Our History

Prodeo Academy was founded in 2011. Founders Rick Campion and Chancey Anderson recognized that for Prodeo Academy to be exceptionally successful, they needed to learn from the highest-performing schools in the country. Therefore, Rick Campion spent two years studying and completing internships in several such schools in order to bring best practices back to the Twin Cities. Chancey spent time teaching and writing curriculum for Uncommon Schools, one of the highest-performing networks in the country.

As experienced educators, they know that success in the classroom is a combination of many powerful factors. They designed a school to address each of those factors. Having worked at all levels of education, they were able to see what preparation for college looks like at every grade level. Their goal was to provide a place where all families have the same platform for future success.

Prodeo Academy opened its doors in Fall 2013 with three kindergarten classrooms. Each year, we work to grow the community by adding a grade level until capacity is reached, serving scholars from  PreK to 8th grade.

The Unique Foundations of Prodeo Academy:

Careful Planning: Prodeo Academy's leaders spent two years doing careful planning, visiting, completing internships, teaching in the highest performing charter schools across the country, as well as building relationships throughout the Twin Cities and the broader community.

Best Practices: Prodeo Academy uses the most effective, proven methods of teaching available. We have the freedom to implement only what works – no excuses.

Partnerships: Prodeo Academy is designed with the partnership and support of a diverse array of collaborators and advisors, from daycares to churches to universities.

Achievement Gap: The founders of Prodeo Academy are inspired to demonstrate that the achievement gap in the Twin Cities does not have to be permanent. All children, no matter what their income level, should have an education that enables them to truly succeed. Therefore, the founders created a network of schools that expect results from their students, teachers, and families.