Joseph Littles-Nguzo Saba Charter School

"African Centered Education is a system of sequentially planned educational opportunities for learners of African descent that is based on philosophies and theories centered in the African perception of reality, and delivered through a curriculum that develops the necessary skills to participate as global citizens and advocates for the African descendant community.   The distinctive purpose of African Centered Education is to develop self-consciousness, self determination, positive self-concept, a sense of Africa as it applies to the upliftment of the community, and an understanding of Africa as it to applies to personal growth and development.  It is the overall goal of African Centered Education to offset the pervasive educational challenges caused by cultural amnesia and self hatred."  (Alexander 1996, Asante 2001, Goggins 2001, Hilliard, 2003)

· The African centered school experience provides a sense of freedom and confidence.

· The African centered learning experience fosters an intellectual maturity earlier in life than might otherwise have taken place.

· Daily African centered interactions prepare students for global citizenships as they develop the skills to deal with all types of people with a clear awareness of "who I am and where I am from."

· African centered instructional models develop critical thinking skills and provide the tools for advanced synthesis, and research analysis.

· The intellect and cognitive skills developed from African centered learning experiences translates through all things and throughout life.