The Meaning of Sankofa

In order to plan for our children’s future, we must reach back to reclaim our heritage and culture. The “Sankofa” is a metaphorical symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana, depicted as a bird with its head turned back taking an egg from its back. It expresses the importance of reaching back to ancestral knowledge gained in the past and bringing it present in order to make our liberation tangible.

Mission

Sankofa Learning Center, an African-centered Montessori learning ecosystem, provides New Haven families a place to re-imagine education with culturally affirming curriculum and provide a space for young children to feel free in their learning experience.

Vision for our Children

Our vision for children at SLC is that they feel true freedom and in doing so they are able to be active participants in their learning experience. Learners at SLC are given tools to develop themselves into loving change makers, anti-bias & anti-racist leaders, community collaborators, and creative thinkers.

Learn more about our program

Our Program

Our Teacher Leaders

Sankofa Learning Center is guided by a collaborative, teacher-led leadership team. Decisions about the classroom and school are made by the educators who know the children best, ensuring a responsive, thoughtful, and nurturing learning environment for every child and family.

Amelia Sherwood, M.Ed.

Founding Teacher Leader | Primary Guide

AMS Certified for Ages 3 - 6

Amelia is the Founding Teacher Leader of Sankofa Learning Center, guiding the classroom and shaping the school’s vision alongside her teaching team.

As a mother of two and a passionate anti-bias educator, she is committed to creating inclusive and empowering learning environments where every child feels seen, valued, and capable. Amelia cultivates classrooms that celebrate cultural diversity, encourage independence, and nurture each child’s natural curiosity and sense of belonging.

With over a decade of experience in Montessori early childhood education, Amelia’s work is grounded in the principles of Montessori pedagogy and informed by her dedication to equity and high-quality learning experiences for all children.

Esther Wallace, M.Ed.

Co - Teacher Leader | Primary Guide

AMI Certified for Ages 3 - 6

Esther serves as Co-Teacher Leader at Sankofa Learning Center, working alongside founder Amelia Sherwood to guide the classroom and support the growth of the school community.

As a mother of three, she values the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally - and is passionate about creating learning environments that invite exploration, foster independence, and connect children to the natural world in meaningful ways.

Before entering education, Esther spent over a decade in financial services, bringing experience in organizational leadership and systems thinking to her work in school operations and classroom management.

Her Montessori training spans Birth through age six, grounding her work in early childhood development and her commitment to expanding access to high-quality Montessori education.

Our Staff

Alicia Tyson-Sherwood, Ed.D.

Dr. Alicia Tyson Sherwood is a lifelong learner and passionate educator at Sankofa Learning Center. With a deep commitment to fostering educational excellence, Dr. Tyson-Sherwood integrates innovative teaching methods with an appreciation for cultural heritage. Her dedication to continuous learning and growth inspires both her colleagues and students alike. At Sankofa, Dr. Alicia’s influence helps shape a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive. Her unwavering dedication to education and her community makes her a cherished member of the Sankofa family.

Part-time Assistant