In case you missed it, rapper Lil Jon, better known as the King of Crunk, recently funded and oversaw the construction of a primary school in Ghana, named Abomayaw. Complete with three furnished classrooms, restrooms, and an office, the Pencils of Promise collaboration school aims to bridge the gap of educational resources in the local community. In the spirit of paying it forward, we’re highlighting 5 schools founded by African Americans in the United States.
Capital Preparatory Schools
Birthed in 2012 by Dr. Steve Perry, Capital Preparatory Schools began with a small institution, Capital Prep Magnet School -- located in Hartford, CT. Since opening their doors in 2005, the school has seen 100 percent of their high school graduates off to college. With a deep passion for watching their students thrive, the school system created a replication model beginning with Capital Prep Harbor School in 2015 and continues to expand their empire with the Capital Prep Harlem school in New York. For more information on Capital Preparatory Schools, click here.
Village Leadership Academy
Located in Chicago, Village Leadership Academy ( VLA) is an independent kindergarten through 8th grade school, offering “a fresh new approach to teaching and learning,” According to their website, the school prides itself on “high academic standards, exposure to world history and geography, appreciation for cultural differences, the development of critical thinking and perspective taking skills, and socially just decision making.” Their end game? Village Leadership Academy’s goal is to prepare tomorrow’s world leaders today. Interested in applying? The school is currently accepting applications. For more information give them a call at (312) 675-0056. Sankofa Academy
Founded by Toni “Imani” Fisher in 2009, the Houston based school hosts an on-line academy for students’ Preschool through 5th grade. With an emphasis on early elementary, key curriculum elements include: “encouraging exploration, emotional growth, fostering positive learning experiences, and of course, fun!” Even better, the school offers an after-school and summer school program. Click here for more information.
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NationHouse
One of the oldest independent Afrikan schools in the United States, Nation House is nestled in the Nation’s Capital. The school’s got some real back story. In fact, it was the result of student activism out of Howard University in the late 1960s, before opening its doors in 1974. Currently, NationHouse boasts three programs: Watoto School, serving PK through fourth grade, Sankofa Institute, for fifth and sixth grade students, and the Afrikan Youth Organization (AYO), an after-school program. NationHouse’s community is just as diverse as its story, hosting families from Ethiopia, Azania, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Gambia, the Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Jamaica to name a few.
Ile Omode
In 1986, the members of Wo'se Community Church saw the need for an independent, African-centered educational institution in Oakland, CA. So, they formed Ile Omode, an African-centered educational institution offering formal education as well as afterschool, weekend, and summer programs. In 2010, the institution partnered with a local community college, to offer students the option of enrolling in advanced math courses; as soon as eighth grade. Get all the details on the Cali-based school here.
