Welcome to CREAD Academy
culturally relevant
We develop and nurture positive images of ourselves and our community by centering our experiences and using affirming instructional methods and programming that are culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining.
civic-minded
Using books, articles, and current events to encourage discussion, we exchange ideas about civic engagement, policy, politics, and activism as we consider strategies to resist oppressive structures individually and collectively.
community-centered
Our programming and products are intentionally designed to reach all ages honoring the wisdom and experiences of our elders while capitalizing on the boldness and knowledge of our younger generations.
Education for
Self-Determination
CREAD Academy draws inspiration from Literary Societies, Freedom Schools, and the Black Panther Party's Liberation Schools to provide culturally relevant and community-centered educational products and experiences that empower youth, families, and adults.
Our space is inclusive. We use an anti-racist lens and social justice approach that is of benefit to those who want to learn about themselves, each other, our history, and our place in it. We center the voices and experiences of marginalized and BIPOC communities, emphasizing the plight of African Americans. Together, we freedom dream and actively work toward the realization of true democracy, our collective liberation, and self-determination.
Building Agency Through Education
promotIng individualized learning
Our products and programming are designed
for personalization and adaptability to enable individualized and differentiated learning
experiences while supporting students across
a range of abilities and interests.
nurturIng life-long
learners
We are intentional about appealing to your student's interests to pique their curiosity and help develop their love for learning. Once that spark is ignited, they will seek answers to their questions which will in turn expose them to new things to explore.
AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
identity development
Our approach to learning provides mirrors, windows, and sliding doors that allow our children to see themselves and others in a way that fosters self-love and a respect for others.
History and civics
We empower our community with the truth of our historical contributions, not only as a source of pride, but to better understand our responsibilities as descendants of a rich heritage, and to inform our strategies in our on-going struggle for freedom.
critical thinking
To best navigate and overcome the challenges of inequity in the pursuit of social justice and liberation, our children must be able to identify and understand how these problems manifest as well as consider strategies for resistance and reformation.
Homeschooling As a Tool of Resistance
While we are unequivocal advocates for well-funded and effective public schools for all children as an indispensable service in a functioning democracy, we strongly believe that homeschooling is a viable option for educating our youth in the absence of educational institutions that meet our needs.
In fact, we believe that homeschooling can be a liberatory act of resistance against the racism, oppression, and harm that too often characterize the school environments we entrust with the positive growth, development, and safety of our children.
Homeschooling enables you to determine the curriculum that is best suited for your child's learning style and skill set. You can nurture their interests, build their strengths, and develop their areas of weakness while safeguarding their confidence and identity. Homeschooling also affords you the opportunity to center your culture and affirm their experiences, teaching them to think critically about our world and their place in it. Our products and services are designed to help you do just that.
Support for Educating Families
opportunities to
learn as a family
Our educational products are designed with homeschooling families in mind. Learners of different ages can often benefit from the same product. We also know that many times parents are learning alongside their children. Our products are of benefit to learners of all ages.
online courses
and virtual events
We offer a growing list of live and recorded courses across a variety of topics. We also facilitate book clubs and interest groups, some of which are student-led. Our courses and programming are intentionally designed to align with our educational and organizational values to develop critical thinking and build agency.
Differentiated learning experiences
We encourage personalization for individualized learning experiences. And to accommodate those with learning differences, we offer options for modification. We also provide extension activities for older children and those who want to dive deeper into the learning experience.
Community Empowerment Circles
Our Community Empowerment Circles are liberating spaces where we learn and grow together. We share information and ideas, strategize, and seek the advice of experts to build our agency as individuals and as a community.
book club
personal development
financial wellness
healthy lifestyle
political education
self-care
Entrepreneurial Endeavors
Monetize Your Hustle
Flexibility and increased financial resources are helpful in the quest for liberation. It affords you more time and resources to contribute to your family and the community. Entrepreneurism can be invaluable in this effort.
Learn how you can use your hobbies to create another stream of income for your family. And if you already have a side hustle, learn how you can formalize it as a small business and increase your capacity.
Build Your Business Workshops
Whether you are aspiring to start your business or you are an existing small business, our workshops can be of benefit to you. As a group, we learn about topics like business structures, licensing, marketing, branding, websites, and more. We also benefit from the insights of established business owners, discuss ways to support establishments that benefit our communities, and serve as accountability partners for each other.
Copyright © 2023 Center for Research Education Activism and Development (CREAD)
Let's Keep in Touch!
Join our mailing list so you don't miss any of our announcements or events. You can also request additional information about one of our programs and/or express interest in being a part of our community.
We look forward to hearing from you.
CREAD Academy
creadacademy@ourcread.org
