Ron Clark Academy - Things to know about this prominent Atlanta middle school

Ron Clark Academy students in Atlanta have been featured in viral dance and music videos. (Ron Clark Academy video)

The Ron Clark Academy is a nonprofit middle school in Atlanta founded by innovative speaker and educator Ron Clark and Kim Bearden.

Clark, known for his high energy and outside-the-box approach to teaching low-income and other at-risk students, is in demand as an education speaker. He has also attracted the attention of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, former President Barack Obama and Atlanta musician Ludacris.

> RELATED: Ralph Clark Academy students sing at Barack Obama inauguration

The school has made a name for itself through viral videos such as their 2016 video dance to the "Bet You Can't Do It Like Me Challenge" by hip hop artist DLOW.

May 5,  2017 - Ron Clark says his unorthodox teaching methods have ranslated to success for the students at his Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, and why  teachers from across the world spend time at the school annually to pick up tricks to better reach their students. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

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Credit: Bob Andres

The most common photos and videos of Ron Clark include his habit of jumping onto desks as he makes a point in class or in a presentation.

Ahead of the Atlanta Super Bowl, Clark and his students made a video with musician Ludacris to welcome visitors to Atlanta.

Located in a renovated brick warehouse building on Margaret Street southeast of downtown Atlanta, the Ron Clark Academy serves students in grades 5-8. Tuition is  $18,000 per year, but an AJC article said only a handful of families pay that because of donations and scholarships supported by the money the school generates from teacher training visits.

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Photos: Atlanta's Ron Clark Academy

> On the web: ronclarkacademy.com