GLA Annual Report 2023 - 2024

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Invested in Our Community

INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY 10 YEARS OF IMPACT

10 YEARS OF IMPACT

INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY CONTENTS 3

MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

4

MORE THAN JUST A SCHOOL

8

GLA AT A GLANCE

10 STUDENTS THRIVING 12 CONTINUING TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY 14 CELEBRATING OUR FUTURE 16 STAFF AND BOARD Photography by Errol-Marc Watson

33

%

ALUMNI WITH SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT OFFERS

2

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

82

%

OF FAMILIES LIVE IN SOUTH SHORE AND SOUTH CHICAGO

25M

$

INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

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” 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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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.

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GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

AFTER

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.

15M

$

FACILITY EXPANSION

BEFORE

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

5

173K+ MEALS SERVED IN 2024

FROM BREAKFAST TO AFTER SCHOOL

BUILDING COMMUNITY

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

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.

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.

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GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN 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.”

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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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

39

%

700+ students served

8

15M

$

investment in our facility

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

of 2024 grads recieved offers from selective enrollment high schools

58

%

OF TEACHERS IDENTIFY AS PEOPLE OF COLOR GLA is a diverse community

91% BLACK/AFRICAN-AMERICAN 7%

HISPANIC

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 RATIO

STUDENT : TEACHER

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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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.

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GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

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

30+

AFTERSCHOOL AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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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

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GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

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

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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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.

10 YEARS OF IMPACT 2014

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY IS FOUNDED

14

2018

1+ GLA RECEIVES HIGHEST ACCOUNTABILITY RATING FROM DISTRICT

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

2021

THE KMC ENRICHMENT CENTER OPENS

2022

GLA GRADUATES ITS FIRST CLASS OF SCHOLARS

“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.

2024

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

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.

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 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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THANK YOU

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.

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

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Brandis Clayton Virgial 1st Grade Teacher

Nakia Hall-Sharpe LBS1 Teacher

Monica Connor 7th Grade Teacher

Jameca Hannah Kindergarten Teacher

Tanara Crawford LBS1 Teacher

Madaline Harlan Campus Operations Lead

Elisa Crisantos 4th Grade Teacher

Christina Harr ESL Teacher/ELPT Coordinator

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

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

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

Stephanie Stuckett Paraeducator

LaPorscha Pittman Paraeducator

Sheree Thunherst Administrative Operations Lead

Catrina Reynolds LBS1 Teacher

Kenosha Thurman Paraeducator

Ka’lee Robertson 3rd Grade Teacher

Deon Tolliver Culture Specialist

Lauren Roundtree 4th Grade Math Teacher

La’Verne Watson Paraeducator

Taygeanna Seals 7th Grade Math and Science Teacher

Jleese Williams Dean of Culture and Climate

Brandi Silverman Paraeducator

Kelly-Ann Williams 1st Grade Teacher

Savon Smith 2nd Grade Teacher

Taylor Winfield 8th Grade ELA Teacher

Melissa Stangl Social Worker, Dean of Student and Family Support

Jay Winters LBS1 Teacher

“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

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

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

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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ACKNOWLEDGING OUR 2024 INVESTORS

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.

Marco Acevedo

Fiona Blumin

Ruchik Desai

Joshua Ackerman and Julia Schwartz

Aindreela and Dan Bodde

Nan Dingens

Nimit and Manjot Aggarwal

Alex Boesel

Alex Doyle

Neha Ahuja

Jovan Bramble

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

Kelley Boilini Ellexis Brantley Shannon Breslin Nell Brisard Shifra Bronznick Jarius Brookins Ashley Brown

Pete Dolan Daniel Dunne Delores Durham Andrew Dzieglo Daniel Ellis Haddie Erickson Ellen Ericson Eleanor and Michael Evangelides

Burns and McDonnell

Rebecca Evans

Floria Butler

Alex Ferrer

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

Ryan Bennett

Norma Clary

Aparupa Bhattacharya and Bradley Thobe

Brandis Clayton Maddie Cohee

Mondira (Jeffery) Bhattacharya (Trilling)

Wheeler Coleman

Jocelyn Cohen Genevieve Conley

Shanika Evans

Candice Johnson

Julie and Greg Goldstein

Derrick Johnson

Kyle Gordon Lizzy Greif Mary Griffin Christine de Guzman

Mrs. Jenny Halls Bortnick

Luke Figora

Betsy and Kyle Hansen

Emily Freiburger Meg and Karl Frey Ray Frick Martin Fried Ravin and Sonal Gandhi Tulsi Gaonkar Sejal Gehani Richard Gehlmann Amy Geister GGNet Inc

Oana and Sorin Danciu

Taylor Gilfillan

Danielle Blass

Lacerro Daniels

David Ginsberg

Jeff and Jennifer Blumberg

Duane Davis

Robin and Russ Glass

Jolie E Blumberg

Elissa Delman Francie Denson

Jodi Glickman Coby Goldberg

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY | INVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

Just A Dash Catering Andree Kaminsky Cindy Kamm

Barbara Kees

Alicia Hannah

Nate Ford

Jamila Jones

Brad and Lisa Karsh

Mary and Chris Fifield

Emily Fine

Juanita Johnson

Nancy and Jeffery Halis Philanthropic Fund

Robert Handa

Cary Figueroa

Christopher Johnson

Nicolas Guzman

Luz Ferrer

Nishtha Ghosh

Katalin and Jim Blalock

Brian and Brian Goldstein

Allison Haltom McClay and David McClay

Bonnie Conner

Pamela Bird

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We are deeply grateful to our investors and

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

Jami Kasle 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

Gaby Ortiz

Jacqueline Short

Scott Walsh

Samuel Lippman

Oluwaseun Ososami

Jan Sider

Alexander Warner

Carlene Liriano

Maggie Panighel

Danielle Sika

Nicole Warren

Tony Luna

Cynthia Aguilar Paredes

William and Anita Silberberg

John Washington and Zoe Hughes

Larissa and Craig Silberburg

Lina Wei

Melissa and Noah Silvers

Keren and Greg Weiss

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

Heidi and Brian Paul Shawn Paul PayPal Charitable Giving Fund

Jarvis Simmons

Maribel Perez

Mary Lou and Andrew Skalkos

Robert Pettit

Matthew Sloan

Dino Pezza

Shamberi Smith

Mason and Mason Phelps

Rebecca Smoot

Michelle Pierre

Luisa Soares

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

Darren Snyder 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

Joshua Weiss

Alvin Claude Wesley Bob and Laura Wilheim Jermel Williams Kelly-Ann Williams Robyn Williams Wipfli Kajaria Yarbrough Hillary Yuen Lauren Zalay Betsy and Jeff Zeiger

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

Eleanor and Michael Evangelides Robin and Russ Glass

LEAP Innovations

Robyn Tsesarsky

Brian and Cat Miller

Rajeev Uppalapati

Phyllis Myers and Dan Greiwe

Pete Vitale Jesse Walberer Walmart Emma Walsh

PARTNERS

Katherine and James Cherry

Candice Johnson

Pieter Visser

$50,000

Derek Zolner

Melissa Tribue Martin

Kirsten and Ned Villers

$200,000

Tia Wilson

James and Kathleen Haran

Shiyi Van Gorden

$1,050,000

Alexis Whaley

Monica Townsend

United Airlines Corporate

GRANTS AND AWARDS

New Schools for Chicago Heidi and Brian Paul Larissa and Craig Silberburg Faye and Arthur Paul Teller Kirsten and Ned Villers

Liam Walsh

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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Great Lakes Academy Charter School 8401 S Saginaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60617 (773) 530-3040 glachicago.org