Sankofa Academy was born out of a deep need to implement a holistic approach to education and family life. As a mother, I witnessed firsthand how the public education system held my children back by forcing them to conform to a one-size-fits-all standard. I realized that each of my children learned in unique ways, and the system’s limitations inspired me to look for an alternative—a way to truly nurture the whole child. This is when I turned to homeschooling as the answer.

Homeschooling gave me the freedom to teach my children in a way that honored their individuality while incorporating holistic practices that catered to their mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. It allowed us to embrace learning as a journey, not just a checklist of tasks. I saw how learning at home could be a profound experience for the entire family, providing space for our children to learn at their own pace, in a way that suits them, while also deepening their connection to their cultural heritage and spiritual practices.

My personal journey of self-awareness and healing played a crucial role in shaping the mission of Sankofa Academy. As I began to heal ancestral wounds, I understood that this healing couldn’t begin and end with me alone. It was vital that my children be equipped with the knowledge of our ancestry, spiritual practices, and holistic living. Homeschooling became more than just an educational choice—it became a way to empower my children with ancestral wisdom and a holistic worldview, preparing them to thrive in every aspect of life.

Change was not always easy. I encountered discomfort as I shifted towards holistic practices in our family life and homeschooling routines, but I overcame these challenges by remembering my "why"—to empower my children to live with purpose, mindfulness, and a connection to our roots. Homeschooling allowed me to shape an education that prioritized emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and the freedom to explore their passions and spiritual practices, rather than simply adhering to societal standards.

The concept of Sankofa—"to go back and get it"—is the heart of this academy. Derived from the Akan tribe of Ghana, this ancient African symbol reminds us that it is never too late to return to our past and retrieve what is valuable for our future. This idea, along with the proverb "Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi" ("It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten"), informs everything we do at Sankofa Academy. By reaching back to our ancestors, we are able to move forward with wisdom and purpose.

Ancestral wisdom is not just history; it is alive and breathing through us. Our ancestors are the reason we exist today, and their teachings must continue. At Sankofa Academy, we use homeschooling as a powerful tool to infuse ancestral wisdom into our children's education, ensuring that the knowledge passed down through generations lives on in our children and beyond. By combining academic education with spiritual and cultural practices, we are helping families raise children who are not only academically sound but also emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and connected to their roots.

Whether you’re homeschooling or simply seeking a more holistic approach to parenting, Sankofa Academy is here to help you create a nurturing, spiritually connected, and mindful learning environment for your children.

Oyatalade is the visionary behind Sankofa Academy. As a wife, mother of five and an advocate for holistic education, her journey began when she saw the limitations of the traditional public school system and how it failed to honor the unique learning styles of her children. Determined to create an alternative that nurtures not only academic growth but emotional, spiritual, and cultural development, she founded Sankofa Academy—a place where families can embrace a holistic approach to education and parenting.

With deep roots in ancestral wisdom and holistic living, Oyatalade has dedicated herself to empowering families to raise self-aware, emotionally intelligent children who are connected to their heritage. Her passion for integrating spirituality, veganism, and cultural teachings into homeschooling came from her own healing journey. As she worked to heal ancestral wounds, Oyatalade realized that this knowledge and healing must be passed on to the next generation, leading her to create a space for families to do the same.

In addition to her role as an educator and homeschooling advocate, Oyatalade is a certified Reiki Master, Vibrational Medicine Practitioner, and both a birth and death doula. She is passionate about guiding individuals and families through all of life’s transitions, whether they are welcoming new life or honoring those in transition. Through her work with Sankofa Academy and her doula services, she combines her expertise in holistic healing with her commitment to supporting individuals at every stage of life.

Her belief in the African proverb “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten” guides her work, as she helps families reclaim ancestral wisdom to inform their future. At the heart of her work is the understanding that ancestral wisdom lives on through us. Oyatalade's mission is to ensure that this wisdom is preserved and passed down through future generations, helping families create meaningful, spiritually connected lives.