"We’re trying to live out our faith and not just adopt the Christian label.” That is "Oaks in the City," a multi-racial classical school in Indianapolis that promotes a culture of high expectations.
They started in a tough neighborhood in 1998 with 53 students. Crime has decreased and the school has grown to 665 students who are 40% black, 40% white, 20% Asian, Hispanic, or biracial.
"Jonathan and Devonia, who have four black sons, saw from public school experience a subtle attitude of lowered expectations for their children. It wasn’t so much racial prejudice as an unconscious assumption by teachers that young black males would cause trouble and not do well in the classroom."
A mixed-race mom, Frances, says “We want them to be aware of racial identity, but not be wholly defined that way.” Dad Michael says that diversity here is not just a social project, but diversity with a purpose.
(cont'd tomorrow)
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