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 The Freedom School in Rochester is one of 200 nationwide and the first of its kind in upstate New York. The curriculum focuses on improving literacy, and providing music and art education, which urban schools often fail to provide to the same degree as their suburban counterparts. Perhaps the most important aspect of the new school's plan, however, is the promotion of mentoring relationships between teachers and students. Students are separated into boys' and girls' classes, taught by men and women, respectively, whose job description includes acting as role models and becoming involved in their students' lives.
The Freedom Schools provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health. The First Baptist Church of Rochester supported working with students in planting a community garden in the Spring of 2009 at North Goodman Street.
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