in Standard English. An emphasis will be placed on the conventions of the writing process, and students will be expected to produce written products that will undergo self and peer editing. They will write well-developed paragraphs and essays, which include carefully constructed topic sentences, introductions, supporting details, and conclusions. Students will use transitions within and between paragraphs and demonstrate correct usage. A strong focus will also be placed on the eight parts of speech, grammatical structure, usage, sentence formation, capitalization, punctuation, and public speaking as well.Â
This class encourages students to explore the content of books with each other to gain the benefits that can happen when there is dialogue between students around a focused topic. The class will develop the ability to critically analyze texts with a thoughtful approach. In addition, vocabulary acquisition is stressed daily through a specific vocabulary curriculum, as well as word study within the context of the varying texts. There will be a continued emphasis on reading volume.
Throughout the course of the school year, students will cover literary (fiction) text and informational (non-fiction) text. This will make sure that students are exposed to different types of reading material to build their comprehension, analytical, writing capabilities, and increase our scholar’s ability to form and defend their argument.
This class is designed to help students produce clear and coherent writing that is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Students will write routinely and strengthen their work through proper planning, revising, and editing. The class will enhance our vocabulary acquisition and demonstrate an understanding of the standard English grammar when writing or speaking.
Students will study a wide range of literary selections such as short stories, novels, poetry, essays, articles, and graphics. After carefully analyzing the features of each literary genre, students will demonstrate mastery of analysis by responding to texts through well-planned original compositions. Students will continue their study of grammar, sentence structure, usage, and mechanics. Along with examining the links among culture, history, and literature, students will use the writing process to explore stylistic elements while developing their own unique voice.
The purpose of this course is to help students write effectively and confidently across their high school curriculum as well as in their personal lives. The course is organized to reflect the beginning stages of Advanced Placement (AP) courses by emphasizing the skills and strategies needed to excel. Students are expected to read critically, think analytically, and communicate clearly both in writing and in speech. They are required to remain abreast about social and political issues. Students must be open to examine multiple and opposing views on contemporary issues discussed in class.
As first-year RCA students, the class will focus on developing artistic voice and technical skills while working on a growth mindset towards school, art, and life! Students will learn new strategies to aid in overcoming obstacles in the art-making process, as well as be encouraged to take risks with their art and to try new things! Students will begin exploring who they are as a person and how art influences and shapes their family and community. The class will also focus on art history movements chronologically so that students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for art. Students will focus on artists who have been recognized as major contributors to their movement, as well as artists who have made major contributions to their culture based on the cultural makeup of our class.
Second-year RCA students will focus on developing artistic voice and technical skills while working on a growth mindset towards school, art, and life! Students will learn new strategies to aid in overcoming obstacles in the art-making process, as well as be encouraged to take risks with their art and to try new things! Students will begin exploring who they are as a person and how art influences and shapes their family and community. The class will also focus on art history movements chronologically so that students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for art. Students will focus on artists who have been recognized as major contributors to their movement, as well as artists who have made major contributions to their culture based on the cultural makeup of our class.
Band Members will learn how to read and notate music. Students will demonstrate their understanding of reading music by learning to play a band instrument. Band members will demonstrate responsibility to themselves and the ensemble by having their instrument, music, iPad, and a pencil in class daily. Members will learn the importance of being part of an ensemble, how to make a characteristic sound on their instrument, and how to prepare and perform concerts for the community
The Cultural Arts course allows the students to use the arts to explain the world in which we live. For 25 years, Mrs. Barnes has developed cultural curriculum that integrates visual art, drama, photography, language arts, and creative writing to help students create build self- esteem, develop voice, explore creativity, and reflect on societal issues.
Band Members will learn how to read and notate music. Students will demonstrate their understanding of reading music by learning to play a band instrument. Band members will demonstrate responsibility to themselves and the ensemble by having their instrument, music, iPad, and a pencil in class daily. Members will learn the importance of being part of an ensemble, how to make a characteristic sound on their instrument, and how to prepare and perform concerts for the community
The collaborative arts course allows students to work between disciplines to explore and express the world in which we live. Thinking outside the confines of the artistic area allows students to discover entirely new ways to affirm their voice, explore creativity, and build self-esteem. In the final year of art of RCA, 8th grade students are introduced to theater arts where the integration of various art forms, other content areas, and life experience culminate in riveting, thought-provoking theatre.
The Ron Clark Academy is a nonprofit organization, and our registration proceeds support our students’ scholarships and programs.
