Thank You for Supporting Freedom School

January 02, 2026 • Susan Peters

2025 was our 4th year hosting 80 local scholars (K–8th grade) for CDF Freedom School at St. Luke's, and because of your support and participation, it was our best year ever. The good news is that we are already hard at work planning for 2026!

Freedom School is a significant and worthy investment in local community students that is stopping — even reversing — summer learning loss. Freedom School uses reading engagement and culturally relevant books and activities to build a love for reading, develop social-emotional skills, and engage in honest discussions about social justice issues that impact them. Take a look at these 2025 results from our St. Luke's scholars:

  • 93% of scholars maintained or increased their reading levels
  • 93% of scholars feel more proud of themselves and are more confident about achieving their goals
  • 90% of scholars feel more confident that they can make a difference around them
  • 79% of scholars feel less likely to give up when life gets challenging
  • 77% of scholars are more motivated to go to college
  • 72% of scholars feel more confident that they can solve arguments without fighting

Freedom School is funded by the generous support of St. Luke's congregants and community members, and this high-quality program is offered at no cost to participating families.

Hear what parents have to say

100% of responding parents said that they have a better understanding of how to help their children to be successful, they plan to be more engaged in their child's schoolwork this year, their child has more confidence, their child learned ways to resolve conflicts, and they would recommend Freedom School to other parents.

  • “Freedom School has given my baby a voice. She was nervous at first, but now she feels she has a voice and is more confident when she speaks. She is also reading better and stronger. She loves it here!”
  • “I came into the program not knowing what to expect and my expectations were exceeded. My daughter was not excited about attending but loved it after the first day. I am so thankful to have found this program!”
  • “My children come home excited after attending Freedom School. They talk about real world issues and want to find ways to be involved.”

Our Servant Leader Interns had this to say

  • “I'm very blessed to be able to do something meaningful over the summer.”
  • “I genuinely enjoyed myself!”
  • “This has been an amazing experience. I will forever be a part of the CDF Freedom School family.”
  • “With it being my first year here, I feel way more confident with myself in all aspects.”

Susan Peters