At the CDF Freedom School @ The Mark in Montclair, we don’t just read books and play games—we build community, ask big questions, and learn how to stand up for what’s right. Freedom School is a six-week summer program inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. It helps us grow in literacy, leadership, and love of learning. This op-ed was written as part of our preparation for the National Day of Social Action (NDSA) on July 23, 2025, an annual event where Freedom School scholars across the country speak out for justice.
This year’s theme is “Public Education is a Public Good.” As Freedom School scholars, we want to share why public school matters, what’s working, and what needs to change.
Public schools are more than just buildings. They are the places where we learn, grow, and build our futures. Public education helps “level the playing field.” It brings together people from different backgrounds and teaches us how to respect others and work together. That makes our community stronger.
We talked about what public schools get right. We appreciate when schools offer tutoring, help students with disabilities, provide healthy lunches, and give us chances to play sports or express ourselves. But we also see what’s missing. Some of us said the lessons don’t always feel creative or exciting. Others wish the adults in school showed more care, or that guidance counselors were easier to talk to.
We also noticed something that doesn’t feel fair: schools in wealthier areas have more. More clubs. More after-school programs. Better materials. Nicer buildings. That’s not just about money—it’s about equity. A great education should not depend on your ZIP code.
At Freedom School, we do things differently. We start with Harambee, a joyful time where we sing, cheer, and get inspired. We read books with characters who look like us, talk like us, and face real-life challenges. We’re encouraged to ask questions, work in groups, and express our ideas through writing, art, and performance. Public schools could borrow from these practices—adding more joy, culture, and creativity to everyday learning.
We all agree: access to a high-quality education should be a right, not a privilege. Everyone deserves the chance to learn, no matter where they live or how much money they have. One of our peers said, “Without education, you’ll die on the streets, not being able to get a job.” It may sound harsh—but that’s the reality too many kids face.
To the adults making decisions: See us. Hear us. Invest in us. If public education is a public good, then we, the public, deserve the best of what it can be.
Written by scholars at the CDF Freedom School @ The Mark in Montclair, NJ for the 2025 National Day of Social Action, Joel Brickhouse, Omarian Brotherton, Logan Lavendar, Christopher Nelson, Edward Noel, Nuna Sackey, Aaron Stephans, Glorius Tracey, Adrian Vargas, Bethany Vargas, Nathan Vidal, Layza Winful.