Clay Academy, an International Learning Institution in the Heart of South Dallas, Opens Its Doors to Students as Far as California and Abroad

DALLAS, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Clay Academy, a 70,000 square-foot, learning institution that will attract young people from across the country and around the world, was officially dedicated by the school's founder and internationally-renowned spiritual leader, Bishop T.D.

Jakes, with the help of Laura Miller, Mayor of Dallas and Anita Perry, first lady of Texas.
"My mother was an educator and strived to empower all of her children -- those in her house and her classroom," said Jakes when asked of his inspiration behind the innovative campus. "Clay Academy will be unmatched in its dedication to superior curriculum and cultural framework for diversity in the classroom.

We strive to attract students of purpose who desire to become the change leaders of tomorrow."
The focus of Clay Academy is to inspire students of purpose from across the Metroplex and beyond to become tomorrow's change leaders today. Through its capability of global satellite communications, diverse faculty and student body and cultural framework of education, Clay Academy has set itself up as a learning facility unlike any other.

Currently a K3-9th grade private school, Clay Academy will add a grade annually until it holds its first graduating class of seniors in 2010.
"Years ago, Bishop Jakes told me about this vision he had for a school where children from around the world would come together to learn and have access to wonderful technology. And now look -- What started out as two small trailer houses is today -- less than 10 years later -- a true state-of-the-art school," exclaimed Mayor Laura Miller of Dallas.

"The church has done wonderful things for the City of Dallas and now Clay Academy is going to make South Dallas grow like we always knew it could."
The school is equipped with fiber optic infusion and advanced technology in most classrooms to avail itself for virtual instruction from educators around the world. All Clay Academy teachers are degreed and professionally- certified through Texas Teacher Certification, as well as from the Association of Christian Schools International.

Its spacious classrooms rest in a facility that is comparable to a top-tier college holding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
"When we moved from San Diego, we researched many schools -- public and private -- in Dallas, and found a diamond among all the gems in North Texas for our child at Clay Academy," said Robert and Camille Smith, parents of Solomon (2nd Grade) and Isaiah (Kindergarten) now attending the school. "Every teacher takes a personal interest to ensure that each child receives the superior academics Clay has to offer.

This is more than we could have imagined for our boys."
Attracting families from throughout North Texas and abroad, Clay Academy is the crown jewel of an advanced "New Urbanism" concept called Capella Park, 400 acres in the midst of Dallas' southern sector. Clay Academy is the discernible center of this nestled community, which offers itself to families of all ages and sizes.

Included in its developments are 1200-1500 single family homes, an independent living retirement facility, athletic fields and 50 acres of preserved wooded land.
"The facility's framework is created to expand the students' vision and horizons," said Dr. Dwight Fennell, school executive director and former president of Paul Quinn College.

"If they can learn about their world at Clay Academy, they will learn to impact it. If they see their future, they will learn to obtain it."
For more information about Clay Academy, visit them online at .

Clay Academy is set on more than 400 acres in the middle of the revitalizing section of South Dallas. The K3 - 9th grade private school features a broad-based curriculum with A Beka and Saxon curriculum at its core. Instruction allows use of advanced technology and fiber optic infusion in most classrooms and utilizes virtual instruction by global, world-class educators.

We set out to inspire students of purpose from around the world to become tomorrow's change leaders in a challenging and spiritual environment.