Where are the Black Owned Schools

When we talk about education in America, we hear about public schools, private schools, charter schools, and Catholic schools — but rarely Black-owned schools.

And I’m not talking about schools where most of the students or teachers are Black — I mean schools that are owned, funded, and operated by Black people, for Black children, with a curriculum designed around our realities, our challenges, and our future.

The Missing Piece

Charter schools often get called “independent,” but they’re still funded and controlled by the same systems that run public education. So again, where are the schools that we own outright?

We’ve built businesses, banks, newspapers, and churches. We’ve created cultural movements and billion-dollar industries. But somehow, when it comes to education, ownership is the one area that still feels off-limits.

Why This Is Urgent

We can’t keep waiting for a system that was never built for us to start working in our favor suddenly. Environments call for specific solutions — and if the Black community is dealing with homelessness, poverty, and crime, then our schools should be training our kids to fight those battles directly.

This isn’t about blaming schools for every social issue. But let’s be honest — our children spend most of their waking hours inside those classrooms. That means schools have influence, and with influence comes responsibility.

What Black-Owned Schools Should Focus On

1. Academic Basics Are Non-Negotiable.
Every student should be on grade level in reading and math. Being proficient isn’t optional — it’s a foundation. Our kids shouldn’t have to “catch up” when the world moves forward.

2. Teach Trades and Ownership.
Education shouldn’t just mean “graduate and get a job.” It should mean “graduate and build something.”
If a student learns to cut hair in ninth grade, they could own a barbershop by 25. If they learn carpentry, coding, or culinary arts, they can employ others — not just fill out job applications. Teaching trades means teaching independence.

3. Education Is the Cure for Poverty.
That doesn’t always mean college degrees. It means knowledge that builds power. Knowing how to budget, invest, build, and repair things gives people options.
And people with options don’t have to risk their lives chasing quick money. You don’t see too many folks making $35 an hour risking it all to make a $10 drug sale.

The Bigger Picture

When we create schools that focus on real skill-building, cultural pride, and community leadership, we start solving problems at the root.

If we want to reduce crime, we have to increase opportunity. If we’re going to end poverty, we have to teach ownership. And if we want to shape the future, we have to own the institutions that shape our children.

It’s time.
Black-owned schools aren’t just an idea — they’re a necessity.