A blend of educational, cultural and social development opportunities for 50 children aged 7 -10, the Hannah CDF Freedom School® is an exhilarating six week summer experience.  Focused on language arts and reading, the program strives to help children and young adults understand and appreciate their own history and culture in order to develop the resilience they need to address and overcome academic, social, cultural, and emotional challenges. 

From the moment students arrive in the morning where servant leader interns greet them with songs and chants, until the end of day when they participate in an array of creative arts, sports, and field trip related activities, children step into a high energy world where learning and fun merge to create an atmosphere that celebrates and affirms their self- worth and encourages them to dream and set high goals.

Modeled after the highly successful Marian Wright Edelman‘s Children’s Defense Fund CDF Freedom School ® program,  the Hannah Freedom School is the first CDF Freedom School site in Marin County. Sponsored by Hannah Project Partnership for Academic Achievement, the Hannah Freedom School works in partnership with the Sausalito School District, Manzanita Children’s Center, Marin City Network, Marin City CSD Summer Recreation Program, and host of other community based efforts to create an exciting educational experience. 

What Makes Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools Different?

The CDF Freedom Schools ® concept is unique among summer enrichment programs because the mission is to create safe, nurturing educational environments that set high expectations for all children.

Literacy as a Lifeline  

Reading is at the heart of the Freedom School curriculum. During the summer session, many students fall in love with books for the first time.

Multigenerational Mentoring  

Freedom School scholars ages 7-10 are taught by college-age interns who want to improve the lives of children while enriching their own life experience. These students, referred to as Servant Leader Interns, are a part of 2,000  other youth leaders  from around the county who each complete rigorous week-long training in Tennessee as well as 4-6 days on post national training on site before the summer program begins.

Highlighting Cultural Awareness  

Cultural history and heritage are emphasized through the use of an Integrated Reading Curriculum that introduces students to a rich collection of culturally diverse literature. Activities and field trips also explore a variety of cultures. 

Parenting as Learning Partners

Freedom Schools recognize parents as important partners in educating their children. Parents are expected to participate in school activities and attend weekly workshops to learn more about successful parenting, setting and achieving family goals, and becoming advocates for children’s education.