Dr. Dogan “Dr. T.” Tozoglu is the founder and Executive Director of River City Science Academy (RCSA), the largest and highest-performing charter network in Duval County, Jacksonville. Since 2007, he has grown RCSA from a single campus into a six-school network serving over 5,000 students, with more than 600 employees and 4,000 students on the waitlist. Under his leadership, RCSA became the county’s first “A”-rated charter school and holds Cognia system accreditation and High-Performing Charter School System status from the Florida Department of Education. Dr. Tozoglu holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Instructional Systems from Florida State University and previously served at Leon County Schools’ Division of Teaching and Learning. A lifelong advocate for excellence, he is a graduate of Stanford EdLeaders, Leadership Florida Education, and Leadership Jacksonville.
In an exclusive conversation with K12 Digest, Dr. Dogan Tozoglu talks about his journey into education and the purpose that led him to build a thriving academic community. He shares how River City Science Academy has grown over the years, the values that shape its culture, and his belief in blending innovation with strong human connection. Dr. Tozoglu also offers his perspective on how technology is reshaping classrooms and what true leadership means in today’s evolving education landscape. Grounded in service, driven by vision, and inspired by students and teachers alike, his insights offer a thoughtful look into the heart of school leadership. Below are the excerpts of the interview.
What inspired your journey into education, and how did it eventually lead you to your current role as Executive Director at River City Science Academy?
My journey into education did not begin in a classroom—it began in an engineering laboratory. I first trained as an electrical engineer, fascinated by how systems work, how problems are solved, and how innovation can improve people’s lives. Engineering sharpened my analytical thinking, built my discipline, and nurtured a mindset that every challenge has a solution if approached with patience and creativity. Yet something inside me kept pulling me toward a different kind of impact, one that went beyond circuits and equations.
That shift became clearer when I pursued graduate studies in education, eventually completing my PhD. It was during that time that I realized education was not just an interest—it was a calling. The more I studied leadership, learning theory, and the psychology of schooling, the more I saw the potential to shape not only systems, but lives. My work at a school district further opened my eyes to the realities many families face: the barriers, and the deep desire parents have for a safe, challenging, supportive education for their children. That experience grounded me in the belief that the right school can change the future of a child, a family, and a community.
But the truth is, the foundation for all of this was laid long before I stepped into any professional role. Both of my parents were teachers. I grew up in schools watching them guide, support, and uplift students. My childhood was spent in classrooms, on school campuses, surrounded by books, chalkboards, and the steady example of educators who believed that teaching is more than a job, it is a service and a responsibility. Their influence stayed with me, even when I pursued engineering. It was as if life gently redirected me back to where I truly belonged. Growing up, I experienced how a strong school and dedicated teachers can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
When we founded River City Science Academy, everything came full circle. My technical background helped me design systems, understand STEM education deeply, and build programs that reflect rigorous, real-world applications. My academic training in education shaped my leadership philosophy. My district experience helped me understand what families seek and how to deliver high-quality learning environments. And my parents’ legacy taught me to lead with heart, humility, and a deep respect for the teaching profession.
What inspired me then is what inspires me now. Becoming Executive Director was not a planned destination; it was the natural result of following a path guided by purpose. I came into education because I believed that every child deserves a school that prepares them for the future, honors their individuality, and fulfills the promises we make at every open house: to challenge them, support them, and help them belong.
I wanted to help build a school where students could walk through the doors and immediately feel that they matter, that they are part of something greater than themselves, and that their dreams, no matter how big, have a place to take root. Leading RCSA has never been about a title; it has always been about serving students and honoring the trust families place in us. Every open-house promise, every family conversation, every commitment made to a parent becomes a responsibility I carry proudly. This calling is what led me to my role today, and it continues to guide every decision I make.
Ultimately, my journey has been about answering a calling, one rooted in my family, shaped by my education, strengthened by experience, and inspired daily by the students and teachers of RCSA. It is a privilege to serve this community and to continue building a place where dreams are nurtured, opportunities are real, and excellence is the expectation.
Over the years, RCSA has grown and evolved into a strong academic community. How would you describe this journey, and what moments stand out as turning points for the school’s success?
The journey of River City Science Academy has been nothing short of extraordinary, a story of perseverance, belief, and the dedication of a team that refused to settle for anything less than excellence. When we opened our doors in 2007, we made a commitment to families: give us your trust, and we will give your children our very best. Over time, that promise grew into a powerful partnership with our community. We promised families a place where academic rigor, character education, and belonging would come together to create real opportunity. Those promises became the pillars of everything we built.
One of the most defining moments in our history was becoming the first A-rated charter school in the district’s charter history. That achievement was not simply a letter grade, it was a message to our community that quality, innovation, and high expectations can thrive when a school is driven by purpose and teamwork. It was proof that public charter schools can excel, lead, and raise the bar for what students deserve. Achieving high-performing status from the Florida Department of Education, maintaining that A grade, and not only maintaining it but improving our performance every year, has been one of our proudest accomplishments and validates our academic rigor and our commitment to quality. It reflects a culture where every staff member, from teachers to administrators to support teams, balances heart and discipline, always striving to be better for our students.
As we grew from a single campus to a network of schools serving thousands of children, the demand from families only increased. Year after year, the waiting lists grew. Parents told us they were choosing RCSA because of our reputation for quality, our commitment to STEM and character education, and the sense of belonging their children felt. Each expansion—each new campus—was a turning point in its own way, allowing us to open doors for more families seeking a school choice option they could trust. Our students winning state championships in Science Olympiad, mathematics, robotics, and other competitions showed that excellence can flourish anywhere when students feel supported and challenged.
But perhaps the most meaningful turning points are found not in data charts or awards, but in our graduates. Watching students walk across the stage and step into the world with confidence, and then seeing them flourish, is a deeply emotional experience. I meet our former students everywhere I go: in hospitals, universities, businesses, restaurants, community events. They approach me with pride, stories, and memories of their time at RCSA. Those moments remind me that our work is not just about academic success, it’s about shaping lives, building character, and creating futures filled with promise.
The transformation of RCSA into a strong academic community is the result of countless hours of dedication, teamwork, and consistent faith in our mission. It is the story of teachers who stayed late, administrators who believed in the impossible, parents who trusted us, and students who worked hard and grew into scholars, innovators, and leaders. Our journey has been shaped by big milestones, but also by thousands of small victories that, together, built the culture we have today.
Ultimately, the turning points that define RCSA are tied to our identity: a school that keeps its promises, that serves with purpose, and that never stops improving. And as I watch our graduates succeed and represent RCSA in every corner of our community, I am reminded daily that this journey is not finished, it continues with every child who walks through our doors, ready to build their own story of success.
Education today faces rapid changes in technology, learning models, and student expectations. From your experience, what do you see as the most pressing challenges and opportunities for schools today?
The greatest challenge today is ensuring that innovation does not overshadow the human connections that make learning possible. Students live in a world of constant information, evolving technology, and shifting expectations. They want relevance, purpose, and the feeling that school is preparing them for something meaningful. Families want a school choice option that provides not just academics, but character, safety, and opportunity.
The opportunity is profound. Schools now have the tools to offer personalized learning, expose students to global ideas, and open pathways to careers that did not exist a decade ago. The challenge is ensuring that all students—not just some—benefit from these advancements. It is also ensuring that teachers feel equipped and supported as they navigate this rapid change.
One of the most significant developments shaping this landscape is the emergence of artificial intelligence. AI brings both excitement and uncertainty. The challenge lies in ensuring students use AI responsibly, ethically, and in ways that strengthen—not weaken—their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. At the same time, AI offers enormous opportunity: it can personalize learning, support teachers by reducing routine tasks, and open doors to STEM fields and future careers. Schools that thoughtfully integrate AI, while maintaining the human connection and character development at the heart of education, will be uniquely positioned to prepare students for the world ahead.
What gives me hope is the resilience of educators and the hunger of students for real-world learning. When schools are intentional, visionary, and focused on relationships, technology becomes a bridge rather than a barrier. The opportunity today is to build learning environments anchored in belonging, relevance, and purpose while embracing innovation with wisdom.
How is RCSA integrating new technologies and innovative teaching methods to prepare students for the future?
At RCSA, innovation is not a slogan, it is a daily practice woven into the fabric of our schools. We prepare students for the future by creating learning environments that reflect the world they will step into. Our classrooms emphasize meaningful, well-structured learning experiences that help students truly understand what they are studying. Whether they are practicing foundational skills, analyzing real-world examples, participating in guided science activities, or working together on classroom projects, students learn to connect academic concepts with practical applications. We focus on thoughtful instruction, strong teacher-student relationships, and engaging lessons that help students build confidence step by step.
Technology enhances this work by helping teachers personalize instruction and use data to support each student’s growth. Yet what truly sets RCSA apart is our commitment to offering a wide range of extracurricular activities—STEM clubs, athletics, science fairs, arts programs, debate programs, service-learning, and national competitions. These programs are not add-ons; they are part of our promise to families. At every open house, we tell parents we will expose their children to opportunities they may not find anywhere else—and year after year, we keep that promise.
Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, graduates with skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Innovation at RCSA is not only about technology; it is about empowering students to discover their passions, build resilience, and envision a future they can own.
As a leader, how do you define your approach to guiding both teachers and students? What values or principles shape your leadership style?
