Summer Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools programs are free, literacy-based learning experiences that integrate conflict resolution and social action in programs that promote social, cultural, and historical awareness. Created by the Children's Defense Fund, Freedom Schools® are literacy-based summer learning programs designed for inner-city children at risk of school failure.

Freedom Schools operate six to seven weeks, Monday – Friday, and work to build confidence and sense of self-worth in children while preventing summer learning loss — which is the biggest contributor to the growing achievement gap. Scholars receive two meals and a snack daily, as well as transportation to and from the program.

Click here to see the Summer 2011 Freedom School sites.

Freedom Schools programming includes:

Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC)
Reading is the key that can unlock the door to children's dreams and unlimited potential. Developed by the Children's Defense Fund, IRC engaged children in developmentally appropriate books that relate to the scholars' authentic history, culture and heritage. Through six weeks of lesson plans anchored around the theme, "I can make a difference in myself, my family, my community, my country and my world with hope, education and action," children are motivated, stimulated, and inspired to become better readers. Scholars take their IRC books home with them weekly to build personal libraries.

Servant Leader Interns
Servant Leader Interns are college students with the passion and commitment to be a role model in the life of a child. Working with a group of ten scholars, interns serve as teachers during classroom activities and mentors through their scholars' time in Freedom School. Interns receive 90 hours of training on curriculum delivery, youth development, and classroom management prior to working in Freedom School.

Harambee
Harambee is an energetic pep rally to celebrate and affirm each participant, that includes a visiting community guest who reads to the children.

Parent Engagement
Parents are the most important partner in their children's education. CDF Freedom Schools programs support parent involvement through weekly parent workshops and volunteer opportunities. Parents attend the closing ceremony, called Finale, at the end of Freedom School to see their children's accomplishments from the summer. 

Community Engagement
Volunteers have a wide range of opportunities to engage with youth during the summer. Visit the Volunteer webpage to learn more.



Typical Daily Schedule
8:00 - 8:30am          Breakfast
8:30 - 9:00am          Harambee!
9:00 - 11:15 am       Reading Curriculum
11:15 - 11:30am      Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Time
11:30 - 12:30pm      Lunch
12:30 - 2:30pm        Afternoon enrichment activities and field trip
2:30 - 3:00pm         Snack and Preparation for dismissal
3:00pm                   Dismissal

For information about Freedom Schools, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .