Freedom Schools Launch with Heart, Heritage and Joy

This summer, a brand-new opportunity arrived for students and families in the Madison Metropolitan School District: Freedom Schools. Launched in partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), MMSD is now home to the very first Freedom Schools site in Wisconsin. The program blends joyful learning with empowerment, and it’s already making an impression in its very first summer.

Freedom Schools are inspired by the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer and designed to uplift students through literacy, cultural identity and community.

“From the very first day, our students showed up eager to learn, sing, read and participate,” Community  Schools Manager Sarita Foster said. “There’s a real sense of pride and belonging here and that’s what this is all about.”

Each morning begins with Harambee, a Swahili word meaning “let’s pull together.” This daily celebration sets the tone with songs, affirmations and a guest read-aloud from someone in the community, including parents, nonprofit partners and MMSD staff. The books are often deeply personal and always culturally relevant, creating meaningful connections between readers and students.

The mornings continue with the Integrated Reading Curriculum, where students read two new books each day and express their thoughts through drawing, writing or creative storytelling. 

“They’re encouraged to reflect in a way that feels right to them,” MMSD Senior Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships Sonia Spencer said. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, just an open door to literacy and self-expression.”

Students are guided by Servant Leader Interns. While they are not yet licensed educators, many are studying to become teachers through MMSD’s Grow Your Own to Associate Degree program, which supports current employees on their path to becoming educators and helps address workforce needs across the District. These Servant Leaders manage classroom learning, with support from a licensed site coordinator, while forming powerful bonds with students. 

“They see adults who look like them leading the room and that matters,” Foster said. “We want every child to feel seen and excited about what they’re doing.”

Afternoons bring variety and fun, with rotating enrichment activities. Students have the freedom to choose their experiences, from art and music to movement, science and more. 

Freedom Schools provide more than academics — they help build a village. Parents, caregivers, community members and neighbors are invited to get involved, whether by reading to students, volunteering or cheering them on.

“This is something special,” Spencer said. “It’s more than a summer program, it’s a joyful celebration of who our kids are and who they can become.”

 Freedom Schools, currently serving approximately 50 students, will continue through July 31, with plans to grow the program in the future.