Bilal Learning Center's very successful resident public charter school was in the national spotlight this week when television talk show host Ellen Degeneres surprised The Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) with $50,000, including laptop computers for every student.
CAL has been a bright beacon of light for residents in South Los Angeles. School Principal Brooke Jackson joined Ellen on her show and told its national audience all about her fantastic school.
With 360 students, test scores at CAL rank at the top of the list for Los Angeles Unified School District Charter Schools. The school is extremely loved by its community as it is seen as a safe place for children to learn and excel. Many have very difficult home lives with nearly 98% of these students receiving free or reduced lunches. The school is in need of many resources, but receives minimal funding.
Despite the school's financial hardships, Principal Jackson goes above and beyond to ensure that the school is a happy and worry-free place for all of her students. Ellen was extremely touched by Principal Jackson's dedication to the kids and surprised her with the donation.
