What Makes CDF Freedom Schools Different?

The CDF Freedom Schools ® concept is unique among summer enrichment programs because the mission is to create safe, nurturing educational environments that set high expectations for all children.

Literacy as a Lifeline  Reading is at the heart of the Freedom  School curriculum. During the summer session, many students fall in love with books for the first time.
Multigenerational Mentoring  Freedom School scholars ages 5-17 are taught by college-age interns who want to improve the lives of children while enriching their own life experience. Each intern completes rigorous traning at the Children’s Defense Fund conference facility on the Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennesse, and at the Universty of Tennessee in Knoxville. Interns from around the nation have the opportunity to study the Freedom School model together.
Highlighting Cultural Awareness  Cultural history and heritage are emphasized through the use of an Integrated Reading Curriculum that introduces students to a rich collection of culturally diverse literature. Activities and field trips also explore a variety of cultures. 
Parenting as Learning Partners  Freedom Schools recognize parents as important partners in educating their children. Parents are expected to participate in school activities and attend weekly workshops to learn more about successful parenting, setting and achieving family goals, and becoming advocates for children’s education.

Servant Leadership
The concept of servant leadership provides the basis for preparing college students to lead children while nurturing them both academically and emotionally.  Servant Leader Interns are expected to model behavior that serves as an example of fairness, integrity, and dependability.  Each CDF Freedom School hires its own team of Servant Leader Interns who are up and coming leaders from the local community.  All Servant Leader Interns must be between 19 and 30 years old, with 1 year of college, and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.  All servant leader interns receive a monetary stipend for their service and dedication.
 
All Servant Leader Interns are expected to demonstrate their commitment to youth leadership development, social action, civic engagement, and youth empowerment.  Our program cultivates two generations of leadership, demonstrating to all that young people can indeed make a difference in themselves, their communities, and their world through education, hope, leadership, and social action.
 
 
 
Kansas City Freedom School Initiative Saturday Leadership Academy
In partnership with Hickman Mills School District at Smith Hale College Preparatory Academy
Satruday's begining January 27 - March 03, 2012 www.hickmanmills.org.
 
 
Christian Fellowship CDF Freedom School                                           
4509 Troost, KCMO 64110
Rev. Stan Archie, Executive Director
Ms. Kenda Hogan, Project Director
816-561-7791
 
Friendship Baptist CDF Freedom School
3530 Chelsea Drive, KCMO 64128
Mr. Hardie Smith, Executive Director
Ms. Cynthia Garner, Project Director
816-861-3252
 
Grace United CDF Freedom School
801 Benton Blvd., KCMO 64124
Rev. Sharon Garfield, Executive Director
Ms. Vavor Theus, Project Director
816-231-5745
 
Harvest Church
4300 N. Corrington Ave, KCMO 64117
Dr. Donna Houpe, Executive Director
Dr. Penni Stone, Project Director
816 455-7777
 
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
2200 Olive Street, KCMO 64127
Pastor L. Henderson Bell, Executive Director
Ms. Tasha Williams, Project Director
816-241-4573
 
Oak Ridge Baptist CDF Freedom School
9301 Parallel Parkway, KCKS 66112
Dr. Donna Hardy, Executive Director
Ms. Jacqueline Pierson Tomlin, Project Director
Ms. Tia Patrick, Site Coordinator
913-788-5657
 
Rainbow Mennonite CDF Freedom School
1444 Southwest Blvd. KCKS 66103
Rev. Robert Kaufman, Executive Director
913-236-8820
 
 
 
 
Latest News

All KC CDF Freedom School sites have expanded to serve Level 4 scholars ages 13-17.  Teen Scholars should be enrolled in each sites using the online scholar application listed above.  These scholars will be provided with an age-appropriate Freedom School experience that cultivates a love of literacy and leadership through opportunities to serve the local community.  Our Level IV Teen Scholars will participate in specialized training workshops to  prepare them for strengthening their awareness of personal capacities to serve others.  

  • Collaboration with other collegiate youth leaders to support the needs of children, families, and community members
  • Real world on-the-job training and preparation for teens who are still too young to work
  • Teens developing a stronger understanding of personal responsibility to practice and model healthy lifestyles and choices
  • Opportunities to design and lead implementation of social action projects & recognition for such
  • Letters documenting total hours of community service throughout summer experience (typically 240+ hours)
  • Opportunities for testimonials highlighting personal service and accomplishments on our webpage
Video Highlights
Overview of Freedom School
video1
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Kauffman Foundation Freedom School Discovery Day 2008
video2
FAQ
See option under the "HOME" tab at top of this page.

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