GLA Annual Report 2023 - 2024 by glachicago

10 YEARS OF IMPACT

Photography by Errol-Marc Watson

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As we look back on the past year, we are reminded that Great Lakes Academy is more than just a school—it is a beacon of hope, excellence, and growth in our community. Thanks to your continued support, we have made strides in academic performance, expanded enrichment opportunities, and deepened our commitment to student well-being. Together, we are investing in a brighter future for our students, staff, and families. Thank you for standing by our side as we inspire young minds and empower our community.

—Ebonie Durham, Executive Director

“Great Lakes Academy is more than just a school—it is a beacon of hope”

A CAMPUS IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

MORE THAN JUST A SCHOOL

Our campus is not only a place of learning but also a cornerstone of community life. Centrally located, it offers students and families a safe, inspiring environment where academic excellence and community spirit thrive. From classrooms to gathering spaces, every corner of GLA reflects our commitment to inclusivity, support, and shared purpose.

KMC ENRICHMENT CENTER

The KMC Enrichment Center, named for our founder Katherine Myers-Crum, is where students’ passions come to life.

Opened in 2021, the KMC Enrichment Center is home to GLA’s enrichment and sports program. Our center provides the resources for students to explore new interests, build skills, and develop as well-rounded individuals. We are proud to see more than half of our scholars participating in these vital programs. Beyond programming for our scholars, the center also serves as a community space for our neighbors in South Shore and South Chicago. We welcome community members for programming to uplift the educational landscape of Chicago.

173K+ MEALS SERVED IN 2024

FROM BREAKFAST TO AFTER SCHOOL

GLA is here for students from the start of the day until they leave campus in the afternoon.

Whether it’s our nutritious hot breakfast program, extended learning in the classroom, or after-school activities, we create an environment where students are supported and nurtured every step of the way. GLA is proud to partner with Just A Dash Catering and the School Food and Wellness Group to ensure our scholars receive hot meals prepared daily in our kitchen in the KMC Enrichment Center. Their partnership has been instrumental in the expansion of GLA’s food program. With their support, GLA is a recipient of the 2025 Illinois State Breakfast Expansion and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grants. These grants allowed us to improve the quality and nutritional standards of breakfast food, and increase fresh fruit and fresh vegetable consumption of our scholars.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

At GLA, our focus is on fostering relationships and creating a network of support. Our campus is a meeting place for families, students, and staff, all working toward a common goal: building a brighter future for every member of our community.

GLA ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

The GLA Enrichment Program offers safe, structured environments for students to continue learning, socializing, and developing new skills beyond the classroom.

Through activities like sports, tutoring, creative arts, and leadership programs, our scholars end each day empowered and inspired, gaining the confidence to explore their interests and achieve personal growth.

A key part of our enrichment program is our commitment to fostering partnerships that bring unique and high-quality experiences to our students. Collaborations with the Professional Theatre and Dance Youth Academy, SkyArt, and Girls on the Run introduce students to performing arts, visual arts, personal fitness, and community service, instilling values like discipline, teamwork, self-expression, and civic responsibility. These partnerships open new horizons for our students, connecting them with mentors and professionals who inspire them to dream big and make a positive impact on their communities.

Our sports offerings further enhance these opportunities for growth. Programs in basketball, track and field, and other team sports teach resilience, teamwork, and dedication. For our students, sports aren’t just about competition; they’re a way to develop essential life skills and character that will support them in facing future challenges.

Additionally, our leadership-focused programs like the National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS), National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Student Government Association (SGA), and Multiplying Good provide students with avenues to practice leadership, responsibility, and community service. Through NEHS, students are recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to making a positive impact. SGA allows our students to represent their peers, voice their opinions, and actively shape the GLA experience for their fellow students. Multiplying Good empowers students to become changemakers in their communities, fostering a spirit of service and social responsibility. Together, these programs equip students to lead with integrity and make meaningful contributions within and beyond our school.

The foundation of the GLA Enrichment Program lies in its leadership by GLA staff. By staffing the majority of our enrichment activities internally, we build stronger student-teacher relationships, reinforce our school culture, and ensure that each program reflects our core values. This approach enables students to learn and grow under the guidance of educators who are deeply invested in their success and well-being.

“This approach enables students to learn and grow under the guidance of educators who are deeply invested in their success and well-being.”

