She Built a Whole School From Scratch — and Baltimore Will Never Be the Same

What happens when a Black woman from Baltimore decides her city's children deserve better — and then actually builds it?

Chizarra Daishell is the Founding CEO and Executive Director of Puzzle Pieces Learning Academy, a community-rooted charter school opening in Baltimore County in 2026.

She joins Craig Aaron Martin for a conversation that's equal parts vision and grit.Chizarra breaks down the whole-child model behind Puzzle Pieces — project-based learning, personalized learning plans, a school-based health clinic, home economics, arts integration, and deep parent partnership.

She also gets real about what it meant to get a "no" from Baltimore County, rebuild her approach, and come back with the strength of the Maryland Charter Alliance and a community ready to back her.

Whether you're a parent, a school leader, or a dreamer holding an idea you haven't launched yet — this episode is for you.

🧩 In this episode:

• What the delay from 2025 to 2026 actually taught her about leadership

• How her special education and ABA therapy background shapes PPLA's model

• Free, everyday strategies for parents to support young learners at home

• Why she says "a no now doesn't mean a no forever"

• How to get connected with Puzzle Pieces Learning Academy

Learn more: https://www.pplapcsacademy-bcps.com/our-founder

Connect with Chizarra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdashiellpplapcs/

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