Freedom schools literacy academy

High School Students
College-Aged Individuals
Educators
Families

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE GIFT OF BLACK EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING.

Enroll your child in Freedom Schools Literacy Academy, a 4-week summer literacy intensive program where they will be instructed by Black teachers who can mirror their limitless future.

We’ve designed our curriculum so each young scholar experiences the warmth of belonging, joy of learning, racial pride, and academic confidence as they make leaps in literacy.

Application for Summer 2025 opens in January, but we encourage you to complete our Summer 2025 FSLA Interest Form today to reserve your child’s spot! Limited seats available per grade. 

RESERVE YOUR CHILD’S SPOT TODAY!

FREEDOM SCHOOLS LITERACY ACADEMY IN ACTION

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn more about Freedom Schools Literacy Academy.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Your child must be a rising 1st, rising 2nd, or rising 3rd grader by the summer to participate in FSLA. (This means they are currently completing kindergarten, 1st grade, or 2nd grade.)

Enrollment for our Summer 2025 programming opens in January, but we encourage you to complete our Summer 2025 FSLA Interest Form today to reserve your child’s spot! Limited seats available per grade. 

WHERE WILL THE PROGRAM BE HOSTED?

For Summer 2025, FSLA will be hosted at Mary McLeod Bethune School, William D. Kelley School, Tanner G. Duckrey School, Global Leadership Academy, and virtually.

Any School District of Philadelphia student is welcome to participate in programming at Bethune, Kelley, or Duckrey.

Enrollment at Global Leadership Academy is only open to students enrolled in Global Leadership Academy West or Southwest.

Virtual programming is open to students across the country regardless of home state!

Applications for each of our Summer 2025 sites will open in January!

 

WHAT ARE THE DATES AND TIMES?

Typically, FSLA is held from late June/early July to the end of July/early August. Stay tuned for Summer 2025 dates! 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DAILY?

Each day begins with Harambee, a cultural call-and-response practice whereby students engage in affirming chants and cheers. Students engage in Read Aloud as a whole class then split into small groups for differentiated literacy instruction, using a research-backed and evidenced-based curriculum. During their project-based learning block, students create their own social action projects based on community or social issues of their choosing. Before instructional blocks, students participate in Mindfulness activities as fun brain-breaks and ways to center themselves.

For in-person scholars, the afternoon portion of their day is dedicated to enrichment activities like art, theater, dance, or music, to unleash their creative geniuses and potential. In-person scholars also participate in field trips on Fridays.

For more information on what you expect from FSLA, please attend our virtual parent orientation. Date/time coming soon!

HOW MUCH WILL MY CHILD LEARN?

2022 REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

Majority of young scholars (83%) improved one or more reading levels. Students also significantly improved their ability to read whole words.

Over the five week summer program, we also saw increases in their ability to make correct letter sounds and read with fluency. Positive racial identity also increased among all participants.
READ FULL REPORT

WHAT PARENTS SAY

“Some of us didn’t fully understand the benefits of our children having Black teachers. That all changed after our children attended the Freedom School Literacy Academy.”

“If I could be of any help with Freedom Schools, please let me know. Other than that, it’s been real and please keep going!”

“I really like that different people step up to be site leads. I like that students from college and high school get an internship experience in education. I like that scholars get to do fun stuff.”

“The closing celebration was especially good this year. I appreciate it and all the hard work that was put into it. ”

“Witnessing how much more our children were learning – and how much more they were enjoying their learning – has made the value clear of our Black children having Black teachers – who look like them, love on them, and take the utmost care in teaching them.”

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