Christian Peterson: reporter@riverbendnews.org
Renaissance Reading Academy (RRA) has officially received permission to open for the new school year in Hamilton County. After a long process involving working with local government and teachers, the school is ready to kick off the 2023-24 school year.
Renaissance means “rebirth.” The goal of RRA is to promote a rebirth in education across Hamilton County. “We believe this can happen through intensive reading instruction within small classrooms and with a strong discipline program,” the RRA website states. The school will offer a safe place for students, where girls are expected to be ladies and boys are expected to be gentleman. RRA is focused on providing a welcoming environment, but is also serious about education; class disruptions will not be tolerated, and discipline will be enforced.
A day at RRA is unique compared to public schools. There are double periods of reading instruction, and a “reading therapy dog” will make weekly visits. The school day lasts from 8:15 a.m. until 3:05 p.m. There are no uniforms required, but state standards still remain. Students will take state tests and will be taught following Florida state standards. On top of that, all teachers will be highly qualified and are required to be state certified. Of course, student accountability and responsibility is expected to be maintained. There will be field trips, rewards for exemplary students and fun for all students. “We will work hard and we will play hard,” the RRA website states.
RRA is a Kindergarten through 6th grade school, and will be located at Calvary Baptist Church at 11320 CR 6, in Jasper. While there is tuition to attend RRA, there are also vouchers. A recent Florida bill allows state full time equivalent money to go with a student to their private school. Applications for a Family Empowerment School Voucher and for RRA are available at getreadingraptors.com. Attendance is accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Are you ready to become a RRA Raptor?