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Discovering Memphis: Freedom Prep Parent Shares His Story

An Inspiring Conversation with Freedom Preparatory Academy Parent Mr. Sow

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Mr. Ibrahima Sow and his family, discovering why they chose Memphis as their home and Freedom Prep as their school of choice. In this conversation, we’ll share their experiences and gather valuable advice for future multicultural Memphians and parents seeking a quality education for their children. 

The staff at Freedom Preparatory Academy (FPA) proudly celebrates the rich diversity of their students and faculty and honor the resilience of the FPA families every day. With nearly 2,000 students, including approximately 200 students of multicultural backgrounds, Freedom Prep is a vibrant community.

Freedom Preparatory Academy families hail from countries like Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, Senegal, and Guatemala, reflecting the school’s mission to empower every student with the knowledge, skills, and character to excel in college, career, and life.

A Journey of Resilience and Growth

Ibrahima Sow has been a part of the Memphis community for 14 years. His 12-year-old son, Amadou, joined him in Memphis nearly a year ago and has been attending Freedom Prep for the past 9 months. Amadou’s transition has been remarkable. Initially, he faced challenges learning English, having previously studied in Senegal, where French is the official language. However, since joining Freedom Prep, Amadou has made significant strides and will soon be moving into the 8th grade at our Freedom Prep Academy Flagship campus.  

“Mr. Sow’s son Amadou has not only made significant strides academically but has been able to adjust socially as well. He is often observed teaching other students how to play soccer during Physical Education class or sharing his culture with teachers. Amadou’s story, and others like him, really help us see the true meaning of our core values of Respect and Community.” 

        — Natasha Jean-Louis, Head of School (Flagship Campus)

A young boy wearing a gray cardigan with a crest, a white shirt, and an orange and blue striped tie stands smiling in front of a red wall. A sign about pharmacy hours is visible in the background, reminiscent of the backdrop from the interview with Senegal immigrant Mr. Sow.
Mr. Sow's Son Amadou Sow in 7th Grade

Celebrating Culture and Community:

As an immigrant from Senegal, Mr. Sow actively shares his culture with the Memphis community. He participates in local cultural events such as Africa In April and helps new families adjust to their new surroundings. Many newcomers reach out to him for assistance, and he gladly provides support, helping them navigate their new city, find housing, and connect with the community. 

“I try to show them a bit of the city and our community. I also help them meet other people and find their footing in the United States,” Mr. Sow explains. His commitment to assisting fellow Senegalese families highlights his dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Building Connections and Providing Support
In Memphis, Mr. Sow is an integral part of a network that aids newcomers, offering guidance for tasks such as banking and immigration appointments. His personal experience as a new Memphian drives his passion for helping others settle into their new lives. “I’m proud of myself and my community. My kids are proud of me too,” he says. “I love helping our people navigate our city.”

Advice for New Families
For families considering a move to Memphis, Mr. Sow offers this advice: prioritize finding good schools for your children. He highly recommends Freedom Preparatory Academy, praising its quality education and dedicated educators. Mr. Sow says, “Freedom Prep offers free education, and many parents don’t realize this. It’s a great opportunity for students to receive a solid education in a supportive environment.”


A young person wearing a gray cardigan and a T-shirt waves while standing in the doorway of a yellow school bus, which has a sign indicating it is equipped with a video and audio monitoring system. The scene segues into an interview with Senegal immigrant Mr. Sow.
Freedom Prep Student Arriving at School

Join the Freedom Prep Community

Freedom Preparatory Academy (FPA) is committed to transforming education for students of color across the South. The mission is deeply rooted in Memphis, a city known for its rich cultural diversity. FPA warmly welcomes students and families from all backgrounds and offers support in over five languages.

Freedom Prep has five schools across the Westwood and Whitehaven communities. Families are encouraged to apply today and discover how Freedom Prep can become a part of your educational journey. 

For more information on how to enroll, please contact us at enrollment@freedomprep.org. 

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