First Annual Renner Academy
Fundraising Gala
Information courtesy of Renner Academy
What is Renner Academy? Renner Academy is the only private school in the Brazos Valley that offers children with dyslexia the opportunity to learn from teachers with specialized training in Academic Language Therapy who have a passion for educating and advocating for children with language-based learning differences. Students at Renner Academy receive daily research-based dyslexia intervention and instruction tailored to their specific learning needs in each content area. They also receive social-emotional learning support and have ample opportunities to explore their strengths in areas such as STEM and the arts.
When did we start? After noticing the tremendous need for a learning environment that would be both conducive to the academic needs of dyslexic learners and emotionally safe for them to “stretch their educational wings,” Kristen Renner decided to open a school for children with dyslexia and related learning differences during the 2020-2021 school year. What began in Fall 2020 as Happy Camper School, serving kindergarten through 4th grade students, is now Renner Academy and serves 1st through 6th grade students.
Why are we needed? Many bright children with limitless potential get crushed by an educational system in which their brains are not innately structured to thrive. Essentially, the deck is stacked against them before they even step foot in school. Having a school that specializes in dyslexia is not only beneficial for the future of dyslexic learners – it is essential.
In order to paint a clearer picture of the prevalence of dyslexic learners and the educational gap that Renner Academy fills, please consider the following statistics:
● Approximately 20% of the population has dyslexia. That is 1 in every 5 students.
● Children who do not read on grade level by the end of third grade only have a 1 in 8 chance of ever catching up.
● 35% of people with dyslexia dropout of high school.
● 50-70% of adolescents in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and juvenile detention centers have dyslexia.
● BUT… 35% of entrepreneurs have dyslexia, and 40% of self-made millionaires have dyslexia.
Who are our students? As the only school in the Brazos Valley for children with dyslexia, Renner Academy has students representing many local communities. These communities include Bryan, College Station, Navasota, Iola, Caldwell, Milano and Washington. Unlike many specialized private schools whose annual tuition rates are similar to the annual cost of attending a 4-year university, Renner Academy is committed to making specialized education more accessible to students of all socioeconomic statuses through fair school tuition prices and scholarship opportunities, as well as camp programs and after school services for those students who cannot afford full time specialized education.
So, the question becomes: How can donors help?
As a new and growing private school, Renner Academy’s operating budget consists solely of student tuition and individual donations. We do not receive outside funding from the state or grant funding organizations. As a result, Renner Academy will be holding its first annual fundraising gala on August 20, 2022 at the Brazos Center. Individual tickets and corporate tables will also be sold to enjoy a steak dinner catered by Mallett Brothers, a cash bar, both live and silent auctions, as well as a live band and an evening of dancing! We are asking for assistance in:
● Obtaining items for both the live and silent auctions
● Monetary donations to help offset the cost of hosting the event
All proceeds from the fundraising gala will go towards operating costs, student scholarships, curriculum procurement and other essential school needs. Checks may be made payable to Renner Academy.
Will you partner with us on this journey and change a child’s life?
See the full PDF press release with more donation information
HERE.
See the Full PDF gala poster with all event information
HERE.