Ujamaa School, an independent non-profit Afrikan community school, was founded and organized in 1968 by Baba El Senzengakulu Zulu.
El Senzengakulu Zulu was one of the organizers of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee.
It was also during that time that Baba Zulu worked closely with leaders of civil rights movement such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medger Ever., James Fornian, Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, Marion Barry, and Fannie Lou Hammer.
He worked along side others throughout the south to help organize the Freedom Rides.
Ujima Va IJjamaa school was founded to provide an institutional base that would ensure Afrikan children the development ofa strong, positive self-image, a valid value system, and the achievement of academic excellence.
lJjamaa's program provides for training in all facets of life.
Character, independence, self-sufficiency and positive approaches to meeting life's challenges are built into the school's program.
The overall program is geared to develop the total being, to help each child reach his or her ultimate goal and to develop to their highest potential.
Based on Baba Zulu's belief that we must do for self, in May 1968 lijamaa Shule was born.
Later, several other committed and dedicated brothers and sisters such as Mama Rose Pringle, Akbar, Mama Almasi, Mwata and Nkechi Namtambu, Hamid, Askia, Mama Khadijah, Baba Rasafik, Baba Ngoma and others came to help strengthen Ujamaa.
lijaniaa Shule began at 904 Florida Avenue, NW., next door to the old site of Ujamaa Bookstore, with only three watoto.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: Kindergarten-9
- Enrollment: 63 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Ujamaa School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-9
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
63 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 46%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- Ujamaa School, an independent non-profit Afrikan community school, was founded and organized in 1968 by Baba El Senzengakulu Zulu. El Senzengakulu Zulu was one of the organizers of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. It was also during that time that Baba Zulu worked closely with leaders of civil rights movement such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medger Ever., James Fornian, Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, Marion Barry, and Fannie Lou Hammer. He worked along side others throughout the south to help organize the Freedom Rides. Ujima Va IJjamaa school was founded to provide an institutional base that would ensure Afrikan children the development ofa strong, positive self-image, a valid value system, and the achievement of academic excellence. lJjamaa's program provides for training in all facets of life. Character, independence, self-sufficiency and positive approaches to meeting life's challenges are built into the school's program. The overall program is geared to develop the total being, to help each child reach his or her ultimate goal and to develop to their highest potential. Based on Baba Zulu's belief that we must do for self, in May 1968 lijamaa Shule was born. Later, several other committed and dedicated brothers and sisters such as Mama Rose Pringle, Akbar, Mama Almasi, Mwata and Nkechi Namtambu, Hamid, Askia, Mama Khadijah, Baba Rasafik, Baba Ngoma and others came to help strengthen Ujamaa. lijaniaa Shule began at 904 Florida Avenue, NW., next door to the old site of Ujamaa Bookstore, with only three watoto.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Ujamaa School?
The application deadline for Ujamaa School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Ujamaa School located?
Ujamaa School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 60 other private schools located in Northwest Washington.
School Reviews
5 2/27/2023
This is an excellent school. It has high academic standards but in a loving environment. Teachers have high expectations and treat your children like their own. History taught from an African perspective is priceless and you won`t find it anywhere else. I highly recommend this school.
5 3/9/2020
My daughter went there in 9th grade in 1992 and it was the best year of her learning in school.
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