Through sports, arts, academic societies, leadership opportunities, and community partnerships, GLA’s enrichment programs extend the school day with experiences that inspire, engage, and empower our students, truly embodying our charge to be “More Than Just a School.”

GLA AT A GLANCE

Great Lakes Academy is a diverse and thriving community, with students from various backgrounds, cultures, and languages.

Our student-to-teacher ratio, robust faculty credentials, and high rate of financial aid recipients reflect our commitment to accessibility and high-quality education.

SINCE 2014

700+ students served

$15M investment in our facility

39% of 2024 grads recieved offers from selective enrollment high schools

GLA is a diverse community

91% BLACK/AFRICAN-AMERICAN

7% HISPANIC

58% OF TEACHERS IDENTIFY AS PEOPLE OF COLOR

2% MULTI-RACIAL, NATIVE AMERICAN OR WHITE

“Keep up the good work keeping kids happy about learning.”

—Ms. Hall, GLA Parent

5% MULITLINGUAL LEARNERS

13% OF STUDENTS HAVE IEPS

87% QUALIFY FOR FREE MEALS

15:1

STUDENT : TEACHER RATIO

STUDENTS THRIVING

At GLA, academic excellence is a top priority. Our rigorous curriculum, dedicated teachers, and innovative learning methods have helped us reach new milestones, ranking us among the top 20% of Illinois schools. With personalized support and resources, our students continue to excel, building a foundation for lifelong success.

GLA IS RANKED IN THE

TOP 20% OF ILLINOIS SCHOOLS

HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS

PARTNERSHIP WITH NOTRE DAME

Through our partnership with Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities, we provide additional resources to guide our students toward high school success. This program offers mentorship, application support, and college readiness resources, preparing our scholars to continue their educational journey with confidence.

SPORTS PROGRAMS

Our athletics program instills teamwork, discipline, and resilience. With a variety of sports offerings, GLA encourages students to stay active, challenge themselves, and build lifelong skills that extend beyond the classroom.

ALUMNI PROGRAMS

GLA remains committed to supporting students even after they leave our campus. In our 10th year we are launching the GLA Alumni Association to provide continued guidance, mentorship, and resources, helping graduates navigate high school and beyond. By maintaining these connections, we help our alumni achieve their full potential with support as they complete high school and matriculate through college.

“GLA teachers are amazing, very proactive and very concerned. Positive energy with great attitudes— keep it up.”

—Ms. Strong, GLA Parent

AFTERSCHOOL AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

CONTINUING TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY

BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY WITH OUR COMMUNITY

GLA believes that lasting change starts from within. We engage community members in meaningful ways, from volunteer opportunities to partnerships that bring resources directly to our students. Together, we are creating a stronger, more connected community.

“I think the teachers’ techniques are great. It helped my child’s learning skills extend.”

—Mr. James, GLA Parent

LEARNING SPACE FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS

Professional development and social-emotional learning are critical to our mission. GLA provides dedicated spaces and resources for these initiatives, ensuring both staff and students have access

STAFF RETENTION & WELLNESS DAYS

Our faculty reflects the community we serve, and we are proud to retain skilled, dedicated teachers year after year. With competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and a commitment to professional growth, GLA remains a preferred place for educators who are passionate about making a difference. At GLA, we understand that well-being is essential for productivity and happiness. The leadership of GLA has been intentional about providing benefits that reflect our commitment to our School of Care initiative. Wellness Days provide our staff and students with time to recharge, fostering a balanced environment that respects the need for rest and self-care.

PARENTS ARE STAFF

We recognize that parents play a crucial role in our students’ success. Nearly 10% of our current staff are parents of students currently enrolled at GLA. By integrating parents as part of our staff, we strengthen our community bonds and ensure that our students have support from both home and school. This unique approach helps us create a school culture that is inclusive, supportive, and deeply rooted in community values.

10% OF GLA STAFF ARE PARENTS OF STUDENTS

CELEBRATING OUR FUTURE

REFLECTING ON 10 YEARS

This year marks a decade of Great Lakes Academy’s commitment to education and community.

From our humble beginnings to our current accomplishments, we celebrate the impact we’ve made in the lives of countless students. Our journey over the past ten years has been inspiring, and we look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence.

“I am so proud of the school that Great Lakes Academy has become.”

From the kernel of an idea about what Chicago children deserve from a school to the realization of the thriving school serving 550 students, it has been the honor of a lifetime to bring the vision to life.

I founded GLA to serve its students as they grow to become the brightest beacons possible in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. Every child deserves to reach their fullest potential and to feel honored, respected and welcomed by their teachers and their environment.

GLA IS THE 4TH RANKED CHARTER SCHOOL AND PERFORMS IN THE TOP 20% OF ILLINOIS SCHOOLS

I hope that 10 and 20 and 100 years from now, GLA continues to push its school community—from students and families to staff and neighbors— to reach their fullest potential. That we continue to grow and learn and improve with great thoughtfulness and intention, as we work together to make our community and our world a better place.

—Katherine Myers-Crum, Founder

THANK YOU

STAFF

Julie Alexander 5th/6th Grade Science Teacher

Victoria Alexander Culture Specialist

Jamie Ali K-4 Character & Fitness Teacher

Ashiana Allen 5th Grade ELA Teacher

J.J. Angulo LBS1 Teacher

Maria Barnett 6th Grade ELA Teacher

Stephanie Beck Assistant Principal of Operations & Programs

Le’Andreah Belt 5th Grade Math Teacher

Jessica Beristain Dean of Instruction: Literacy

Jolie Blumberg 2nd Grade Teacher

Alex Boesel

3rd Grade Teacher

Jasmine Caston Social Worker

Akeem Cherry Finance Manager

Behind every GLA success story is a team of dedicated educators, leaders, and supporters.

Our staff and board members work tirelessly to shape the future of our school, providing the expertise and guidance needed to achieve our ambitious goals. We are honored to have such an incredible team and are excited for the future we are building together.

Brandis Clayton Virgial 1st Grade Teacher

Monica Connor 7th Grade Teacher

Tanara Crawford LBS1 Teacher

Elisa Crisantos 4th Grade Teacher

Beatrice Davis Paraeducator

Eugene Dunn 6th Grade Math Teacher

Aniyah Fisher Administrative Aide

Faith Ford 5th/6th Social Studies Teacher

Dwana Gaines Flex Teacher

Emily Garbarek Managing Director of Operations

Sabrae Gayles 1st Grade Teacher

Erika Gonzalez Bilingual Teacher

Megan Grandison LBS1 Teacher

Nakia Hall-Sharpe LBS1 Teacher

Jameca Hannah Kindergarten Teacher

Madaline Harlan Campus Operations Lead

Christina Harr ESL Teacher/ELPT Coordinator

Brenda Hartman Flex Teacher

Shamara Hearst Teacher Assistant

Shantae Hearst Culture Specialist

Shirl Henry Literacy Interventionist Teacher

Alondra Holler Social Work Intern

Maria Jimenez Financial Operations Lead Meagan Johnson Assistant Principal of Academics

Quincy Jones Dean of Instruction: Math

Katie Lifka 7th/8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Gabby Littleton 8th Grade Math and Science Teacher

Yana Long Community Outreach Lead

Kristen Marsh 4th Grade Teacher

Angela Mason 3rd Grade Teacher

Josh Miller Principal

Zenon Mills Dean of Specialized Services

Hannah Miner 2nd Grade Teacher

Jaquet Montgomery Kindergarten Teacher

Serafina Montgomery Paraeducator

Isaac Morales Facilities Manager

Caitlin O’Leary Student Programs Coordinator

Kathryn Paull Art Teacher

Titus Perez 5–8 Character & Fitness Teacher, Athletic Director

LaPorscha Pittman Paraeducator

Catrina Reynolds LBS1 Teacher

Ka’lee Robertson 3rd Grade Teacher

Lauren Roundtree 4th Grade Math Teacher

Taygeanna Seals 7th Grade Math and Science Teacher

Brandi Silverman Paraeducator

Savon Smith 2nd Grade Teacher

Melissa Stangl Social Worker, Dean of Student and Family Support

Stephanie Stuckett Paraeducator

Sheree Thunherst Administrative Operations Lead

Kenosha Thurman Paraeducator

Deon Tolliver Culture Specialist

La’Verne Watson Paraeducator

Jleese Williams Dean of Culture and Climate

Kelly-Ann Williams 1st Grade Teacher

Taylor Winfield 8th Grade ELA Teacher

Jay Winters LBS1 Teacher

Evangeline Wu Social Work Intern

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andy Baker Finance and Facilities Committee Chair

Aparupa Bhattacharya Vice Chair

Christine Chen Development Committee Chair

Katherine Menendez Cherry Board Member

Dr. Duane B. Davis Academic Committee Chair

“I love my job because of the culture of my work environment. With [the] uncertainty in this current day and age, GLA is a place where I can come to work confident I will find continued support and a stable work environment, and to work alongside a team I can work diligently and grow with.”

—GLA Staff Member

Brad Karsh Org Health Committee Chair

Katie McClay Secretary

Adeline Walker Parent Board Member

Mathew Sloan Board Member

John Washington Board Chair

Nicole Woodfork Parent Board Member

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR 2024 INVESTORS

Marco Acevedo

Joshua Ackerman and Julia Schwartz

Nimit and Manjot

Aggarwal

Neha Ahuja

Rosaria Alfonso

Maxwell Alpert

Cynthia Amacker

American Online Giving Foundation

Kendell Anders

Amanda Anderson

Tynita Anderson

Andrews Family Foundation

Audrey Aragon

Wilfried Aulbur

Douglas Bade

Banafsheh Bagheri

Latesha Bailey

Andy Baker and Sabina McBride

Bria Ball

Sonya Banks

Maria Barnett

Luke Beasley

Marni Benichou

Ryan Bennett

Aparupa Bhattacharya and Bradley Thobe

Mondira (Jeffery) Bhattacharya (Trilling)

Pamela Bird

Katalin and Jim Blalock

Danielle Blass

Jeff and Jennifer Blumberg

Jolie E Blumberg

Fiona Blumin

Aindreela and Dan Bodde

Alex Boesel

Kelley Boilini

Jovan Bramble

Ellexis Brantley

Shannon Breslin

Nell Brisard

Shifra Bronznick

Jarius Brookins

Ashley Brown

Burns and McDonnell

Floria Butler

David Caesar

Keri Callaghan

Cambiar Thrive Grant

Domenica Castro

Isaac Chan

Angela Chaudhari

Christine Chen and Eric Miles

Akeem and Espaeranza Cherry

Katherine and James Cherry

Norma Clary

Brandis Clayton

Maddie Cohee

Jocelyn Cohen

Wheeler Coleman

Genevieve Conley

Bonnie Conner

Oana and Sorin

Danciu

Lacerro Daniels

Duane Davis

Elissa Delman

Francie Denson

We are deeply grateful to our investors and supporters who make our mission possible. Through your generous contributions, we have created opportunities, improved facilities, and expanded programs. Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our vision for GLA.

Ruchik Desai

Nan Dingens

Pete Dolan

Alex Doyle

Daniel Dunne

Delores Durham

Andrew Dzieglo

Daniel Ellis

Haddie Erickson

Ellen Ericson

Eleanor and Michael Evangelides

Rebecca Evans

Shanika Evans

Alex Ferrer

Luz Ferrer

Mary and Chris Fifield

Luke Figora

Cary Figueroa

Emily Fine

Nate Ford

Emily Freiburger

Meg and Karl Frey

Ray Frick

Martin Fried

Ravin and Sonal

Gandhi

Tulsi Gaonkar

Sejal Gehani

Richard Gehlmann

Amy Geister

GGNet Inc

Nishtha Ghosh

Taylor Gilfillan

David Ginsberg

Robin and Russ Glass

Jodi Glickman

Coby Goldberg

Brian and Brian Goldstein

Julie and Greg Goldstein

Kyle Gordon

Lizzy Greif

Mary Griffin

Christine de Guzman

Nicolas Guzman

Nancy and Jeffery

Halis Philanthropic Fund

Mrs. Jenny Halls Bortnick

Allison Haltom

McClay and David McClay

Robert Handa

Alicia Hannah

Betsy and Kyle Hansen

James and Kathleen Haran

Sabrina Hardnett

Melanie Harmon

Harris Foundation

Gareth and Amika

Hayes

Kristin Hayes

Eytan Herman

Daniel Herrera

Reymundo Herrera

Miranda Hild

Carole Holliday

Monica Horowitz

Cheryl Howard-Neal

Christopher Hoyes

Julia Imershein

Invest for Kids Inc.

