Fostering Connection and Inclusion in Private Education: The Private School Village Movement

In the heart of Los Angeles, a dynamic assembly recently united over 3,000 families involved in private schooling to celebrate the begining of a new academic year. This gathering transcended mere festivity; it symbolized a powerful commitment to community support specifically designed for Black and brown students and their families navigating private school landscapes.

Empowering Underrepresented Families Through Purposeful Community

Private School Village (PSV) stands as an organization devoted to closing cultural divides frequently overlooked within private educational institutions. Its core mission revolves around consolidating resources,developing impactful programs,and building networks that elevate visibility and representation for students of color.

Even though nearly 5 million children attend private schools across the United States-compared with more than 49 million enrolled in public schools-only about 6% of these private school attendees identify as black. This figure falls well below the national Black population percentage of approximately 14.4%, underscoring persistent barriers related to access and inclusivity within prestigious academic settings.

The Origin Story: From Casual Playdates to a Flourishing Network

The genesis of PSV can be traced back to Lisa Johnson and her husband Andre Johnson, who enrolled their children in Los Angeles-area private schools. Drawing from Lisa’s own experience as one of few Black students at an independent school in Atlanta decades ago,she recognized that many cultural needs remained unmet despite the passage of time.

What started as informal park meetups among like-minded parents quickly evolved when over 500 people attended their inaugural event-far surpassing initial expectations.These early connections laid groundwork for what has since grown into an expansive network supporting thousands across multiple regions.

A Community Built on Shared Journeys

• Over 255 private schools operate throughout Los Angeles County alone, educating nearly 47,000 students annually.
• The first fundraising efforts generated close to $30,000; today PSV has raised almost $4 million despite challenges such as wildfires and pandemic interruptions.
• the organization currently supports more than 8,500 families across Southern California and Northern California, with plans underway for expansion along the East Coast.

Navigating Complex Privilege: Challenges Beyond academic Excellence

The prospect to attend elite institutions offers rigorous academics and pathways toward top universities; though, social dynamics frequently enough present unique obstacles. Many Black and brown students report feelings of isolation or invisibility due to underrepresentation or unacknowledged cultural differences within predominantly white environments.

“The double-edged sword of privilege,” explains Lisa Johnson-a paradox where financial means do not protect against racial bias or microaggressions that profoundly affect student well-being.

This reality contributes substantially to mental health concerns; recent research identifies high-achieving academic settings as increasingly stressful environments prone to youth mental health risks-especially when compounded by racial isolation.Without deliberate strategies addressing these issues directly, confidence may erode alongside disconnection from cultural identity with long-lasting effects.

Cultivating Inclusive Spaces Through Innovative Initiatives

• Diverse social pods: Grade-specific groups connecting students from various schools that foster peer support;
• Parent ambassadors: Experienced family members guiding others through complex educational systems;
• Youth leadership programs: Empowering high schoolers with skills focused on self-confidence progress, cultural pride enhancement, and college preparedness;
• The Village Scholarship: Financial assistance aimed at lowering economic barriers faced by low-income households seeking quality education options.

A Unified Approach Amplifying Impact Across Institutions

A key strength lies in PSV’s capacity to consolidate isolated efforts scattered among individual campuses into one cohesive community-a multiplier effect benefiting all participants involved. By bringing together families from dozens of campuses under a single umbrella rather than fragmented pockets working independently,
PSV optimizes resource sharing while increasing collective influence on policy reforms within partner schools.
Educators commend this model for fostering belongingness essential not only for academic success but also holistic student development beyond classroom walls.

An Expanding Movement Driven by Demand for Equity Nationwide

Beyond its strong presence in Los Angeles County,
PSV is actively broadening its reach nationally.
Currently entering its second year serving communities throughout Northern California,
the organization is preparing launches along the east coast starting with Philadelphia.
Interest has even emerged internationally-with inquiries arriving from parents based in cities like Toronto eager
to replicate this triumphant model abroad.

“Supportive ecosystems like ours don’t always develop organically,” says Lisa johnson.
She encourages emerging chapters worldwide
to collaborate closely ensuring alignment
and sustainability consistent
with PSV’s foundational values.”

Toward A Future Where Every Student Flourishes Authentically

This growing movement aims not only at boosting enrollment diversity but fundamentally redefining what it means
for marginalized youth-and their families-to thrive inside exclusive educational spaces.
By prioritizing racial socialization alongside scholastic achievement,
Private School Village advocates an inclusive vision where admission marks just the beginning;
belonging becomes equally critical through ongoing affirmation supported collectively-a true village nurturing tomorrow’s leaders today.