ATLANTA — For the first time, the requirements for admission have changed at the world-renowned Ron Clark Academy.
The academy is known for its non-traditional classroom settings. It's gone viral multiple times on social media and has the attention of celebrities, educators and students everywhere.
There are only 150 students in the entire school and the application process is very rigorous. Previously they accepted fourth and fifth graders, but this year they will be expanding and accepting 30 rising fourth graders for the 2020-2021 school year. Students who are not currently a Georgia third-grader will not be able to apply --no exceptions. The website states that students must be a Georgia resident and currently enrolled in a Georgia state school.
"Regardless of the situation, we do not accept applications for rising 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th graders," according to the website. The academy also doesn't have a waiting list.
Ron Clark, the founder of the school said students who are accepted receive scholarship opportunities to help cover tuition costs.
"The majority of our kids do come from lower-income families where the families only paid $45 a month," Clark said.
One student told 11Alive's Christie Ethridge that he loves school.
"Here I always love going to school, and it makes me love learning. I never just want to stay home and relax...everything we do here is always fun," he said.
At Ron Clark Academy, the students fully understand the high bar is high.
"When I wake up in the morning I know that I have to embrace myself to get ready to learn something new. I can’t just be slacking around on certain days," another student mentioned.
Last year's eighth-grade class received more than $4.8 million scholarships. Clark says the best advice on landing a spot inside the school is being yourself.
Future applicants can apply here. Interviews begin in February. Famed talk show host Oprah Winfrey is one of the main donors behind the academy's new performing arts building --currently being built.
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