Looking for alternatives to traditional schooling during the Covid-19 Pandemic, a group of parents created an African Centered Homeschool Cooperative. We named our cooperative Uhuru, which means 'freedom' in Swahili. One of our visions at Uhuru Shule (Freedom School) is to foster the development of well-rounded, liberation-minded, proud African American young men and women. Our curriculum is personalized and student-centered, without the barrier of grade limits; academic acceleration is one of our goals.

We believe our children are the future, and as such, we owe it to them to actively instill a strong sense of pride fueled by knowledge of their history, unfiltered by bias—conscious or unconscious.

Kelley Birdsong

Academic Consultant

Led by Dr. Burnett-Wise and her 25 years of educational leadership, Uhuru Shule champions systemic change and anti-racism. Recognized for her transformative work in Chicago, including establishing a Regional Gifted Center, she has received accolades from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Barbara A. Sizemore Award from DePaul University. After transitioning from her role as principal, she fully dedicates herself to Uhuru Shule as its founder and Senior Consultant, aiming to establish it as a beacon of empowerment and educational excellence.

Our curriculum is designed by experts with over 30 years of experience in early childhood and adolescent education, focusing on cultural pride and individual growth beyond traditional grade levels. We place a hyperfocus on the needs of individual students while ensuring academic excellence through annual independent assessments, supported by a committed community of parents and educators. Our low teacher-to-student ratio guarantees personalized attention. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Bronzeville, we champion environments that promote student-led learning, peer interaction, and outdoor experiences, fostering well-rounded development and leadership in our students.

DAILY COURSES

Daily courses include Reading, Writing, Black History, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science.

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

Outdoor Play, Adventure Challenges, Field Experiences and Cultural Excursions

MORNING MEETING

Social Emotional Learning and Community Building

CENTER ROTATIONS

Choice, Technology, Teacher Facilitated, Science, Black History, Engineering, Swahili

STEM

Math Games, Invention Days, Science Inquiry, Experiments

Our program lineup includes a diverse range of on-site extracurricular activities. Central to our approach is forming partnerships with external experts and facilities, to help enhance our offerings. The weekly schedule of programs and activities include but not limited to:

Yoga

Photography/Videography Workshop

Coding & Computer Literacy Workshop

Mandarin Language Lessons

Private Mathematics Tutoring

Educational Field Trips