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When considering the controversies linked to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, it’s easy to recall Jada’s candid revelations on “Red Table Talk” and the unforgettable 2022 Oscars incident. However, in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the couple found themselves at the centre of a different controversy – their now-shuttered school, New Village Leadership Academy.
Jada Pinkett Smith shared that the inspiration for the school came after parents expressed interest in the homeschooling lessons she provided for her own children, Jaden and Willow Smith. In 2008, with Will’s support, they turned this vision into reality, opening New Village Leadership Academy. The institution aimed to offer students daily nutritious meals, essential resources like laptops, and a commitment to fostering diversity, presenting an attractive alternative to mainstream education. However, controversy arose due to a significant portion of the curriculum being rooted in “study technology,” a method developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
Despite the couple’s repeated assurances that the school was not affiliated with Scientology, it became labeled as such in headlines. This association proved difficult to dispel, leading to ongoing misconceptions even after the school’s closure. However, the actual reason behind the controversial school’s closure was far less scandalous.
The school’s curriculum, based on L. Ron Hubbard’s study technology, emphasized hands-on learning, comprehensive understanding of each topic, and a concept known as “misunderstood word.” Some educators involved with the school expressed reservations about this approach. Jacqueline Olivier, the former head of school, highlighted that the “misunderstood word” method hindered progress, as students were required to fully grasp every word before proceeding. Another educator, Mariappan Jawaharlal, criticized the lack of structured curriculum, stating that children were often left to their own devices. Although controversial, this unconventional approach aligned with the educational philosophy Pinkett Smith applied in homeschooling her own children.
However, the school ultimately closed in 2013 due to financial reasons. The couple’s commitment to offering free education, along with generous salaries for teachers, played a significant role in the school’s financial strain. Despite these challenges, Will and Jada did their utmost to sustain the institution, evident in the fundraising efforts showcased on the school’s Facebook page, where memorabilia like shoes worn by Pinkett Smith in an interview with Oprah Winfrey were auctioned off. The reasons behind the school’s closure have never been directly addressed by the couple.