Alumni Parents

Jim Bennett’s Story

Like most parents, we wondered about how easily our daughter Michelle would make the transition to middle school. True, having seen two older children make the big change from elementary school to the middle school years had prepared us for almost anything! Yet nothing could prepare us for the remarkable way in which Michelle has made this move.

The strong foundation created by her years at RJA has supported her through her first year at Parkway Central Middle School. She has excelled academically in every way, and has met the challenges of sixth grade with ease and calm. Far more tumultuous for us than for her, the transition to a new, much larger school has been smooth and successful.

We are so grateful to all of Michelle's wonderful teachers at RJA, who not only prepared her with a strong knowledge base, but more importantly, helped shape her study skills, awakened her sense of academic curiosity and pride, and nurtured her independent spirit. Michelle believes in herself, and it shows in the way she approaches each day with optimism and enthusiasm. While this spirit clearly comes from within our daughter, we also owe a debt of gratitude to RJA for helping to bring the very best out of her!

Perhaps the greatest compliment of all comes from Michelle herself, who comments about other students who take school less seriously or seem less committed to creating a kind and nurturing school community, saying "they didn't go to RJA," and of course, "I wish RJA went on forever!" The truth is, though, in its impact on our children, RJA does go on forever!