Rock Island Academy

The Rock Island Academy is a PreK through 6 elementary school that educates over 400 students and over 45 staff members. 

 Twenty-five percent of our population is comprised of English Learner students that speak up to thirteen different languages, with Kirundi, Karen, and Spanish being the most frequently spoken by our newcomers. 

 Our mission at the Academy is to empower diverse learners in a safe and respectful environment.  Our students and staff embrace this mission daily by living out our Academy Expectations, which are; 1) I can be safe.  2) I can be respectful, and 3) I can be here and ready.

Our philosophy is that all students belong to all adults, and all adults belong to all students.  We are a family that recognizes that we are all accountable for the teaching and learning that takes place.  We believe that mutual respect is at the heart of building these strong and powerful relationships.

Dr. Thomas S. Ryan

Principal, Rock Island Academy, Rock Island, IL

Dr. Ryan is in his 6th year as Principal at Rock Island Academy (RIA). He began his career 29 years ago as a junior high and high school teacher teaching Math, Health, and Physical Education in the Alwood School District. After that, Dr. Ryan spent 15 years at Jordan Catholic School teaching 7th and 8th grade Math, Physical Education, Computers, and Religion. He was the Athletic Director for all 15 years as well. Upon completing an Educational Leadership degree, Dr. Ryan worked as an Administrator in the Peoria Public Schools for eight years at Manual High School, Harrison Community Learning Center (PK-8), and Von Steuben Middle School (5-8). Dr. Ryan was then offered the opportunity to be Principal at RIA.

Dr. Ryan is an advocate for lifelong learning. He worked his way through Black Hawk College and St. Ambrose University with a B.A. in Education. After a few years as a teacher, Dr. Ryan attended Western Illinois University (WIU), attaining a Master’s degree to become a Principal. Shortly after that, he enrolled at WIU again to attain a Specialist degree, allowing him to be a Superintendent, and then a 3rd time at WIU to complete the Doctoral program in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Ryan is passionate about education and especially for students with high needs. He builds lasting relationships with everyone involved in the educational process: students, staff, parents, and members of the school community. Growing up on a large grain and livestock farm instilled a work ethic and responsibility at an early age in him. Those characteristics, sprinkled with compassion and persistence, helped mold a growth mindset for success. Many years of coaching athletics taught him the sometimes tough-to-swallow adage that the wins are because of the players and the losses are because of the coach. 

Dr. Ryan and his wife of 44 years (Marti) still live in the farming community where he grew up, south of the Quad Cities. He enjoys spending time with his four children and 19 grandkids, coaching several of them in basketball. You may see him cruising on his Harley or in one of his old trucks, and, of course, he still loves any time he can get working on the farm. It’s never too late to learn something.