I wonder what the guys who grew up with Will Smith think of him now. What a transformation!

From This:


To This:

Actor Will Smith is funding his own private school that will teach youngsters using an educational system devised in part by the Scientology cult.

The curriculum at Smith's New Village Academy of Calabasas, on which he has spent nearly £500,000, uses different educational theories including "study technology" – a learning method developed by L Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology.

Websites dedicated to monitoring Scientologist activity are also claiming that at least six members of staff employed at the £6,000-a-year private academy are members of the controversial sect.

The religious organisation has raised its profile in the last few years as a number of celebrity adherents have made their beliefs public.

Smith has been surrounded by rumours that he is now a fully-fledged member of the Church of Scientology, due largely to his close friendship with the organisation's star member, Tom Cruise.