Durbin, Kirk Praise the Establishment of a Public Charter School in North Chicago
School to open in September for 250 pupils
[NORTH CHICAGO] – Today, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) announced their support for the establishment of the LEARN Public Charter School in North Chicago on the edge of Great Lakes Naval Station. The Senators congratulated the Navy, the LEARN Charter School Network, the Illinois State Board of Education and the community of North Chicago for their efforts in working together to establish the elementary charter school, which is scheduled to open on September 4, 2012 in North Chicago School District 187.
"The LEARN Public Charter School is another important improvement to the quality of North Chicago schools that will benefit students and families throughout North Chicago," said Durbin. "This innovative solution is a testament to the hard work and leadership of the Illinois State Board of Education, the LEARN network, the U.S. Navy and dedicated members of the community. I was happy to work with Senator Kirk to support these efforts."
"LEARN has a proven track record in the city of Chicago and this new charter school will bring that same level of excellence to the North Chicago public school community," said a spokesperson for Senator Kirk. "This new school is the one of the many steps underway to improve the education opportunities for all of the students in North Chicago, including those from our military families."
Last week the LEARN Charter School Network signed a lease with the Navy to the open its newest school at a former Great Lakes Naval Station training facility. LEARN also held a lottery for all applicants to determine enrollment. The school is estimated to house 250 students grades K-2nd and 6th-7th for the initial 2012-2013 school year. LEARN North Chicago aims to grow by one grade each year to eventually serve grades K-8 and 500 students. The new North Chicago school will join the LEARN network of five public charter elementary schools in the Chicagoland area.