Grammer's school: Former Jefferson Elementary teacher opens Prodigy Leadership Academy

Russell Grammer led his students outside and into the courtyard at True Vine Ministries in Cape Girardeau.

He asked them to think of two ways to improve the space and what type of tools they would need.

"We're always out to improve and make a place better," he said.

Within minutes, students started sharing ideas about waterfalls, an entrance gate, a tree house and using a Weedeater to clear foliage. One student proposed using a machete.

"I think we'll be careful about a machete," Russell said.

As they gave their suggestions the students were allowed to go play and the group of 12 got smaller and smaller.

Another student suggested picking up the sticks.

"Thank you," Russell said. "That's very practical."

Russell and his wife, Amy, started a new private school this week, the Prodigy Leadership Academy. Russell taught at Jefferson Elementary School for 10 years. Amy also taught prekindergarten at the school for two years. She also worked at other schools before she started homeschooling their three children.

Amy teaches the younger students while he works with an older group. The school has 19 students ages 5 to 13.

Russell said he started the week interviewing the students individually to assess their skills and gauge their learning interests.

"I don't remember having teachers coming to me personally and say, 'What are your goals in life?'" he said.

He said he wants to push students to learn at their level. In moments of frustration, he said, he will be able to give them more individual attention to work through their problems. He said he will use activities like lunch to teach students about nutrition and other practical skills.

Parents are also required to participate in their child's education.

Vicky Buchanan was at the school Thursday to give help where it was needed. She brought the students water after they returned from outside. She also quizzed a student with math flashcards.

Her son Dallas, 10, attends the school, and she has another son who attends Central Junior High School.

"I think each child has different needs and can benefit from different environments," she said.

She said the academy will help provide additional social and spiritual components to her son's education.

"I feel very confident that he'll get the academic instruction he needs," she said.

The basement of the church is full of books and other learning tools, like fossils and aquariums.

Over the summer the couple raised $20,000 for the school. The Cerner Corp., a Kansas City, Mo., health care company, donated 14 laptops. Another company donated electrical work so students could use the laptops in the basement.

"One of the most blessed parts of this journey is when the people step forward," he said.

Collectively the parents have committed to paying $1,000 per month and there are other private donors, he said.

Amy said she let her beliefs guide her through the process of setting up the school.

"I am confident in the Lord, and that's where my confidence lies," she said.

She said they are still laboring to establish a team of volunteers and that the work continues even after the school lets out.

"We have to stop ourselves basically to get sleep," she said.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

1224 Bloomfield Road, Cape Girardeau, MO