Ron Kurtus, Founder of School for Champions

Ron Kurtus founded School for Champions in 2000 and wrote most of the lessons that make up the site over the following two decades. This page preserves his story as the site’s founder. School for Champions is now owned and actively managed by Tarryn Biswas.

Background and education

Kurtus graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and did graduate work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Missouri. He taught college algebra at the University of Missouri, physical science at Milwaukee Area Technical College, and mathematics at Waukesha County Technical College, and he has taught physics as well.

Professional experience

Kurtus served as the Total Quality Manager for the U.S. Air Force’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program, working as a civilian with responsibilities equivalent to the rank of major; his work in software development saved the program a reported $30 million. He later founded Kurtus Technologies, providing computer-based training, programming, and technical documentation to businesses.

Writing and recognition

Kurtus is the author of the books Tricks for Good Grades and Gravity and Gravitation, both drawn from material on the site and published through SfC Publishing Co. Material he has written has been cited in more than 150 published books in over a dozen languages. [CONFIRM: confirm the exact citation figure and languages]

Philosophy

The lessons reflect Kurtus’s view that education should help the whole person, organised around the “5 Powers of a Champion” — health, knowledge, value, excellence, and character — and the principle of using your knowledge and skills to help others succeed.

The site today

School for Champions is now owned and actively managed by Tarryn Biswas, who reviews and maintains the lessons and oversees the site going forward.