From the Cardinal’s Nest by Emily Bergstrom, Executive Director
There are lots of good reasons why students choose to attend a specialty program like Cardinal Academy when they find out they are pregnant. After all, Cardinal Academy is a specially designed school for pregnant and parenting teens and young adults! Besides small class sizes, on-site childcare, the incentive store, free diapers, food pantry, case management, medical care, counseling and caring teachers, we’ll explore what some graduates of a similar program have to say about their time in a school designed just for pregnant and parenting students.
Meet Lauren K. She is now 21 and graduated from high school in 2018. She is the mom of Angel, age 3.
What are you doing now? Working as a CNA
What was your favorite subject in school? English
What was your favorite school lunch? Pizza
What do you like to do in your free time? Take my son on fun adventures.
How would your best friend describe you? They would say I have an honest heart and an inner desire to help others. I have a strong work ethic and work hard to reach my goals. My sense of humor is a great tool that draws others to me, allowing me to connect with all those who cross my path.
Why did you choose to attend a program designed especially for pregnant and parenting teens? When I first found out I was pregnant I thought my life was over and I for sure didn’t think I’d graduate. But with this kind of school, I was not only able to graduate and go on to college, but I was able to learn parenting skills to help me be the best first time mom I could be .
What was the best thing about it? I loved going to school with peers that are going through the exact same thing plus my son and I have play dates for life!
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of overcoming the stereotypes of being a teen mom and having a son who is such a smarty pants.
As you see, Cardinal Academy is more than just a school. Cardinal Academy is a caring community where pregnant and parenting teens can find their path, reach their goals, and make friends for life.
Sign up today at: https://cardinalacademycharter.org/register/.