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Freedom Schools

The Freedom Schools Summer Program offers an exciting, transformative experience for students in the Madison Metropolitan School District.

Empowering Students, Enriching Communities

Our program is designed to provide a safe, fun, and academically enriching environment where young minds can grow, learn, and thrive. With a strong emphasis on literacy, leadership, and social justice, Freedom Schools equips children with the tools to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Our Mission

We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all children are inspired to reach their full potential.

Our program encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while promoting a sense of community and responsibility.

Program Schedule

  • When: Our summer program runs from mid-June to end of July
  • Where: Freedom Schools will be held at Lori Mann Carey Elementary School
  • Who: The program is open to students currently  in 3rd, 4th and 5th  grade.

Application coming soon!

By focusing on literacy, leadership development and social justice, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

What We Offer

Freedom Schools offers a dynamic and engaging summer program filled with hands-on learning, creative activities and leadership opportunities. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, nurture academic skills, and build self-confidence.

Literacy Development

 We prioritize reading and comprehension skills through interactive lessons and a diverse library of books that engage students in meaningful learning experiences.

Leadership & Empowerment

Students participate in activities that promote leadership, teamwork, and self-expression. Through role-playing, group projects, and discussions, we cultivate young leaders who are confident and motivated to make a difference in their communities.

Cultural Exploration

We celebrate diversity by exposing students to a wide range of perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Our program encourages students to explore social justice topics, engage in community-building activities, and understand the value of inclusion.

Social-Emotional Growth

Freedom Schools creates a safe space where students can develop their social-emotional skills. Activities encourage positive relationships, empathy, and resilience.

A group of children holding various colorful signs and posters in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting, with bookshelves and other classroom decor visible in the background.
A classroom setting with a teacher reading to a group of young students seated on the floor, surrounded by shelves of books and educational materials.
A young girl in an orange shirt is writing on a whiteboard with the words %22Find a courageous dynamic you%22 and %22Kind advice%22 written on it, with a colorful background behind her.
Three young boys are sitting at a table, engaged in a card game or activity. The background shows a classroom setting with desks and other students present.
A group of diverse individuals, both adults and children, are gathered in a lush, green outdoor setting surrounded by trees and vegetation.
A colorful classroom with a group of children sitting on a patterned rug, surrounded by shelves, desks, and other educational materials.
Two young girls standing in front of blue lockers with Olaf stickers from the Disney movie Frozen.
Two young students, a boy and a girl, are sitting at a desk in a classroom setting, engaged in an educational activity involving books and materials.
The image shows three smiling individuals, two women and one man, standing together on a street with trees and buildings in the background.
Freedom schools logo
A young, smiling child with curly hair wearing a colorful tie-dye Nike shirt stands in a classroom setting with various educational materials and furniture visible in the background.

Why Choose Freedom Schools?

Freedom Schools is more than just a summer program—it’s a movement that empowers young people to realize their full potential. By offering a curriculum rooted in literacy, leadership, and social justice, we help students develop essential skills that will last a lifetime. Our program is designed to:

  • Encourage academic growth and intellectual curiosity
  • Build leadership and social-emotional skills
  • Promote diversity, inclusion, and community involvement
  • Foster a lifelong love of learning

We believe in every child’s ability to succeed and make a difference, and we’re here to provide them with the opportunities to do so.
 

Kid with curly hair smiling in a classroom

Program Highlights

Contact Us

For more information or questions about the Freedom Schools Summer Program, please feel free to reach out to us:

Marisa Flowers
Executive Director
mcarr@madison.k12.wi.us

Darlinne Kambwa-Bell 
Project Director
dtkambwabell@madison.k12.wi.us

Follow us at MMSD- Freedom Schools for updates and photos

Partner With Us!

Interested in supporting the Freedom Schools program?

Whether it’s through volunteering, donations, or community partnerships, there are many ways to get involved help us make a lasting impact on the lives of young students.

Sonia Spencer
Senior Strategic Partnerships Coordinator
stspencer@madison.k12.wi.us  

Learn More About Partnering With Us