The Ron Clark Academy Makes History at Our Nation’s Capital

Washington, D.C., is a unique American city that is rich in politics, national identity, and power; however, new history was made when the fifth grade class of the Ron Clark Academy traveled to there for their inaugural class trip.  The class of 30 students visited the nation’s most historic landmarks, museums, and monuments.  Students toured the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, National Museum of African Art, and National Air and Space Museum. 

At the National Museum of Natural History, the Butterfly Pavilion exhibit showcased hundreds of butterflies from around the world.  Matthew Meadows had a chance to hold one butterfly. 

“All the butterflies are amazing and they represent peace,” remarked Meadows.

Later, students met Colonel Richard “Dick” Toliver, a retired veteran of the United States Air Force, trained and mentored by the Tuskegee Airman.  He was also a “Top Gun” fighter pilot who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Toliver autographed and dedicated his publication, An Uncaged Eagle True Freedom, to the fifth grade class of the Ron Clark Academy. 

The trip was an opportunity for students to cultivate their skills in American history, but also to demonstrate what they learned in the classroom.  During their visit to the historic United States Capitol building, the tour guides were impressed by the knowledge and historic facts the students retained. 

RCA students were given a special tour of the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, housing millions of publications, recordings, and other collections.  Students were provided a special behind-the-scenes tour of the library that isn’t open to the public.  They were able to visit the Children’s Books section and see the library’s smallest book, Old King Cole, that is so small the pages can only be turned with the assistance of a needle. 

The trip ended with visit to the White House and a surprise dinner at Medieval Times in Maryland.   The students were able to sit with their individual houses: Altruismo, Isibindi, Reveur, and Amistad.  At Medieval Times students were royal guests and transported back to the 11^th century to witness medieval tournament for the Battle of the Champions.  All the knights competed on horseback, each one representing the various houses at RCA.  But, at the end of the evening only the red knight was victorious, eliciting cheers of joy from Amistad.

“This is the best day of my life,” said Noah Ware.  The voyage to the District of Columbia will be a living history lesson that Noah and his classmates will always cherish.