All benefiting directly from the teachings skateboarding has taught them!
The Skateboard Academy, founded over 15 years ago by pro skateboarders AJ Kohn and Ronnie Gordon, is a leading provider of skateboarding-integrated STEAM education in Philadelphia. Leveraging their global experience, the Academy offers unique educational opportunities with a commitment to community accessibility.
Its roots began with the "Gear for GROMS" inner-city outreach, partnering with groups like United Communities and Skate Philly to develop after-school, weekend, and summer programs, now including Heights Philly and more city recreation centers.
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation engaged the Academy to create and manage "The Philly Cup Series" and has entrusted them for the past eight years to run its official skateboard summer camps. The Academy also runs camps at various locations ; Rizzo Rink, Pennsauken Skatepark, The Skate Academy, recreation centers, and more! Plus winter break and Holiday Day Camps.
Beyond its camps, The Skateboard Academy actively fosters community well-being through use of its programs like a weekly Men's Mental Health Skate Night and Open World Skate (OWS), an evidence-based applied behavior analysis program. (OWS partners with behavior therapy companies to provide these services under supervision of a BCBA). They also organize diverse skate nights such as Ladies', Roller Skate, LGBTQ+, and "Thrashing Thursdays," and run after-school programs in collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia.
The Academy's community reach extends through partnerships with numerous organizations, including Verizon (to serve the Wounded Warrior Project), Abington Township, Camp Airy MD, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Youth Sports Coalition, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Girl Scouts.
Through the unifying power of skateboarding, The Skateboard Academy continues to build a stronger, more connected, and empowered community.
Executive Director - SK8Edu
The Skateboard Academy, Rad World, Open World Skate
As the founder of SK8 Edu, AJ Kohn has seen the company flourish and grow, now encompassing Rad World skatepark, The Skateboard Academy of Philadelphia, the clinical skateboarding program Open World Skate, and numerous programs across PA and NJ. AJ’s ability to create impactful educational experiences, build strong communities, and design innovative solutions is unmatched.
A true renaissance man, he simultaneously leads his company and energizes events worldwide as a successful organizer and MC for the World and US Championships, numerous contest series, and fundraisers. A professional skateboarder with over 2000 show performances, he is also a committed skateboard activist, skatepark designer, skateboarding engineer, former top amateur, and the reigning Master’s US, Euro, and World Champion of Freestyle skateboarding.
With a diverse educational background, AJ applies his skills as an Industrial Design & Applications Engineer and STEAM Edutainment professional, initiating projects to enrich the skate community. He holds certifications in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Applications Engineering from Penn State. AJ also has a BFA in Photography from the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, an Associate's Degree in Video Production from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and has his SKATZ Skateboard Level 3 certification from the International Skateboard Certification Program.
AJ's unwavering dedication continues to drive SK8Edu's mission of empowering individuals through skateboarding and shaping the future of the sport!
www.ajkohn.com
Director of Operations - Rad World
Director of Camps and NJ Programs
Meet Ronnie Gordon, a seasoned professional skateboarder and our dedicated lead for camps and all things Rad! With over two decades immersed in the skateboarding world, Ronnie's journey began at Woodward Skateboard Camp in Pennsylvania, which he first attended as a student from 1991 to 1994. Transitioning seamlessly from camper to instructor, he started teaching at his local skate shop in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in 1995, before returning to Woodward that summer as a counselor and instructor.
Ronnie's extensive experience in teaching through skateboarding is evident in his work at various skate camps, including Visalia Skate Camp in California, Eisenburg in Plano, Texas, and The Skateboard Academy, which he co-founded with AJ Kohn. Complementing his skateboarding expertise, Ronnie also serves as a committed special education teacher at Yale School. Beyond his educational pursuits, Ronnie enjoyed a successful career competing in both amateur and professional skateboarding events throughout.
Furthermore, his expertise has been recognized in numerous skateboarding publications, including Thrasher Magazine, Transworld Magazine, and many others.
Under Ronnie's guidance, your child will not only develop their skateboarding abilities but also gain valuable insights into teamwork and the importance of collaboration.
Director of Operations - The Skateboard Academy
After-School Programs Director
Program Director - Open World Skate Program
Andrew is an experienced behavior therapist with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Rider University. He has worked in education and mental health for over a decade now. An avid skateboarder with 20 years of experience, his journey with the Skateboard Academy began 5 years ago as an instructor, progressing to head instructor, and later encompassing roles as an afterschool program instructor, camp instructor, and head camp instructor. He then took on the role of Director of Afterschool Programs.
Most recently, Andrew began Open World Skate, our revolutionary clinical skateboarding program, and serves as its Program Director. He is very passionate about using his knowledge of human behavior to pass on messages of mental wellness through athletic coaching and mentorship. Although he is proficient in a variety of styles of skateboarding, he most enjoys combining freestyle tricks with street skateboarding.
Pending - Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS)Pending - Board Certified Coach (BCC) and Cognitive Behavioral Coach (CBC)
Head Behavior Skater & Head Instructor
Rad World and NJ Programs
A dedicated skateboarder of 20 years, Paul, brings a wealth of experience in behavior analysis to all our programs. A graduate of Rider University with a Bachelor's in Psychology, strengthened by coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis, Paul's expertise is further exemplified by his certification as a special education teacher and work at The CEA School in Lambertville, NJ. He joined The Skateboard Academy in 2024 as an Assistant Instructor for after-school and clinical skate programs, and quickly advanced to Head Instructor.
This year, Paul has taken on the pivotal role of Head Behavior Skater for our Rad World location (Beverly, NJ) and New Jersey programs, where his combined expertise in behavior therapy and skateboarding delivers crucial support to our team and enriches the experience for all our students.
Head Instructor - The Skateboard Academy
Terrell Clayton seamlessly transitioned from student to instructor to Head Instructor at our Skateboard Academy location. With 9 years at the academy, he's emerged as a dynamic force. Terrell's journey from learner to leader exemplifies his dedication to the art of skateboarding, the community, and instruction.
His ten-year skateboarding voyage has honed his expertise, making him a valuable guide for the next generation of skaters.
Head Instructor - Newtown Location
Head Behavior Skater - The Skateboard Academy and PA Programs
Matt started skateboarding as an infant in 1987 and has been involved with skateboarding ever since, with a particularly intensive period of skating throughout grades 6-11 when he would skate every minute that he was not in school. Growing up skating in Bucks County and Philadelphia, His skateboarding experience is rooted in the 90s street skating scene, complemented by time spent teaching skating out of local skate shops. He has taught skating throughout his time on a board and officially joined The Skateboard Academy in 2022 as an Assistant Instructor and over the following year advanced to Head Instructor for our Newtown and PA locations. Last year he joined our clinical program as Head Behavior Skater at The Skateboard Academy location in Philadelphia.
Academically, Matt completed a building maintenance program from West Side Tech in Florida after high school and then completed his apprenticeship. Matt earned an Associate's degree from Washtenaw Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Construction Supervision from Eastern Michigan University. In 2022 Matt realized his true passion lay in education. He switched gears and has submitted applications to enter a Master's program for a degree in Early Education. Solidifying his transition from plumbing to teaching, he began working as an educator with special needs children in 2023 at Samuel Everitt Elementary and currently holds the title of Paraeducator.
Behavior Skater
Information coming soon