Ron Clark Academy - Who is Ron Clark, about his Atlanta school

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.

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.

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.

> Ron Clark Academy joins Ludacris, Atlanta Mayor, in Super Bowl video

> Ludacris and Mercedes-Benz team for commercial, tickets for students

> Ron Clark of Ron Clark Academy to appear on 'Survivor'

> Ron Clark explains his school, in article with Ann Cramer

> Photos: Atlanta's Ron Clark Academy

> On the web: ronclarkacademy.com

About the Author

Brian O'Shea

Brian O'Shea is a senior digital producer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He works with the newsroom to identify topics of interest to Atlanta readers and also works with voter guides and election results. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and The Ohio State University Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism.

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