The RISE Schools were recently featured on WXIA-TV for the uniqueness of their academic program. School leaders say RISE Prep and RISE Grammar seek to prepare students for college, career and beyond through a rigorous and holistic core curriculum that ensures they develop the necessary written, verbal and mathematical fluency to compete in the 21st century.
“It’s very important because we want our students to do two things: to be able to think critically as well as creatively,” said Christian Harden, Principal of RISE Prep.
The news channel also highlighted the significance of having three black male educators oversee operations at RISE Prep and RISE Grammar.
Davion Lewis, Executive Director/Superintendent
That’s a unique situation for each of us, said Davion Lewis, Executive Director and Superintendent of The RISE Schools. “We understand the awesome responsibility that comes with that as well as the burden. Black educators are on the decline … nationally, only about 8 percent of the teachers are black men.”
George Greene, RISE Grammar Principal
“I saw what the public schools were doing, or rather were not doing for my community, and I saw a place where I could fill in and help folks that look like me, feel like me, grow up and be somebody,” said George Greene, Principal of RISE Grammar School.
Greene said the existence of schools like the RISE Schools, and having the black community take ownership of them, has been one of the biggest strides made in public education in recent years. You can watch the WXIA video featuring The RISE Schools here.
