Know deeply
Critical thinking, strong academic foundations, and a clear cultural and historical identity.
Our story
Built for
our children.
A freedom school born from faith, community action, and an unwavering belief in the brilliance of African children.
Why Kilombo exists
Lithonia, Georgia
A community decided its children deserved a freedom school.
Kilombo grew from First Afrikan Church’s commitment to institution building and from families, educators, and organizations who loved African children enough to create an alternative. They imagined a school with high expectations, cultural truth, and joy at its center.
Our journey
From an idea to a living institution.
2000
The vision begins
A planning committee gathered at First Afrikan Church to build an educational alternative rooted in African history, culture, and possibility.
2001
Learning takes root
Kilombo began a reading tutorial program to help students who were below grade level get back on track—and saw powerful results.
2005
The first full school day
Thirteen children entered Kilombo’s full-day home school tutorial program in a small Decatur house. They learned with focus, discipline, and joy.
Today
The work continues
Kilombo remains a place where students see themselves in the curriculum, learn among examples of Black excellence, and are expected to soar.
What we believe
“Love the children, expect them to achieve at high levels, and push them to greater levels of achievement.”
At Kilombo, high achievement is not treated as an exception. It is the expectation. Students learn that they are beautiful, capable, and divine—and that knowledge shapes how they move through the world.
A whole-child vision
Education touches every dimension of life.
Kilombo’s African-centered approach is physical, spiritual, intellectual, relational, and communal. Learning equips students to know themselves, work together, and contribute to the world.
Live communally
Cooperation over competition, healthy relationships, and responsibility to humanity.
Join our school
Let your child’s brilliance lead.
Begin the enrollment process and discover a community built to see, challenge, and support the whole child.
Sustain the vision
Help the freedom school grow.
Every gift helps preserve culturally rooted education for today’s students and generations to come.