Exploring Life & Business with Aaminah Hassan of FreeWorld Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaminah Hassan.

Hi Aaminah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
FreeWorld Academy has truly been a lifelong dream of mine. As a child, I loved learning but I quickly noticed that many of my peers didn’t. It wasn’t a lack of potential—it was a lack of connection. The system wasn’t built to reflect our culture, creativity, or brilliance. That stuck with me.

Years later, I became an educator and launched a virtual homeschool and tutoring program that grew quickly, especially during the pandemic. Working with students across grade levels, I saw firsthand how much genius gets overlooked when we try to fit children into a narrow mold. That’s when the dream turned into a plan.

I co-founded FreeWorld Academy with Zacharias Hassan, also known as ZaRio, a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and visionary who’s been equally committed to uplifting our community. He’s someone who’s not only built a name in music and business, but who deeply understands the role culture and creativity play in shaping confident, whole children. Our skill sets and passions are different but deeply aligned and that balance is part of what makes FreeWorld so unique.

Together, we’ve built a K–5 school model that blends fine arts, STEM education, and culturally affirming curriculum. We’re creating space for children to become both brilliant thinkers and bold creators—academically strong, emotionally aware, and spiritually grounded.

As we prepare to open our doors, we’re clear that FreeWorld Academy isn’t just an institution—it’s a movement that reflects everything we believe about freedom, purpose, and potential.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it’s definitely been a winding road with its fair share of challenges.

One of the biggest struggles has been balancing vision with reality. I’ve always had a clear picture of what I wanted FreeWorld Academy to be, but turning that vision into a fully operational school—especially one that’s accessible to underserved families—takes a lot of strategy, funding, and perseverance.

There were moments when I questioned whether I was dreaming too big. From navigating zoning and licensing logistics, to piecing together a budget as a founder without deep-pocket investors, to building a team that truly believes in the mission—it’s been intense. There were also personal sacrifices, like juggling this work while raising my daughters, homeschooling, and managing my own household.

But every obstacle has refined the vision. It’s made me more committed to creating a space where children—and especially Black children—can be seen, heard, and taught in a way that affirms their identity and equips them for success.

It hasn’t been easy, but it’s absolutely been worth it.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
FreeWorld Academy is a K–5 private school and cultural education hub based in Atlanta. We’re reimagining what school can be—centering joy, creativity, and identity while still delivering a rigorous, future-focused education.

We specialize in blending fine arts with STEM in a way that feels natural and exciting. Our students don’t just sit at desks all day—they create music, build robots, write scripts, produce content, and explore the world through hands-on projects that connect to their lives. We’re also one of the few schools that actively integrates cultural pride, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurial thinking into our everyday learning.

What sets us apart is that we aren’t trying to “fix” children to fit a broken system. We’re building a system around the brilliance they already carry. Every detail—from the classroom design to the curriculum to how we speak to our students—is intentional and rooted in love, excellence, and real-world relevance.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that FreeWorld already feels like a movement. We’re building more than a school—we’re building a pipeline for leaders, artists, innovators, and changemakers. And our community sees that. Parents, teaching artists, and local entrepreneurs are getting involved not just because they believe in us—but because they see themselves in us.

For readers: whether you’re a parent, a potential partner, or someone who just believes in equity and transformation—FreeWorld Academy is something special. We offer an immersive school experience, dynamic summer camps, and after-school programs that all align with our mission: to raise a generation of confident, creative, and culturally grounded children who know how to lead and thrive.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely. My biggest source of strength is my spiritual life. I stay grounded through prayer, spiritual reading, and intentional practices that keep me connected to God. That connection fuels everything I do—from leading FreeWorld Academy to raising my daughters to showing up with integrity in the world.

I also use AI tools regularly to help streamline my work, whether it’s writing, planning, content creation, or organizing big-picture ideas. It’s like having a thought partner that helps me stay efficient and creative.

Another major influence has been Cindy Lumpkin at theLDCoach.com. Her work in supporting students with learning differences has helped sharpen my own understanding of inclusive, student-centered education. She’s a powerful advocate and mentor in this space.

I wouldn’t say I rely on traditional podcasts or productivity books—my focus is really on staying spiritually aligned and using the tools available to create systems that reflect that alignment.

Pricing:

• Full-Time K–5 School (Launching Fall 2025) •Tuition is offered on a sliding scale •Rates vary based on your selected program model: • Fully Virtual or Hybrid (in-person + virtual) • Scholarships and financial aid available for qualifying families
• Summer Camp 2025 •$225/week •Runs Monday–Friday, •Discounts available for multiple weeks or siblings •Limited need-based scholarships available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thefreeworldacademy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freeworldacademy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18jppVTX81/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefreeworldacademy