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Creating Magic with Kagan Cooperative Learning: The Next Chapter
Back in 2021, we shared our journey in Creating Magic with Cooperative Learning, highlighting how Athenian Academy of Technology and the Arts transformed from a struggling to thriving school through Kagan Cooperative Learning. Since then, we have continued to create magic with Kagan cooperative learning and meet goal after goal.
https://edudata.fldoe.org/ReportCards/Schools.html?school=4321&district=51
Where We Started
Athenian Academy of Technology and the Arts, a K-8 high-performing public charter school and recognized Kagan Model School in New Port Richey, Florida, once faced significant academic and cultural challenges. In the 2015-2016 school year, the school earned a “D” grade and was at risk of closure. New leadership was brought in with a clear mission to transform the school through a relentless focus on student engagement. That transformation began in the summer of 2016 with the implementation of Kagan Cooperative Learning. The early results were promising:
- 2016 to 2017: Improved from a “D” to a “B”
- 2017 to 2018: Maintained a “B”
- 2018 to 2019: Earned an “A”
From that point forward, Athenian Academy has never looked back.
Getting Started with Kagan
Athenian went from a “D” school to a “B” school in 1 year, then became an “A” school in 2 more years.
Continued Growth with Kagan
Athenian has maintained its “A” grade for the past 5 years with continued growth.
https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades
Sustaining Excellence
Today, Athenian Academy has earned and maintained an “A” school grade every year since 2018-2019, demonstrating that our success was not a one-time turnaround but a sustainable system of excellence. Athenian Academy was the only Title 1 school in Pasco County to earn an “A” school grade in each of the last two school years. The Florida Department of Education recognized Athenian Academy as a Florida School of Excellence for its sustained academic achievement. In addition, Athenian Academy has been recognized as a Kagan Model School since 2021, reflecting our deep commitment to implementing cooperative learning with fidelity.
From Turnaround to Top Ranked
Perhaps the most powerful indicator of our growth is how far we have come in district rankings. This dramatic rise reflects not just improved scores, but a complete transformation in teaching, learning, and school culture.
- 2016: Ranked 63 out of 85 schools in Pasco County
- 2025: Ranked number 1 out of 96 schools in Pasco County
- ELA proficiency has improved from 39 percent to 84 percent
- Math proficiency has improved from 40 percent to 84 percent
- Science proficiency has improved from 41 percent to 89 percent
These gains reflect years of intentional work focused on instructional practices, common language, engagement, structure, and consistency.
The Athenian team after earning number 1 out of all schools in Pasco County.
The Power of Engagement
Our continued success is grounded in a simple belief: engaged students learn at higher levels. Kagan Cooperative Learning remains the cornerstone of our instructional model. Over time, we have deepened and refined our implementation by:
- Embedding cooperative structures into daily instruction
- Being intentional with our training and consistent with implementation
- Building teacher capacity through ongoing coaching and professional development
- Strengthening collaboration through cooperative meetings and Structure of the Month Clubs
- Creating a culture where both students and adults learn cooperatively
Our students and team engaged in structures and coaching!
A Culture Shift That Changed Everything
While the data tells an important story, the true transformation at Athenian Academy goes beyond numbers. What began as a school improvement initiative has evolved into a shared belief system, one that drives every classroom, every meeting, and every decision. We are grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of the incredible Kagan team, whose guidance has helped shape and sustain our work.
Since implementing cooperative learning:
- Student engagement has dramatically increased
- School culture has become positive and collaborative
- Behavioral issues and bullying have declined
- Staff retention has remained above 95% over the past three years
- Teachers feel empowered, supported, and continuously growing
From left to right: Dr. Rick DuVall, Kim Rostick, Christi Brown, Debbie Young, Elia Chesnoff, and Tom Finegan
Looking Ahead
Although we are proud of how far we have come, we know the work is never done. Our focus remains on:
- Continuing to close achievement gaps
- Refining instructional practices
- Providing ongoing coaching and professional development
- Expanding student opportunities
- Supporting every learner, every day
- Providing the best educational experience for our families and team
Our journey proves that with the right systems, mindset, and commitment, any school can transform and sustain excellence. We hope our story continues to inspire others to begin their own journey and, like us, start creating their own magic. For school leaders interested in seeing Kagan Cooperative Learning in action, we regularly welcome guests to our campus. Many leaders choose to spend time shadowing us during classroom coaching cycles, providing an authentic look at how Kagan cooperative learning is implemented, supported, and sustained in real time. We also enjoy connecting with educators from across the country at the Kagan Summer Academy and welcome the opportunity to share ideas, experiences, and best practices.
The Athenian team at the 39th Annual Kagan Summer Academy
Kagan Partnership Team • 800.451.8495 • partnerships@KaganOnline.com
