Welcome to
The Zion FREEdom School
Curriculum Development
The Zion FREEdom School curriculum is developed as part of The FREE Zion Project research study. It is informed by Curriculum Builders’ lived educational experiences, dreams, and solutions they propose to strengthen the educational experiences of Black youth. The research team analyzes Curriculum Builders’ data that is collected during Freedom School Saturdays, then present a set of classes for Curriculum Builders to approve.
Our Curriculum
Black History 101
May - July 2026
Black History 101 emphasizes the Zion community’s contributions to education, and related histories on African American liberation within rural Kentuckian counties served by The FREE Zion Project. Black History 101 is taught thematically, meaning that each lesson weaves various eras of local educational history together.
Showcase
August 2026
At the showcase, we encourage Pilots and community members to share their thoughts on findings from Black History 101. Feedback determines growth areas and action items to continue Zion Freedom School activities. Showcase attendees engage a research presentation and feedback discussion.
Monthly tutoring requirement.
Scholar Studies
September 2026 - May 2027
The graduation celebration honors youth graduates who attend Freedom School Saturday and/or Scholar Studies.
Graduation
Spring 2027
Curriculum Details
Curriculum available to eligible Pilots (youth) in 2026.
Cohorts are dependent on Pilots’ ages.
Pilots will fulfill requirements for courses over the span of 13 months by attending Freedom School Saturday classes and Scholar Studies.
Freedom School Saturday classes run once per month.
The Scholar Study course requires Pilots to attend at least 3 hours of tutoring per month, over the span of their matriculation. Pilots can fulfill their Scholar Study requirements by tutoring others, or receiving tutoring services.
Materials for classes are provided.
Pilots receive incentives for participating in Freedom School Saturdays.
*The FREE Zion Project’s curriculum is a living and everchanging document, which means that it may be edited. It is important that members of the Zion community participating in this research review and approve all changes in our curriculum before implementation.
The Zion FREEdom School
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