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Call Today: 509-587-3490

  • Home
  • About
  • Events
  • Curriculum
  • Tuition
  • Contact Us

About Us

Why a Black American Inspired Program

  

For too long, early learning programs have reflected a narrow view of history and achievement—one that often leaves Black children unseen and all children underexposed to the full brilliance of our shared heritage. Raze was created to change that.

A Black American–inspired program doesn’t mean exclusive—it means inclusive. It means classrooms that reflect the rhythm, creativity, resilience, and innovation that have always been part of Black culture and American progress. It means centering identity, belonging, and joy as essential parts of early learning—not as enrichment, but as the foundation for lifelong success.


Grounded in Identity, Rooted in Results


Research consistently shows that when children are grounded in their cultural identity, they exhibit higher levels of confidence, curiosity, and academic persistence. Studies link cultural pride and positive racial identity to improved executive functioning, stronger literacy skills, and greater school engagement.¹ When Black children learn in environments that affirm their identity, they experience lower stress levels, stronger relationships with teachers, and higher long-term educational outcomes.²

At Raze, we draw from the deep traditions of Black excellence—storytelling, invention, artistry, and community—to affirm every child’s sense of worth and possibility. When Black children see themselves reflected in the curriculum, they develop the confidence to explore, question, and lead.


For All Children


This program is a program that benefits every child. Exposure to diverse histories and perspectives nurtures empathy, critical thinking, and cultural humility.³ When non-Black children experience Black excellence as an integral part of American innovation not a sidebar or special topic, they learn that brilliance is not bound by race. They gain a deeper understanding of community, justice, and shared humanity.

By honoring Black contributions across common learning domains in early childhood education, we help all children see America’s story more completely—and themselves more compassionately within it.


Restoring the Full Story


Our program is not simply about representation-it’s about restoration. It restores the full narrative of who we are as an American people and what we can become together. At Raze, we’re building a foundation where every child learns not only the objectives to ensure their kindergarten readiness, but also their identity, their culture, and their power to shape the world.



  

Research References

1. National Black Child Development Institute (2022). Culturally Responsive Early Childhood Education: Building Identity and Confidence in Young Learners.

2. Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University (2021). How Racial Equity Supports Early Brain Development.

3. American Psychological Association (2020). Benefits of Multicultural Education in Early Learning Environments. 


Teacher and four young students playing at a table together.

The Call to Act

The issues that we see effecting black and brown early learning students are correctable. The first step to correcting these are issues are facing them and finding community based, culturally relevant solutions and partnerships.


A few of the issues that the Raze Early Learning and Development center will have the greatest impact on are as follows:


Diagnostic disparities for mental physical diagnosis 

There is evidence that suggests that the way in which screening questions are phrased may influence responses by minority youth.


Lack of access to formal mental health services 

Due to implicit bias and cultural views of mental health and their causes providing and receiving access to formal mental health continues to be challenging for many communities of color. 


Maternal depression and postpartum experiences 

Postpartum and maternal health in minorities and the underserved is 30%-40% higher than that of their peers. There are higher chances of emotional and behavioral disturbances of 50% to 80% in children whose mother suffered from postpartum and maternal mental health difficulties.


Implicit Bias 

According to Cabrini University, one of the contributors to the preschool to prison pipeline is implicit bias -the act of unknowingly projecting bias on another. This fact was supported by Yale University in a 2016 study from the Yale Child Study Center that found that teachers despite ethnicity were more likely to look at black boys when behavioral issues are expected in the classroom.


Poverty

Maslow’s Hierarchy of need tells us that a child cannot begin to be taught if their basic needs are not met. When we do not take this hierarchy of need into consideration when dealing with students experiencing poverty, we are negating the very foundation needed to teach our students and instead providing punitive consequences to an often-broken child, unable to learn or implement basic social emotional skills.


High Suspension and Expulsion Rates

 According to the US Department of Education's office for Civil Rights, Black students are suspended, at rates of 3-4 times more often than their white peers. The Center for American Progress  estimates that there are approximately 250 preschoolers suspended or expelled each day nationally, with black twice as likely to receive a suspension or expulsion.

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Raze will open Fall 2025. Click the button below to secure your spot today.

Secure Your Spot Today

How will Raze answer the call?

Two young children using an abacus together.

Curriculum

Extended Hours Care

Extended Hours Care

 Curriculum and class environments that highlight black excellence in our shared American experience. 


Culturally responsive teaching strategies.


A commitment to 85-90% kindergarten readiness graduation rate

Woman smiling at two young children who are painting.

Extended Hours Care

Extended Hours Care

Extended Hours Care

Safe extended hours care that meets the needs of the community


Mon-Fri 5:30a-11:30p

Adult helping a child do a craft project.

Mentoring Program

Extended Hours Care

Mental and Behavioral Health Supports

A black male lead mentorship program serving students birth-12 years.

Mentoring that focus' on building a sense of security in self and community.

Boy smiling while holding an open book.

Mental and Behavioral Health Supports

Support a Return to Futuristic Dialogue

Mental and Behavioral Health Supports

On-site mental and behavioral health supports with lived experience to serve students and staff as well as support families.



Adult man helping a child put together a wooden train track toy.

Support of Black Parenting Styles

Support a Return to Futuristic Dialogue

Support a Return to Futuristic Dialogue

A belief that the parent is the first and most important teacher. A commitment to support parents through culturally guided parenting courses to include nutrition, education and health advocacy. Additional, classes will include not be limited to financial literacy and management programming with accessible community resources as well as career development and elevation.

Adult woman helping a child with their homework.

Support a Return to Futuristic Dialogue

Support a Return to Futuristic Dialogue

Support a Return to Futuristic Dialogue

Support and foster a culture of futuristic dialogue and experiences as it pertains to higher education, wealth building, career placement and healthy living  for the child where possible.


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