It's time to EXIT Government Schools!
Advocate for Community Schools
Welcome to our community schools initiative! We believe that education is the cornerstone of strong communities, and community-based schools play a crucial role in fostering that strength. These schools are more than just places of learning; they are hubs of community life, bringing together students, families, educators, and community members to create a vibrant and supportive environment for all.
Inspired by Booker T. Washington's educational model (One-Room Schoolhouse), we advocate for establishing community schools prioritizing fundamental skills and character development. Washington's emphasis on practical skills, moral education, and community involvement resonates with us as a blueprint for quality education.
By exiting the public education system and establishing our own schools, we can take control of our children's education and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. This model empowers parents, teachers, and community members to work together to create a nurturing and effective learning environment for our children.
"Education is not a thing apart from life—not a 'system,' nor a philosophy; it is direct teaching how to live and how to work."
- Booker T. Washington
Having our own schools is crucial for several reasons:
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Poor Quality Education: Government schools have failed to provide the quality education our children deserve. They use curriculum and teaching methods that do not align with our values and faith or prioritize our children's success.
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Sexualization in Schools: Government schools increasingly promote ideologies and curricula that sexualize children and undermine traditional values. Our own schools can provide a safe and moral educational environment.
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Lack of Parent-School Partnership: Many government schools do not prioritize meaningful partnerships with parents. Our schools can ensure that parents are actively involved in their children's education and have a say in the school's direction.
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Government Overreach and Over-taxation: Government education often leads to overreach into family life, prioritizes bureaucratic interests over educational outcomes, and excessive taxation. Our schools can operate with more autonomy and eliminate government interference and financial burden.
Local government policies that undermine parental rights, such as excessive mandates and regulations, increase the necessity for independent educational institutions. Our schools, particularly for black families, can offer a sanctuary where children can receive an education that reflects our values and beliefs.
Black Americans are still advocating for issues very similar to those from over 91 years ago, during the times of Booker T. Washington and Carter G. Woodson.
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Amidst the challenges faced in government schools, families are increasingly turning to homeschooling and building their own schools as viable alternatives. Homeschooling allows parents to take full control of their children's education, tailoring it to their needs and values.
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According to the National Home Education Research Institute, the number of Black homeschooling families has been steadily increasing, with a 5% growth rate from 2019 to 2020.
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Based on U. S. Census data, the percentage of Black households homeschooling their children surged from 3.3% in the spring of 2020 to just over 16% by the fall of that year.
By establishing our own schools, we can provide a high-quality, values-based education that prepares our children for success while safeguarding their well-being and preserving our parental rights.
CPS enrollment has plummeted over the last 5 years, with Black student enrollment dropping from 127,601 to 113,197, which is an 11.29% decrease.
Where are Black families going, and what are their school choice options? Many Black families are opting to leave the city, seeking educational opportunities elsewhere. Others are choosing homeschooling, enrolling in private schools, or even taking the bold step of building their own schools.
To learn more about our one-room schoolhouse (microschool) and how we embody the principles of self-reliance, community empowerment, and excellence in education by implementing the Booker T. Washington Educational Model, visit www.chessup.org to be inspired to make the change and transform the lives of our children and build a brighter future for our community.
Join us in reimagining education and taking full autonomy of our children's education and well-being. Sign our online petition, #Petition2Exit, advocating for real education reform, and join our workshop on implementing the Booker T. Washington Educational Model. Take charge of your child's education!
Check out these results
For those of us at EPIC, it is exciting news to witness black families taking control of their children's education!
'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.' We must build our own community schools and expose and inform parents of all these issues as a means of EXITING, not Reforming.