The rolling hills of North Carolina have held my thoughts captive, not just with their beauty, but with a growing conviction about the state of education. My journey across America began with a stark realization: the erosion of educational standards over decades has deeply wounded communities, particularly those like my own on Chicago’s South Side. A quality education isn’t simply beneficial in America; it’s essential for survival.
Driven by this belief, I sought out examples of what *could* be. In Raleigh, I discovered two schools – Iron Academy for boys and Academy31 for girls – sharing a campus, yet united by a powerful mission: to cultivate children according to a timeless design, rooted in faith and prepared for life’s challenges.
Stepping into Iron Academy was immediately striking. The young men met my gaze with a firm handshake, speaking of responsibility as if it were second nature. It was a refreshing contrast to the constant need to instill that very value in the youth I work with. These weren’t exceptional children, just boys who understood the fundamental purpose of education – to leave each day having genuinely learned something.
The classrooms were small, fostering a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, and led by dedicated Christian educators who knew each student by name. Their core aim: to develop young men of biblical manhood and integrity. Beyond academics, the curriculum emphasized physical training, public speaking, practical skills, and a foundation built on Scripture. Students weren’t just learning *what* to think, but *how* to think and to lead.
The impact is undeniable. Iron Academy consistently demonstrates measurable improvement, with students showing an average 8.7-point increase in IQ after just one year. More importantly, attitudes shift, and these young men begin to act with a sense of purpose, knowing they are accountable to something larger than themselves.
Across the campus, Academy31 resonated with a different, yet equally powerful energy. The girls greeted me with a quiet confidence, embodying the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman – intelligent, capable, compassionate, and unafraid.
Their education was equally comprehensive, encompassing rigorous subjects like Latin, logic, and literature alongside practical skills such as cooking, financial literacy, and even entrepreneurship. A unique mentorship system paired older students with younger ones, creating a supportive community that felt like a sisterhood defining itself, not by the world’s expectations, but by God’s design.
What resonated most about both schools was their unwavering commitment to focused growth. There was no attempt to soften standards or compromise behavior for the sake of comfort. Boys were allowed to explore biblical manhood without apology, and girls were empowered to embrace biblical womanhood without competition. This dedicated space allowed roots to grow deep and strong.
The proximity of the two schools fostered a natural respect between the boys and girls, a dynamic reminiscent of a simpler time. It’s a stark contrast to the realities I witness daily – fatherless boys adrift, searching for strength, and young girls facing motherhood before they’ve had a chance to discover their own worth. We’ve poured resources into addressing symptoms, yet lasting change remains elusive.
This, I believe, is the answer. Not another study, not another celebrity campaign, but dedicated environments where boys are intentionally shaped into men of God and girls are nurtured into women of God. North Carolina isn’t just talking about it; Iron Academy and Academy31 are proving it works, one life at a time.
Inspired by this model, Project H.O.O.D. will soon launch two schools in Chicago – one for boys, one for girls. They will begin small, built on a biblical foundation, with a commitment to excellence and unwavering standards. We will teach the fundamentals, but more importantly, we will cultivate character, courage, and faith.
Strong boys and strong girls aren’t simply born; they are built, intentionally and purposefully. It’s a conviction forged on the road, and a promise I intend to keep.
