The CDF Freedom Schools program provides critical summer and after-school enrichment through a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic engagement and social action, intergenerational leadership development, and nutrition, health and mental health.
Related Initiatives
Stories
Mitchell Family
After Hurricane Katrina, Rene, Akil, and Aliyah found stability in the CDF Freedom Schools program. Read more
Stories
Calvinika Johnson
Calvinika was often teased and used to strike out in anger by fighting at school, but she is doing better at controlling her behavior and she attributes much of the improvement to her involvement with the CDF Freedom Schools program. Read more
Related Staff
 |
Jeanne Middleton-HairstonNational Director, CDF Freedom Schools® Program |
CDF Freedom Schools® Program
The CDF Freedom Schools program provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health.
Study Shows Success of CDF Freedom Schools Program
The E. M. Kauffman funded Philliber Research Associates evaluation of the CDF Freedom Schools program in Kansas City, conducted between 2005-2007, indicates children who attend CDF Freedom Schools programs score significantly higher on standardized reading achievement tests than children who attend other summer enrichment programs; African American middle school boys made the greatest gains of all. Learn more about the study and the impact of the CDF Feedom Schools program.
Enroll Your Child Today in the CDF Freedom Schools Program!
Your child could be one of the over 70,000 children who have had a CDF Freedom Schools experience since 1995. The CDF Freedom Schools program works hard to ensure each child is equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in life. Our program boosts student motivation to read, and generates a more positive attitude towards learning and connects the needs of children and families to the resources of their communities. Learn more about the program and how to enroll.
"Empowering the Next Generation Through the CDF Freedom Schools Program"
"Close your eyes and think about the words summer school. What comes to mind? If you picture a room full of children clapping, chanting, laughing and learning to fall in love with books and reading, you could be imagining the experience thousands of children across the country are about to have over the next few months as they participate in the Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools program."
Read more from CDF President Marian Wright Edelman's Child Watch® Column, "Empowering the Next Generation Through the CDF Freedom Schools Program."
CDF Freedom Schools Introductory Video
Join CDF On: