welcome to the village

Mizizi is grounded in six complementary approaches:

• Montessori— encouraging independence, choice, and hands-on learning
• Liberation Pedagogy— helping young people develop voice, agency, and critical awareness
• Afrocentric Education— centering Black history, culture, knowledge, and achievement
• Afro-Indigenous Learning— cultivating connection to land, community, ancestry, and collective responsibility
• Developmental Psychology— creating experiences that honor children's developmental needs
• Play-Based Learning— recognizing play as a powerful way children explore, practice, and make meaning

2:30–3:30 | Arrive + Decompress
Free choice, snack, conversation, and time to transition out of the school day.

3:30–3:45 | Community Circle
Connection, reflection, announcements, and setting intentions for the afternoon.

3:45–4:30 | Homework + Literacy Support
Dedicated time for homework, reading, literacy activities, and individualized academic support.

4:30–5:00 | Family-Style Dinner
A shared meal and opportunity to connect with peers and educators.

5:00–5:30 | Culture + Literacy
Whole-group exploration through storytelling, literature, history, discussion, art, and cultural learning.

5:30–6:00 | Enrichment + Closing
Hands-on projects, creative exploration, movement, reflection, and preparing for pickup.

Nature & Exploration
Hands-on experiences that help youth observe, question, and connect with the natural world.

Literacy & Learning
Reading, storytelling, writing, homework support, and opportunities to develop confidence as learners.

Creative Expression
Art, music, movement, making, storytelling, and projects that give children space to express themselves.

Culture & Identity
Exploring Black history, African diasporic culture, local history, traditions, and diverse ways of knowing.

Choice & Independence
Opportunities to make decisions, pursue interests, solve problems, and practice self-directed learning.

Community & Connection
Building relationships, practicing collaboration, sharing meals, and learning how to contribute to a community.

Children deserve room to be children.

At Mizizi, we believe young people are capable, creative individuals whose ideas and experiences matter. We create environments where children can ask questions, make choices, express themselves, make mistakes, try again, and develop their voices.

Our educators guide rather than control, support rather than shame, and create opportunities for youth to practice independence and collective responsibility.