Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit, was established in 1978 as a private school by Carmen and George N’Namdi in memory of their daughter, Nataki Talibah N’Namdi.  In 1995, the Schoolhouse motivated by the opportunity to share the school's educational philosophy with a broader community, voted to accept the school's invitation to become of one of Michigan's first chartered schools .  

Nataki (Nah-TAH-kee) means “of high birth” and Talibah (Tah-LEE-bah) means “seeker after knowledge.”  Thus, the school's name reflects both an important tribute and an expression of aspiration. At its inception, Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit presented itself as unique.  By design, NTSD was created as a school for FAMILIES, not just its students. It is a community of inquiry, cultivating the intellect of students, parents, and teachers in an effort to create and organize ideas and possibilities for the future, while preserving almost four decades of the school’s history and traditions.