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.