What is the Elinor Ross Freedom School?
The Elinor Ross Freedom School is a six-week summer program designed to foster a love
of reading, build academic confidence, and equip children with foundational skills
for lifelong success.
Our program provides structured, research-based academic enrichment, featuring three (3) hours of literacy development and two hours of engaging activities each day. We prioritize high-quality instruction that encourages children to think critically, develop a love of learning, and see themselves as future leaders in their communities.
The program is completely free for participating students—whom we call scholars—and is open to rising first through 8th-grade students. Scholars benefit from a supportive and engaging learning environment, with a 10:1 child-to-adult ratio ensuring personalized attention. Each day, scholars receive two nutritious meals and a snack, and every week includes an educational field trip and a variety of enrichment activities, such as art, music, STEM, and sports/physical movement designed to support academic and social development.
High-Quality, Research-Based Curriculum
Our curriculum is built on evidence-based strategies proven to help children develop
strong literacy skills and increase their confidence as readers. By engaging with
texts that promote leadership, character development, and a love of using 
discussion-based learning, scholars make meaningful connections to the stories they
read. Research has demonstrated that children enrolled in programs like this maintain
or improve their reading skills, reducing the risk of summer learning loss.
A 2017–2018 study showed that more than 80% of program participants maintained or increased their reading levels by an average of 10 months. Scholars who began the program reading below grade level demonstrated the greatest improvements.
Supporting Families and Communities
Beyond academic enrichment, the Elinor Ross Freedom School emphasizes family engagement, character development, and civic responsibility. We believe that strong communities start with strong families, and we offer parents meaningful opportunities to participate in their children’s learning journey.
Developing Future Leaders
The program is staffed by highly trained college-aged mentors who undergo extensive national training in research-backed instructional strategies that help increase student achievement and engagement. These young adults gain valuable experience in education, mentorship, and community service. This program provides them with practical skills that prepare them for the workforce, ensuring that resources invested in their training contribute to strong leadership development.
By fostering a safe, engaging, and academically enriching environment, the Elinor Ross Freedom School equips scholars with the tools they need to excel in school and life, ensuring brighter futures for children and stronger communities for all.
Very special thanks to Dr. Elinor Ross for her legacy of supporting reading and literacy
programs
for children in the Upper Cumberland.
