Spotlight On: Dogan Tozoglu, Executive Director, River City Science Academy
November 2024 — Invest: sat down with Dogan Tozoglu, co-founder, executive director of the River City Science Academy Charter Schools, to discuss the school’s significant milestones, strategies for maintaining academic excellence, and the challenges and goals in the evolving landscape of education.
Reflecting on the past year, what have been some of the key highlights and milestones for the River City Science Academy?
The River City Science Academy has been serving Jacksonville since 2007. Over the years, we’ve experienced continuous growth. Initially, we didn’t anticipate the rapid expansion we have achieved, but with market demand and emerging opportunities, we’ve extended our reach to more families. One of the key achievements from last year was our students’ consistent performance, ranking among the top in math, science, social studies, and reading assessments in the region and county, with scores that surpass district and state averages. As a result, all RCSA six campuses received an ”A” grade. We also received National School of Character recognition for our commitment to fostering a positive school culture, emphasizing core values, and developing strong character in our students. Another major milestone was the successful opening of our sixth campus, on Philips Highway in the southern quadrant of Jacksonville, close to the St. Johns County border. This accomplishment was both a significant challenge and a proud achievement as we opened on time and started serving students from K-6, earning an A grade in the first year, which is an impressive feat for a new school.
How does River City Science Academy ensure academic success and high performance, especially compared to other schools in the district?
Charter schools are choice-based, allowing any student in Duval County to enroll. What makes River City Science Academy stand out is our dedicated and compassionate staff, who go above and beyond their expected roles. Our educators demonstrate an exceptional level of commitment, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for both students and parents. The academic rigor at our school is another pillar of our success. We firmly believe that every child has the potential to learn, and we ensure that no student is overlooked, regardless of their background. High expectations are set for all students, and we offer comprehensive support systems that address their needs, including after-school and weekend programs for remediation and enrichment.
Our school also prioritizes creating a safe and family-oriented environment, which adds to students’ sense of belonging and encourages engagement. We invest significantly in safety and community-building initiatives to ensure that our schools are places where students and teachers feel secure and valued. Another essential component is our character education program, which promotes core values and includes monthly themes, community service projects, and opportunities for students to practice school character traits throughout the school year. The collective dedication of our educators and the strong culture of support are critical factors that contribute to consistent academic success across all campuses.
What are some primary challenges faced by the education sector, both regionally and nationwide?
The education sector faces several challenges, with funding being one of the most significant, especially in Florida, which ranks among the lowest in educational funding. While funding has improved over time, we still fall behind other states. Compliance with evolving educational standards, mental health requirements, safety protocols, and testing regulations also presents ongoing challenges. Balancing these requirements while providing quality education and managing rising costs associated with technology and curriculum development adds further pressure. As a sector, we are also experiencing the nationwide student attendance crisis. Another challenge is the talent pipeline; interest in the teaching profession has declined nationwide, impacting schools’ ability to attract new educators.
At River City Science Academy, we address these challenges through innovative solutions. We partner with higher education institutions such as UNF to create internship programs that provide teaching candidates with real-world experience and paid opportunities, helping us attract and retain talent. As a Florida Retirement System employer offering competitive benefits, we are able to attract and retain highly qualified staff. Additionally, we participate in international teacher exchange programs to diversify and strengthen our staff. Maintaining strong connections with alumni is another strategy we employ, as some return to work in teaching, counseling, or administrative roles. To address student attendance issues, we tackle through fostering a positive school culture and providing family engagement opportunities.
Furthermore, our adaptability is also a strength. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic required a sudden shift to online learning, our existing structure and familiarity with technology allowed us to transition smoothly, ensuring minimal disruption. This proactive approach enables us to continue delivering quality education and address challenges as they arise.
How has the curriculum evolved at River City Science Academy to meet current educational needs, especially regarding technology and new educational disciplines?
River City Science Academy emphasizes STEM education at all levels, starting from elementary school — beginning coding as early as Kindergarten—where students engage with STEM subjects integrated into their daily curriculum. In middle school, students are exposed to high school-level courses, which prepare them for advanced learning and provide high school credits. This allows students to take more electives once they reach high school. Our curriculum includes a strong focus on technology, with classes and courses that build foundational skills in programming and digital media.
We have increased dual enrollment opportunities through partnerships with institutions like Florida State College in Jacksonville, Doral College, and UNF where students can take college courses either in-person or online. Additionally, we have partnered with online learning platforms to offer advanced courses. Our high school offers a comprehensive AP program, and students can achieve an AP Capstone diploma. Our AP offerings have expanded significantly, contributing to our AP Honor Roll status, which advanced to platinum. We also have career technology programs that allow students to explore pathways in various technical fields, preparing them for future careers.
Our adaptability in the face of evolving state standards and educational requirements has been key to our success. We train our staff promptly on curriculum adjustments and incorporate innovative instructional methods to ensure our students gain relevant, future-ready skills. This adaptability was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where we leveraged existing technological infrastructure to transition seamlessly to online learning. While many schools experienced significant learning losses, we managed to maintain our A grade and close learning gaps quickly and effectively. This commitment to staying current with educational trends and incorporating innovative methods ensures that our students are well-prepared for future challenges.
What are the main goals and priorities for the River City Science Academy in the next few years?
Looking to the future, we are optimistic about the continued demand for STEM education. We aim to sustain our position as a top educational choice in the region and meet the growing need for school choice in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Our focus will be on expanding programs that support diverse learning needs, fostering innovative teaching practices, and enhancing our community and industry partnerships to align with the region’s economic growth. As new opportunities arise, we plan to continue our expansion while maintaining our commitment to academic excellence, such as a stand-alone-high school with higher-ed partnership. Ultimately, our strategic focus is not just on growth but on thoughtful, impactful expansion that will allow us to deliver lasting benefits to our students, support the broader educational ecosystem, and ensure that River City Science Academy stands as a leading institution for innovation, diversity in learning, and community engagement in the coming years.
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