The Foundation for Black Excellence believes all children deserve a quality education.
To meet the needs of today's children and society's future, The Foundation for Black Excellence provides access to an education that fosters independence, develops problem-solvers, and promotes the importance of each individual's contribution the universe in which we live and work.
In 2024, The Foundation for Black Excellence, through FBE Schools, opened its first Montessori preschool, OCMS. The school is on its way to creating seats for 35 children.
Meeting Community Needs
The FBE's newest program, FBE Schools, is meeting the needs of its community. We have introduced Montessori to multiple families across the city through outreach programs such as our community-wide playdates.
Goals for 2024-2027
In 2024, we set out to raise $10K to fund the creation of 8 new seats in our first year. We are proud that we exceeded our first-year goal by 50%.
Spotlight: Club Excellence
In October 2024, The Foundation for Black Excellence celebrated its 5-year anniversary with a dinner to honor our donors and supporters. With this event, Club Excellence was born. Members are individuals who have made a financial contribution of $2,019 or more in a calendar year toward the furtherance of our mission.
Growing Support
In 2024, almost 33% of donations were from corporate donors. In 2025, The Foundation for Black Excellence plans to increase this number to 50% through community partnerships. Our current community partners are 100% local and 100% minority-owned.
Spotlight: Oakland Community Montessori School
Oakland Community Montessori School's name is an homage to Oakland Community School, originally founded by the Black Panther Party. The OCMS program is specifically curated for children from 1.5 - 4 years old. It focuses on fostering independence and self-confidence through a rich, culturally affirming Montessori curriculum that establishes the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. The OCMS is located in Oakland Hills, California.