Jada Pinkett-Smith, the well-known actress, has recently made headlines by defending her use of Scientology as an educational method for homeschooling her children. In her memoir titled “Worthy,” Jada reveals her perspective on how Scientology-based learning approaches have been instrumental in her children’s education and overall development. This revelation has sparked a significant amount of public interest and discussion.
Jada’s memoir sheds light on her decision to homeschool her children, Jaden and Willow, using the Study Technology, a learning methodology developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. According to Jada, this approach allowed her children to achieve “100 percent proficiency with a subject” instead of merely memorizing facts and figures. She emphasized the importance of understanding and mastering knowledge rather than rote learning.
One key point that Jada makes in her memoir is that her use of Study Technology does not imply her affiliation with the Church of Scientology. She clarifies that she never became a member of the church and did not see it through the same lens as those who viewed it with skepticism. She considered Study Technology as a secular method of learning and embraced it as such.
Jada’s association with Scientology-based methods became a subject of speculation over the years, particularly regarding her husband, Will Smith, and their involvement with the church. Despite rumors and rumors that suggested Will’s connection to Scientology, a former Scientology executive stated in 2015 that Will was not a member of the church. However, it’s worth noting that in 2008, the couple opened the New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, California, a private elementary school known for employing Scientology teaching methods.
The Study Technology that Jada used for homeschooling is designed to help students achieve complete proficiency in a subject rather than just memorizing information. It aims to foster self-determinism and critical thinking skills in students, making them lifelong learners. Jada expressed in her memoir that Jaden thrived with homeschooling, while Willow, initially hesitant, eventually adapted to traditional schooling.
Another significant aspect of Jada’s memoir is her personal experience with Scientology’s drug treatment program, Narconon. She turned to Scientology after her father, Robsol Pinkett Jr., faced a severe relapse in his battle with drug addiction. Narconon, affiliated with Scientology, claims an 80 percent success rate in helping individuals overcome addiction. However, it has faced controversies and lawsuits, including cases where individuals have died during the program.
Jada writes that her father was in dire shape due to drug addiction, needing a wheelchair to move around. She believed he was on the brink of death. After less than a month in the Narconon program, Robsol was drug-free, actively playing basketball, and recovering rapidly. Jada described his transformation as miraculous.
For a period, Robsol continued his studies with the Church of Scientology but eventually left due to his Christian faith. The New Village Leadership Academy, which Jada and Will opened in 2008, closed its doors in 2013. Jada vehemently denied claims that it was a Scientology school, emphasizing that she would never bring families into an educational institution with the intention of converting them to a particular religion.
In a Twitter thread from 2017, Jada reiterated that while she had studied Scientology and appreciated the merits of Study Technology, she did not identify as a Scientologist.
Jada’s memoir and her openness about her experiences with Scientology-based educational methods have sparked a broader conversation about alternative teaching approaches and the role of religion in education. While Jada’s decision may remain controversial, it reflects her dedication to providing her children with a unique and meaningful educational experience. Ultimately, her memoir encourages readers to consider the merits and limitations of various educational philosophies and the impact they can have on children’s lives.