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If you want a good education, go to private schools. If you can’t afford it, tough luck. You can go to the public school. – Paul LePage

The education landscape for African American students has long been marked by systemic challenges, including underfunded public schools and limited access to quality resources. As parents, educators, and community leaders seek solutions to these persistent issues, the establishment of more private schools specifically serving African American communities emerges as a potential avenue for improving educational outcomes. These institutions can provide tailored educational experiences that meet the unique needs of African American students, while also creating a stronger pipeline to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

If European Americans wanted to have quality public education for ALL Americans by now, we would have it. They do not and we can not afford to wait in hopes of appealing to a moral consciousness for it to happen. We must also accept that even it were to happen, the curriculum still would leave us out of the shaping and decision making process as it always has. Then we are surprised when our kids go through K-12 and know little to nothing about the contributions of African Americans and the African Diaspora upon finishing. There was slavery and then Martin Luther King, Jr. as it pertains to the “history” of African Americans in the United States in the current school systems for which we are dependent upon to educate our community and if some textbooks have their way slavery will soon be erased from the literature. In the intellectual arms race happening both here in the United States and throughout the world, African American education is sinking faster than the Titanic (it took approximately five minutes). The demarcation line has been crossed (long ago some would argue – desegregation) and it is time to take the offensive. African American private schools allow for African America to create its own de facto school systems where it controls the culture, curriculum, teacher quality, finances, and all of the subtleties that go into the education of our children from Early Childhood/Pre-K through 12th Grade.

In the United States, there are currently 30,492 private schools employing 529,574 teachers and educating almost 4.7 million students according to recent data by the NCES. On the public school side, there are 98,469 institutions employing 3.2 million teachers and educating 48.1 million students. For African Americans, they comprise 15 percent (7.22 million African American students) of the public school enrollment and 6 percent (423,000 African American students) of the private school enrollment. That is a national average of 18 teachers and 154 students for a ratio of 8 students per 1 teacher per private institution versus an average 33 teachers and 489 students for a ratio of 15 students per 1 teacher per public institution. Despite this reality, African American participation is second lowest among all groups just ahead of Hispanics, 50 percent behind European Americans, and 40 percent behind Asian Americans in private school participation. Private education for Asian Americans comprises almost 15 percent of their public/private student population, while private education only comprises 6 percent of the African American public/private population.

Addressing Systemic Inequities

Public schools in predominantly African American neighborhoods often face significant funding disparities, resulting in overcrowded classrooms, outdated materials, and limited extracurricular opportunities. Private schools can offer smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and enhanced resources such as more experienced teachers, state of the art technology and facilities just to name a few. By creating more private educational options, families can access environments that better meet their children’s academic and emotional needs.

Emphasis on Cultural Relevance

Private schools that cater to African American students can incorporate culturally relevant curricula that celebrate heritage and address the unique experiences of these students. Such an approach can foster a sense of belonging and identity, helping students thrive academically and socially. By emphasizing African American history, literature, and contributions, these schools can instill cultural pride and motivation in their students.

Diverse Educational Models

The expansion of private schools can introduce diverse educational models, including Montessori, Waldorf, and project-based learning, which may better suit the learning styles of African American students. These alternatives can provide innovative teaching methods that engage students more effectively than traditional approaches.

Strengthening the Pipeline to HBCUs

A significant benefit of increased private school options is the potential to strengthen the pipeline to HBCUs. Private schools can establish partnerships with HBCUs, offering students mentorship programs, college preparatory courses, and exposure to campus life.

1. Early College Programs: Private schools can implement early college initiatives that allow high school students to earn college credits while still in high school. This can ease the transition to higher education and increase the likelihood of enrollment in HBCUs.
2. College Counseling: Enhanced college counseling services can guide students through the application process, focusing on HBCUs and highlighting the unique opportunities these institutions offer, including supportive environments and rich cultural experiences.
3. Scholarship Opportunities: Private schools can work with HBCUs to create scholarship programs specifically for their graduates, ensuring financial support for students who choose to continue their education at these institutions.

Parental Choice and Empowerment

More private schools can empower parents by offering them choices in their children’s education. Many African American families seek options beyond their local public schools, and increased access to African American private institutions can enable parents to select environments that align with their educational philosophies and cultural values.

Community Investment and Leadership

Establishing private schools within African American communities can encourage local investment and leadership. The New England 8, a set of premier boarding schools in the New England region, control over $8 billion in net assets alone. There is no reason to believe that African American boarding and private schools could not emerge to enhance African American institutional asset control through their own endowments and have an acute impact on African American towns and communities. Community members can take active roles in governance and decision-making, ensuring that schools reflect the needs and aspirations of the families they serve. This involvement can strengthen community ties and promote a sense of ownership in the educational process.

While private schools are not a panacea for the challenges facing African American education, increasing their availability can provide valuable alternatives for families seeking quality educational options. By addressing systemic inequities, offering culturally relevant curricula, and empowering communities, more private schools could play a crucial role in fostering academic success, personal growth for African American students, and ultimately provides more African American institutional ownership.

How many African American private schools are there? According to Black Minds Matter’s Black-Owned Schools Directory there are approximately 140 African American private schools.

Disclosure: This article was assisted with by ChatGPT.