Thurgood Marshall Learning Center

Welcome! ¡Bienvenidos! Karibu! Bienvenue!

Thurgood Marshall Learning Center (TMLC), home of the Titans, is the referral school for the Rock Island Milan School district. It serves approximately 100 students in grades 7 - 12 in an alternative school setting.  In order to best meet the needs of our students and to ensure their success, the Thurgood Marshall staff employs a variety of initiatives and techniques to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Our philosophy at TMLC is to utilize relationships, respect, and resilience to create a pipeline to a productive future for our students. In alignment with our RIMSD #41 2025 Strategic Plan, we work to prepare all children for individual success by providing a safe and inclusive quality education within a multicultural community.

We welcome you to the Thurgood Marshall Learning Center Family, and we appreciate your engagement and support--our doors are open.  We look forward to working with your student and getting to know your family!  

Dr. Anthony Ragona

Principal, Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, Rock Island, IL

Dr. Anthony Ragona has served as the Principal of Thurgood Marshall Learning Center since 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in public education. Throughout his career, he has held various roles including alternative education teacher, physics teacher, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal.

Dr. Ragona earned both his Educational Specialist Degree and Doctorate of Education from Western Illinois University. His academic research and professional focus center on alternative education and scholar success, particularly on strategies that support graduation and successful transitions beyond high school.

At Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, Dr. Ragona is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. He works in close partnership with scholars, staff, and families to remove barriers to learning and foster academic and personal growth.

Outside of school, Dr. Ragona enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and their rescue dog, Duke. Together, they love exploring the outdoors and making memories along the Mississippi River.