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- Can you create a Disneyworld of Education? This Kentucky Superintendent tells us how.
Can you create a Disneyworld of Education? This Kentucky Superintendent tells us how.
Making Schools the Happiest and Smartest Place on Earth!
CheeTung (CT) Leong
February 09, 2025
In partnership with
Can education be more than just meeting standards? Can it be an experience—one that captivates, inspires, and transforms the lives of students?
On the latest episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Buddy Berry, Superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools, Kentucky, about his groundbreaking approach to education. Buddy has spent the past 15 years redefining what school can be, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary and crafting an environment where students feel like they’re stepping into a world of excitement and wonder every day.
Bringing the Disney Experience into Schools
Dr. Buddy Berry lip-syncs “Frozen” song to welcome students back
Dr. Buddy Berry believes that education should be immersive, exciting, and full of "magical moments." Much like Disney parks transform routine entertainment into unforgettable experiences, schools can do the same for learning. From teachers to janitors, every staff member plays a crucial role in shaping a culture that prioritizes engagement, making students feel valued and excited to come to school.
We don’t have to settle for average. Every student deserves an experience that inspires, challenges, and delights them.
Building a Culture of Joy and Personalization
Beyond engagement, Dr. Berry’s vision centers around personalized learning and cultural transformation. Eminence Schools have embraced standards-based grading, tailored learning paths, and a "surprise and delight" approach—even using sensory elements like scents to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for students. To break free from rigid, one-size-fits-all teaching methods and instead create a learning environment that feels both personal and powerful.
"The way students feel in a school environment directly impacts how they learn. Every detail, every experience matters."
A School That Parents and Students Choose
Dr. Buddy Berry and his team actively seek feedback from parents and students to refine and elevate the educational experience. Their model forces them to constantly evolve and prove their value—ensuring that students and families remain not just satisfied, but inspired.
If families have a choice, we need to give them a reason to choose us—by creating the best possible learning experience.
Surprise, Delight, and the Joy of Learning
The concept of "surprise and delight" is one of the cornerstones of Dr. Berry’s educational philosophy. Teachers are trained to infuse elements of surprise into their lessons—whether it’s an unexpected classroom transformation, a creative challenge, or an immersive learning experience that makes students eager to come back for more.
"The best leaders aren’t afraid to disrupt broken systems—and they do it with passion, heart, and persistence."
Dr. Buddy Berry’s vision is about more than just reforming education—it’s about reinventing it. His work at Eminence Independent Schools serves as a blueprint for what education can be when leaders prioritize joy, engagement, and student-centered learning. The challenge now is for educators everywhere to reflect: Are we creating schools that students love—or just schools they have to attend? The future of education isn’t about compliance. It’s about inspiration.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify below:
Have a great week ahead,
CT
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