We are building schools for a new world — where prestige means freedom, self-trust, self-expression, Community ownership, emotional safety, real-world learning and the ability to create a life that belongs to you.
The Genius School is a frē dao community
frē dao chapters in Bmore + Philly
I’m returning to the 2 places I called home; Philly (born and raised) & Baltimore (Morgan state Alum)
frē dao is beginning the year-long process of opening learner-led, self-directed ,private hybrid genius school communities in Baltimore and Philadelphia.
We are not rushing to secure buildings first.
We are beginning where real schools begin: with committed families and committed funders who all want to be frē.
-
We are looking for Founding Families who believe children deserve more than pressure, compliance, worksheets, test prep and the slow loss of self.
The Genius School is a learner-led private school model rooted in freedom, self-expression, belonging, decolonized education, real-world learning and ownership of self.
The Genius School is not expensive because it is exclusive.
It is valuable because it gives children something most institutions take away: ownership of themselves.We are building this for families whose children are currently in public, private, homeschool, charter or traditional school settings — families who know their child needs something different, but still want excellence, safety, structure, beauty, community, and a serious educational environment.
We are also building accessibility pathways so this does not become freedom only for families with wealth.
Right now, we are gathering interest from families before choosing a location. Family demand will help us show funders and community partners that Baltimore and Philly are ready for this.
-
We are seeking philanthropists, investors, local leaders, and community partners who want to help fund the future of education in Baltimore and Philly.
We are raising $2M per city to launch The Genius School with two years of operating stability — so we can focus on children, families, culture, outcomes, and excellence instead of immediately returning to survival-mode fundraising.
-
A frē dao Founding Charter Member helps bring The Genius School to life in a new city.
Founding Charter Members are early families, funders, community leaders, and builders who help shape the vision, grow the waitlist, invite aligned partners, and co-create the local culture before the school opens.
Their role is simple: help gather the people, resources, and possibility needed to build a Dream Genius School rooted in freedom, belonging, self-expression, and ownership of self.
We are not asking people to fund an empty building. We are building the demand first: committed families, committed funders and a clear city launch circle.
Our invitation is simple: help Baltimore and Philly families be frē to build their Dream Genius School before another generation of children loses themselves trying to fit in a system that was never built for them!
k-8 and geniī hī … loading …
k-8k
who is frē dao & the genius school?
We are a secular, inclusive, and culturally affirming learning community committed to freedom, belonging, and ownership of self.Frē DAO & The Genius School welcomes people of all genders, identities, backgrounds and physical capabilities while intentionally mainstreaming and protecting the marginalized.We prioritize self-expression with communal awareness — honoring each learner’s autonomy while nurturing responsibility, care, and contribution to the whole.Financial integrity and transparency are paramount to how we build, which is why frē dao uses blockchain-based tools, including multi-sig wallets, to support shared accountability, visible stewardship and trust.
Founder
Karema Akilah
FounderBorn and raised in Philadelphia, Karema graduated from Morgan State with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. After teaching in Maryland's public school, Karema & her husband welcomed their first child. She exchanged teaching in public schools for teaching her own 6 kids at home. Karema was introduced to UNschooling or Self Directed Education during a season of "burn out" and disengaged kids. After DEschooling, the passion and curiosity returned to her kids! Tragically, her husband passed away from cancer, prompting Karema to consider where her kids would go to school if she had to return to work full time.The Genius School was the answer!