My leadership is grounded in service, belonging, and trust. I believe that people rise to their highest potential when they feel valued and part of a mission bigger than themselves. Teachers at RCSA are not simply employees, they are the heart of our school, the reason families choose us, and the individuals who keep our promises alive through their dedication.
I lead with the mindset that my role is to support the people who support our students. I listen, I stay present, and I make decisions guided by respect, compassion, and accountability. I also strive to model the commitment we ask of our staff: consistency, teamwork, and a relentless focus on doing what is right for children. I strive to cultivate a culture where teachers feel safe to innovate and students feel safe to take academic and personal risks. Our leadership culture is one where collaboration is celebrated, success is shared, and challenges are faced together.
What strengthens this approach are the core values that define RCSA. Respect shapes how we communicate, with each other and with families, because every voice deserves to be heard. Compassion guides how we respond to challenges, reminding us to see the whole child and the whole teacher behind every situation. Self-confidence drives us to empower students and staff to believe in themselves, to take initiative, and to embrace growth. Accountability ensures that our words and actions match the promises we make, especially to parents who entrust their children to us every day. And at the foundation of it all is integrity, the principle that every decision must reflect honesty, fairness, and what is best for students.
These values are not just posters on our walls, they are daily expectations that shape our culture, influence our decisions, and define who we are as a school community. When teachers feel respected, when students feel compassion, when everyone is held to strong yet fair expectations, the result is a school where people thrive.
When teachers feel supported and students feel they belong, everything else falls into place. That sense of belonging is one of the strongest pillars of RCSA’s identity, and it is the guiding force behind my leadership. My role is simply to keep that culture strong, consistent, and aligned with the values that have carried us from a small, hopeful school to one of the most trusted and high-performing charter networks in the region.
Outside of your professional work, what activities or personal values keep you grounded and inspired?
My family is my greatest source of grounding, perspective, and gratitude. Spending time with my wife and children reminds me that success begins at home and that the simplest moments often carry the deepest meaning. I also draw strength from faith, from community involvement, and from moments of quiet reflection that help me appreciate how far we’ve come as a school.
Another immense source of inspiration comes from our alumni. Seeing our graduates in the community, whether I’m visiting a university campus, walking into a business, attending a community event, or even collaborating with them professionally, reminds me what the true “fruit” of RCSA really is. These young adults represent years of hard work, sacrifice, partnership, and trust between families and our school. When they share their stories, talk about their careers, their families, or the dreams they are pursuing, it brings a kind of fulfillment that no award or title ever could.
There is something powerful about speaking with a former student who once walked our hallways shy and uncertain, and now stands as a confident professional, leader, or college scholar. Some of our alumni have even returned to work with us, closing a beautiful circle, students becoming colleagues, learners becoming leaders. Every conversation with them reaffirms why we do this work: not for immediate applause, but for the long-term impact we see years after graduation.
What inspires me most is knowing that these young people carry a part of RCSA with them wherever they go. They are living proof that our commitment to character, opportunity, and belonging truly shapes lives. These encounters, big and small, remind me daily that all the effort, all the challenges, all the long nights are worth it, because they lead to futures filled with promise.
Renewal comes from knowing that every effort, every meeting, every decision, every challenge, ultimately leads to moments like these: seeing our students become the adults they once dreamed of being. That, more than anything else, keeps me grounded, grateful, and inspired.
Finally, what message would you like to share with students and young professionals who are just beginning their journeys in education, science, or leadership?
My message is one of hope and purpose. Believe in your potential, even when the path seems uncertain. The world needs your curiosity, your resilience, and your ideas. Do not be afraid to fail, failure is often the first sign that you are trying something meaningful. Stay open to mentorship, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and approach every challenge with integrity and a desire to serve.
As you begin your journey, remember that education is more than a career, it is one of the most powerful tools humanity has to solve the problems we face. Education is the antidote to poverty because it provides individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to build better futures. It is the cure for ignorance because it opens minds, expands perspectives, and teaches people how to think critically and compassionately. And perhaps most importantly, education is the pathway to peace. Many conflicts in the world today stem from misunderstanding, lack of opportunity, fear, and division. Education breaks these barriers by fostering empathy, dialogue, and shared humanity. When you invest in learning, your own and others’, you are contributing to a more just, stable, and hopeful world.
Education, science, and leadership are not careers; they are lifelong commitments to growth and impact. The work you do may not always feel glamorous or immediate, but it will matter more than you know. Dream big, work hard, stay humble, and let your values guide your path. You have the power to shape not only your own future but the future of your community and the world.
Start small, persist through challenges, and always remember that your effort might be the spark that changes someone’s life. When you choose to lead with knowledge and compassion, you become part of the solution, and part of a brighter future that the world desperately needs. And above all, use your journey to serve others. When you make life better for even one person, you become part of a legacy much larger than yourself. That is how leaders are made, how communities are strengthened, and how the future becomes brighter for everyone.