Reflections on Education During a Walk Across America

As I walk through the rolling hills of North Carolina, the topic of education keeps coming to the forefront of my mind. This journey is, in part, a response to the observable decline in educational standards over the past six decades. It’s heartbreaking to see how this has impacted black communities, particularly in places like the South Side of Chicago, where I live. Without a solid education, it’s tough to navigate life in America. I’m determined to combat this troubling trend, and upon arriving in Raleigh, I decided to check out two schools that I’ve heard are making a difference.

The boys’ school is called Iron Academy, while the girls’ school is known as Academy 31. They occupy different buildings but share a common mission: to build children who are strong in their faith and prepared for the life God intends for them.

When I stepped into Iron Academy, the boys met my gaze and shook my hand confidently, treating me like someone of value. They spoke about responsibility as if it was second nature. I often stress the importance of responsibility to my own youth, so it was refreshing to see it so naturally ingrained in these boys. They were typical kids, understanding that the purpose of school is to learn something meaningful each day and return home with that knowledge.

The small class sizes—with a 15:1 ratio—allowed Christian teachers to know each student by name. Their mission focuses on “developing young men of biblical manliness and integrity.” Each student must lead some initiative, which lies at the heart of their program. Beyond academics, the school emphasizes physical training, public speaking, hands-on work, and a biblical foundation for all instruction.

And the results? They speak for themselves. A noticeable increase in grades, a better attitude, and a sense of accountability emerged within the students. In fact, the data from Iron Academy shows an average IQ increase of 8.7 points after just one year.

Next, I made my way to Academy 31. The vibe was different, but the conviction remained strong. The girls approached me with a quiet assurance. They reminded me of the woman described in Proverbs 31—intelligent, capable, kind, and fearless.

Here, the students delved into Latin, logic, and literature while also learning vital life skills like cooking and economics. Mentorship was woven into the fabric of the school, with upperclassmen guiding younger students. It felt like a sisterhood, a tight-knit community determined not to let the outside world dictate their identities.

What really struck me about these two schools was their ability to avoid the chaos often associated with co-education. This setup allows boys to embrace their identities and aspire towards a biblical model of masculinity. Meanwhile, the girls can embrace their femininity without the pressure of competition. The key takeaway is growth; both boys and girls have room to develop, which helps them build solid foundations for their futures. Being neighbors allows for mutual respect to flourish, an age-old approach that continues to have relevance.

Standing on that campus, I couldn’t help but think of the children back in Chicago. Fatherless boys wandering through their neighborhoods bear the weight of not knowing how to be strong. Girls, already burdened with responsibilities as young mothers, often don’t realize their potential. We continuously invest in programs that address symptoms without seeing meaningful change.

This, I believe, is the answer I’ve hoped for.

We don’t really need flashy government reports or celebrity endorsements. What we require is a nurturing environment where boys can grow into men of God and girls into women of God—separately and together in mutual respect.

North Carolina has set a precedent, showing that Iron Academy and Academy 31 can effectively train one young man and one young woman at a time.

Back in Chicago, Project HOOD has initiated its own schools, one for boys and another for girls. They’re small, but they focus on the basics. No shortcuts, no excuses. It’s about teaching not just subjects, but also character, courage, and faith.

Because strong boys and girls don’t just appear; they must be intentionally raised.