Noah Jaffe

Jelnachea James

Candice Johnson

Christopher Johnson

Derrick Johnson

Juanita Johnson

Jamila Jones

Just A Dash Catering

Andree Kaminsky

Cindy Kamm

Brad and Lisa Karsh

Jami Kasle

Barbara Kees

Kathy and Katherine Kennedy-Kartheiser

Jeff Khadavi

Jackson Kimball

Michele King

Danielle and Robert Kinstlinger

Elizabeth and Brian Kirk

Joan and Neil Kitchie

Nina Kortas

Jason Krigel

Lynn Laughlin

Ryan and Nick Lawler

Chanda Lawson

Tamikka Lawson

Ciara Leahy

Josh and Karen Leavitt

Luz Lebron

Carol Levine

Linda Levine

Judy Lieberman

Carly Lippman

Lisa Lippman

Max Lippman

Michael Lippman

Neil and Joanne Lippman

Samuel Lippman

Carlene Liriano

Tony Luna

Mack Madorsky

Zakiya Malone

Chloe Mann

Marcia Mann

Maureen Odonnell Mann

Emily Marguerite

Thomas Marinier

Alex Masover

Vicki Masover

Eli Mauskopf

Cecil Maxey Jr

Catherine McClay and Brady Dawson

Leonard McDowell

Alyson McKinster

Steve McLaughlin

Andrew McNees

Andy McNees

Anjali Mehta

Debbie Merovitz

Ben Meshel

Valerie and Steve Metcalf

Kelly Milburn

Brenda Miller

Brian and Cat Miller

Dawnielle Miller

Quinnetta Miller

Charlie Mills

Steve Minturn

Nakia Moore

Sherelle Moore

Isaac Morales

Kierra Morris

Claire Muller

Cristina Munoz

Charles Murphy

Phyllis Myers and Dan Greiwe

Chris Norton

Justin Oberman

Adeline Ogbor

Adegbayi Omisanya

ORBA

Anna Ortega

Gaby Ortiz

Oluwaseun Ososami

Maggie Panighel

Cynthia Aguilar Paredes

Heidi and Brian Paul

Shawn Paul

PayPal Charitable Giving Fund

Maribel Perez

Robert Pettit

Dino Pezza

Mason and Mason Phelps

Michelle Pierre

Marta Pineda

Angela Jones Pippins

Dylan Posner

Jessica Post

Kate Proctor

James Quaid

Allison Rahill

James Reckitt

Daryl Rice

Patrick Richel

Michael Robinson

Roland Berger Strategy Consultants

Sophie Rose

Felicia and David Sable

Bethany Salgado

Nereyda Salinas

Stephanie Schmitt

Julia Schwartz

Maggie Scott

Sylvester Scott

Melissa Seiler

Ariel Semel

Seyfarth

Brinda and Vineet Shah

Urvi Shah

Tallal Shakarchi

La Stanton Shawn

Himika Shergill

Samuel Shipko

Konstantin Shirokinskiy

Jacqueline Short

Jan Sider

Danielle Sika

William and Anita Silberberg

Larissa and Craig Silberburg

Melissa and Noah

Silvers

Jarvis Simmons

Mary Lou and Andrew Skalkos

Matthew Sloan

Shamberi Smith

Rebecca Smoot

Darren Snyder

Luisa Soares

Maritza Sowell

Erin Sowerby

Ka’Lee Sparks

Van and Beth Stamos

Taylor Stewart

Alisha Stillwell

Anna Sukenik

Marlon Sykes

David Tanury

Felicia Taylor

Faye and Arthur Paul Teller

Courtney Templin

Carlos Terrazas

Courtney Thayer

Bradley Thobe

Rose Thomas

Felicia Tims

Monica Townsend

Melissa Tribue Martin

Robyn Tsesarsky

Rajeev Uppalapati

United Airlines

Corporate

Shiyi Van Gorden

Kirsten and Ned Villers

Pieter Visser

Pete Vitale

Jesse Walberer

Walmart

Emma Walsh

Liam Walsh

Scott Walsh

Alexander Warner

Nicole Warren

John Washington and Zoe Hughes

Lina Wei

Joshua Weiss

Keren and Greg Weiss

Alvin Claude Wesley

Alexis Whaley

Bob and Laura Wilheim

Jermel Williams

Kelly-Ann Williams

Robyn Williams

Tia Wilson

Wipfli

Kajaria Yarbrough

Hillary Yuen

Lauren Zalay

Betsy and Jeff Zeiger

Derek Zolner

Thank you to the following donors for a lifetime gift of $100,000+