Chicago, IL — LEARN Charter School Network, a network of 10 tuition-free, college preparatory public elementary schools in the Chicagoland area, could not be more proud of the accomplishments of our graduates. This past June we saw 192 scholars walk across the stage to receive their 8th grade diplomas.

At LEARN, 8th grade scholars work closely with a high school placement advisor to ensure that the child and their families choose the school that’s right for them. This close partnership resulted in 81% of our scholars attending college-preparatory high schools (high schools with 75% or more graduates matriculating to 4-year colleges) in 2016, including elite private boarding schools. With over 90% of our students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, many would not be able to attend these private schools without tuition assistance. This year our 8th grade class earned over $418,000 in high school scholarships.

One graduate from LEARN’s South Chicago Campus, Lynneah Cardine, will be leaving for The Middlesex School in Concord, MA next week having earned a full ride of nearly $65,000 in scholarships to this elite boarding school. Eager to depart for this exciting opportunity Lynneah says, “LEARN South Chicago allowed me to expand my love for learning and helped me to realize that I am capable of achieving anything that I want. I take pride in what I have learned during my elementary school years, as well as the things I still might not understand, because it only means that I have so much more to learn. When I start school I am looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing life in other parts of the country. I couldn’t be more grateful for my LEARN community that supported me and my journey to get here”.

“I could not be more delighted for Lynneah and her family,” says High School Placement Advisor, Katie Keiser. “Lynneah has worked tremendous amounts to earn this opportunity. She is a perfect example of how perseverance and hard work in school pays off. I cannot think of a more deserving scholar.”

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LEARN is a network of high-performing K-8, tuition-free, public charter schools.  LEARN has 10 schools and serves nearly 4,000 scholars in Chicago, North Chicago and Waukegan.  The mission of LEARN is to provide children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. For more information, please visit learncharter.org.