Why Us?
What sets Walking Tall Academy apart is our family-centered approach and our focus on empowering parents to become more involved in their children's education. We understand that families are the foundation for building strong communities, and we provide comprehensive services that address the needs of both parents and children. Our experienced staff takes a holistic approach to education, providing personalized attention to each child to ensure their academic success. We also strive to create a safe and supportive environment that promotes positive behavior, respect, and teamwork.
Our Philosophy
Proverbs 22:6 states: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse emphasizes the importance of teaching children good values and habits at a young age, as it will help shape their behavior and decision-making as they grow older. In all our
programs, we strive to instill strong moral values and good habits in our students through a variety of educational and enrichment activities. We believe that by providing children with a positive and supportive environment, we can help them develop the skills and habits they need to succeed in life.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Our Core Values.
At Walking Tall Academy, our core values are the foundation of everything we do. These values guide our programs, services, and interactions with families and students. Here are three of our core values:
Family-Centered
We believe that families are the most important influence on a child's life, and we strive to create a family-centered environment that empowers parents to become more involved in their children's education.
Empowerment
We believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and we provide the resources, skills, and support needed to help them reach their full potential.
Community
We believe that education is the key to building strong communities, and we work to create a sense of community among our families and staff.
Shalette Ellison
Owner & Managing Director
I am passionate about providing children with a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to discover their passions and develop their skills, and I am committed to helping them do so through fun, engaging, and educational activities. In addition to helping children succeed academically, I am also passionate about helping them develop strong social and emotional skills, as these are essential for success in all areas of life. By providing a positive and nurturing atmosphere, I believe that I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of the children in my care.
Our
History
Get to Know Us
Walking Tall Summer Camp was established in the early 1990s by the late Minister Willette T Robinson, who had a passion for empowering families to become more involved in their children's education. The camp was located at Gethsemane A.M.E Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was directed by Minister Robinson's eldest daughter, Minister Donteia King.
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Minister Robinson firmly believed that children learn through observing their parents and that families are the foundation for building strong communities. With this in mind, she created Walking Tall Summer Camp as a way to provide families with the tools and resources they needed to support their children's education.
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Over the years, the camp grew in popularity, and many families in the Charlotte area benefited from its programs and services. Sadly, Minister Robinson passed away, but her legacy lives on through the Walking Tall Academy, which was established in 2022 under the direction of Mrs. Shalette Ellison, the youngest daughter of Willette T. Robinson.
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Today, Walking Tall Academy continues to promote the same core values and beliefs as its predecessor. The academy's mission is to empower families to become more influential in their children's education and to provide children with the skills and resources they need to succeed in school and in life.
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The academy's philosophy is based on the belief that "like parent, like child." That is, children are more likely to succeed academically and socially when their parents are actively involved in their education and are positive role models for them to emulate. Walking Tall Academy offers a range of programs and services designed to support parents and children, including tutoring, mentoring, parenting classes, and community outreach.