What is Freedom School?
The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is proud to partner with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) to host the CDF’s signature summer enrichment program, Freedom School. This year we are in White Plains and Peekskill!
CDF Freedom School is a culturally enriching program that strengthens academic, civic, and socio-emotional skills in a creatively fun way. Children and youth are engaged in learning in a safe environment with caring adults!
Freedom School 2025 will offer a dynamic curriculum that combines academics, arts, and social justice.
Program Details
Dates: White Plains: July 7th - August 15th | Peekskill: June 30th - August 8th
Grades: K-5
Enrollment Fee: FREE
Enrollment: Limited to 120 students
60 slots for grades K-2
60 slots for grades 3-5
Freedom School Leadership
Sylvia Alvarez salvarez@ywcawpcw.org, 914-949-6227x142
Nia Wallace, Peekskill Site Coordinator
Shari Davis, White Plains Site Coordinator/GEMS Coordinator, sdavis@ywcawpcw.org
Learn more about CDF Freedom Schools here.
Ready to join the fun!
ENROLL YOUR CHILD TODAY!
With locations in both White Plains and Peekskill, you're sure to find a location that suits you perfectly! Click the enrollment form for your preferred location.
When choosing Peekskill, be sure to pick PEEKSKILL- YWCA as site location.
Become a local Celebrity!
As a volunteer read-aloud leader, you'll bring stories to life and showcase diverse voices, allowing our young scholars to see themselves reflected in the individuals they admire.
Join us!
Freedom School 2025 Programming!
-
Reading & Literacy
A literacy curriculum filled with culturally reflective books.
High-level servant leader (teacher) to student ratio, including certified staff and mentored junior staff.
Assessments and monitoring are designed for the individualized education improvement plan for each student.
-
Fun Activities
Morning Harambee! song and celebration.
Afternoon activities (sports camp, poetry, arts & crafts, gardening, swimming, video production, music, dance, etc…)
Local celebrity readers and presenters from the community.
Healthy, nutritious meals (breakfast, snack, and lunch).
-
Family Engagement
Family Outreach & Civic Engagement
Family-to-family workshops
Daily Operations:
Peekskill Middle School
June 30th - August 8th 2025
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
White Plains- First Baptist Church
July 7th - August 15th 2025
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM