• What We Fund

    Education

    Education | What We Fund

What We Fund

Education

Improving educational outcomes for children in the City of Beloit.
Increasing choices and educational options available to Beloit families.

Improving educational outcomes for children in the City of Beloit.
Increasing choices and educational options available to Beloit families.

Education can change a path.
It can make an immediate and future difference in a child’s life.
Education has the power to create generational impact.

The Lincoln Academy

The Lincoln AcademyThe Lincoln Academy (TLA) is a K4-12 grade independent charter school located in Beloit. An innovative, high-quality, free public school option that developed out of a community-level commitment to improve academic achievement and preparedness of Beloit students for life after high school, TLA’s vision is to be the premier K4-12 school in Wisconsin, providing college and career pathways for scholars to lead happy, choice-filled lives.

The school is committed to reflecting the diversity of the Beloit community and has embedded the lived school values of: Children First, Trusting Community, Get It Done, Find the Joy and Community Focus into the environment.

Chartered through the University of Wisconsin Office of Educational Opportunity in 2020, TLA serves more than 700 scholars and has a 3-star rating of Meets Expectations from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction based upon the 2023-2024 school report card, the most current report card available.

The Lincoln AcademyThe Lincoln Academy (TLA) is a K4-12 grade independent charter school located in Beloit. An innovative, high-quality, free public school option that developed out of a community-level commitment to improve academic achievement and preparedness of Beloit students for life after high school, TLA’s vision is to be the premier K4-12 school in Wisconsin, providing college and career pathways for scholars to lead happy, choice-filled lives.

The school is committed to reflecting the diversity of the Beloit community and has embedded the lived school values of: Children First, Trusting Community, Get It Done, Find the Joy and Community Focus into the environment.

Chartered through the University of Wisconsin Office of Educational Opportunity in 2020, TLA serves more than 700 scholars and has a 4-star rating of Exceeds Expectations from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction based upon the 2022-2023 school report card, the most current report card available.

Education can change a path.
It can make an immediate and future difference in a child’s life.
Education has the power to create generational impact.

The Lincoln Academy

The Lincoln AcademyThe Lincoln Academy (TLA) is a K4-12 grade independent charter school located in Beloit. An innovative, high-quality, free public school option that developed out of a community-level commitment to improve academic achievement and preparedness of Beloit students for life after high school, TLA’s vision is to be the premier K4-12 school in Wisconsin, providing college and career pathways for scholars to lead happy, choice-filled lives.

The school is committed to reflecting the diversity of the Beloit community and has embedded the lived school values of: Children First, Trusting Community, Get It Done, Find the Joy and Community Focus into the environment.

Chartered through the University of Wisconsin Office of Educational Opportunity in 2020, TLA serves more than 700 scholars and has a 4-star rating of Exceeds Expectations from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction based upon the 2022-2023 school report card, the most current report card available.

Education | What We Fund
Education | Scholars on Waitlist 2025
Education | Special Education 2025
Scholars 724
Education | English Learners 2025
Education | What We Fund
Scholars 724
Education | Scholars on Waitlist 2025
Education | Special Education 2025
Education | English Learners 2025
Ethnicity Pie Chart 2025

“I truly love TLA. I tell everyone how awesome my scholar is doing academically!”

Ethnicity Pie Chart 2025

“I truly love TLA. I tell everyone how awesome my scholar is doing academically!”

Focus on Three Pillars

TLA is grounded in a focus on three pillars.

The project-based, experiential learning model utilized at TLA integrates all three pillars into the curriculum at every grade-level.

Academic Rigor

The school’s unique instructional model is designed to ensure scholars receive extended instruction, an integrated reading/writing curriculum and targeted intervention, as needed, each day.

  • TLA schoolwide 2024-2025 NWEA MAP Results exceeded individual growth targets in reading and math by an average of 27%. Class growth targets were achieved in both areas.
  • Schoolwide, MAP Reading growth was in the 95th percentile and Math growth was in the 99th percentile of all schools across the country.
  • 9 dual enrollment courses were offered at TLA during the 2024-2025 school year, with 460 college credits earned, representing $70,000 in scholar college savings.
  • 96% attendance rate.

HIDDEN — PRIOR YEAR

The school’s unique instructional model is designed to ensure scholars receive extended instruction, an integrated reading/writing curriculum and targeted intervention, as needed, each day.

  • TLA schoolwide 2023-2024 NWEA MAP Results exceeded individual growth targets in reading and math by an average of 13.5%. Class growth targets were achieved in both areas.
  • 75% of K5–3rd grade scholars achieved proficiency in foundational reading skills.
  • 40% of 9–11th grade scholars were on the honor roll during the 4th Quarter.

HIDDEN — PRIOR YEAR

The school’s unique instructional model is designed to ensure scholars receive extended instruction, an integrated reading/writing curriculum and targeted intervention, as needed, each day.

  • TLA school wide 2022-2023 NWEA MAP Results exceeded individual growth targets by an average of 14.5% and class growth targets by an average of 16.5% in reading and math.
  • 71% of K5-4th grade scholars achieved proficiency in foundational reading skills.
  • 41% of 9th and 10th grade scholars were on the honor roll during the 4th Quarter.

Academic Rigor

The school’s unique instructional model is designed to ensure scholars receive extended instruction, an integrated reading/writing curriculum and targeted intervention, as needed, each day.

  • TLA schoolwide 2024-2025 NWEA MAP Results exceeded individual growth targets in reading and math by an average of 27%. Class growth targets were achieved in both areas.
  • Schoolwide, MAP Reading growth was in the 95th percentile and Math growth was in the 99th percentile of all schools across the country.
  • 9 dual enrollment courses were offered at TLA during the 2024-2025 school year, with 460 college credits earned, representing $70,000 in scholar college savings.
  • 96% attendance rate.

HIDDEN – PRIOR YEAR

The school’s unique instructional model is designed to ensure scholars receive extended instruction, an integrated reading/writing curriculum and targeted intervention, as needed, each day.

  • TLA schoolwide 2023-2024 NWEA MAP Results exceeded individual growth targets in reading and math by an average of 13.5%. Class growth targets were achieved in both areas.
  • 75% of K5–3rd grade scholars achieved proficiency in foundational reading skills.
  • 40% of 9–11th grade scholars were on the honor roll during the 4th Quarter.

HIDDEN — PRIOR YEAR

The school’s unique instructional model is designed to ensure scholars receive extended instruction, an integrated reading/writing curriculum and targeted intervention, as needed, each day.

  • TLA school wide 2022-2023 NWEA MAP Results exceeded individual growth targets by an average of 14.5% and class growth targets by an average of 16.5% in reading and math.
  • 71% of K5-4th grade scholars achieved proficiency in foundational reading skills.
  • 41% of 9th and 10th grade scholars were on the honor roll during the 4th Quarter.

Character Development

Character development embodies monthly virtues and a focus on citizenship and service. TLA’s 10 virtues are infused in all curricular content and taught through direct instruction in class and during weekly school assemblies.

  • 1,235 Character Awards were granted to scholars who built relationships in the school community, relied on virtues to make good decisions, and understood foundational concepts of the virtues.
  • Scholars undertook 3,250 hours of Service Learning.
  • Leading Lions, select scholars at each grade level excelling in all three of TLA’s pillars, were also recognized.

HIDDEN — 2023-2024 School Year

Character development is integrated through a focus on character virtues infused in all curricular subject content and taught through direct instruction.

  • 827 Character Awards.
  • Scholars undertook 2,250+ hours of Service Learning.

HIDDEN — 2022-2023 school year

Character development is integrated through a focus on character virtues infused in all curricular subject content and taught through direct instruction.

  • 827 Character Awards.
  • Scholars undertook 2,000+ hours of Service Learning.

Character Development

Character development embodies monthly virtues and a focus on citizenship and service. TLA’s 10 virtues are infused in all curricular content and taught through direct instruction in class and during weekly school assemblies.

  • 1,235 Character Awards were granted to scholars who built relationships in the school community, relied on virtues to make good decisions, and understood foundational concepts of the virtues.
  • Scholars undertook 3,250 hours of Service Learning.
  • Leading Lions, select scholars at each grade level excelling in all three of TLA’s pillars, were also recognized.

HIDDEN — 2023-2024 School Year

Character development is integrated through a focus on character virtues infused in all curricular subject content and taught through direct instruction.

  • 827 Character Awards.
  • Scholars undertook 2,250+ hours of Service Learning.

HIDDEN — 2022-2023 school year

Character development is integrated through a focus on character virtues infused in all curricular subject content and taught through direct instruction.

  • 827 Character Awards.
  • Scholars undertook 2,000+ hours of Service Learning.

Career Exploration

Scholars are encouraged to explore and dream. Every scholar in grades K4-12 creates an age-appropriate Individual Learning Plan for themselves that includes career exploration focused goals.

Scholars in the 8th and 12th grades present the plan to a review panel as part of their graduation requirements.

  • 96% of 6th – 9th grade scholars attended a college visit.
  • 100% of 8th grade scholars completed a virtual job shadow.
  • 93% of 10th grade scholars completed job shadows in the community.
  • 99% of K5 – 11th grade scholars completed Xello career lessons.
  • 100% of 8th grade and Senior scholars presented their Individualized Learning Plan.
  • 39 industry recognized certifications were earned by scholars.
  • Junior & Senior scholars worked more than 20,300 hours at 45 different work sites.

HIDDEN — 2023-2024 School Year

Scholars are encouraged to explore and dream. Every scholar in grades K4-12 creates an age-appropriate Individual Learning Plan for themselves that includes career exploration focused goals.

Scholars in the 8th and 12th grades present the plan to a review panel as part of their graduation requirements.

  • 98% of 10th grade scholars completed job shadows.
  • 98% of K5-11th grade scholars completed Xello career lessons.
  • 100% of 8th grade scholars presented their Individualized Learning Plan.
  • 90% of 6-10th grade scholars attended a college visit.
  • 7 dual enrollment courses were offered through the Start College Now and Early College Credit programs, with 210 credits earned and $31,000 in scholar savings toward college credits during the 2023-2024 school year. Since the school’s inception, scholars have earned 345 credits resulting in $48,931 in scholar savings toward college credits

HIDDEN — 2022-2023 School Year

Scholars are encouraged to explore and dream. Every scholar in grades K4-12 creates an age-appropriate Individual Learning Plan for themselves that includes career exploration focused goals.

Scholars in the 8th and 12th grades present the plan to a review panel as part of their graduation requirements.

  • 100% of 10th grade scholars completed job shadows.
  • 95% of K5-10th grade scholars completed Xello career lessons.
  • 98% of 8th grade scholars presented their Individualized Learning Plan.
  • 94% of 6-10th grade scholars attended a college visit.
  • 6 dual enrollment courses were offered with 135 college credits earned and $17,931 in scholar savings toward college credits.

Career Exploration

Scholars are encouraged to explore and dream. Every scholar in grades K4-12 creates an age-appropriate Individual Learning Plan for themselves that includes career exploration focused goals.

Scholars in the 8th and 12th grades present the plan to a review panel as part of their graduation requirements.

  • 96% of 6th – 9th grade scholars attended a college visit.
  • 100% of 8th grade scholars completed a virtual job shadow.
  • 93% of 10th grade scholars completed job shadows in the community.
  • 99% of K5 – 11th grade scholars completed Xello career lessons.
  • 100% of 8th grade and Senior scholars presented their Individualized Learning Plan.
  • 39 industry recognized certifications were earned by scholars.
  • Junior & Senior scholars worked more than 20,300 hours at 45 different work sites.

HIDDEN — 2023-2024 School Year

Scholars are encouraged to explore and dream. Every scholar in grades K4-12 creates an age-appropriate Individual Learning Plan for themselves that includes career exploration focused goals.

Scholars in the 8th and 12th grades present the plan to a review panel as part of their graduation requirements.

  • 98% of 10th grade scholars completed job shadows.
  • 98% of K5-11th grade scholars completed Xello career lessons.
  • 100% of 8th grade scholars presented their Individualized Learning Plan.
  • 90% of 6-10th grade scholars attended a college visit.
  • 7 dual enrollment courses were offered through the Start College Now and Early College Credit programs, with 210 credits earned and $31,000 in scholar savings toward college credits during the 2023-2024 school year. Since the school’s inception, scholars have earned 345 credits resulting in $48,931 in scholar savings toward college credits

HIDDEN — 2022-2023 School Year

Scholars are encouraged to explore and dream. Every scholar in grades K4-12 creates an age-appropriate Individual Learning Plan for themselves that includes career exploration focused goals.

Scholars in the 8th and 12th grades present the plan to a review panel as part of their graduation requirements.

  • 100% of 10th grade scholars completed job shadows.
  • 95% of K5-10th grade scholars completed Xello career lessons.
  • 98% of 8th grade scholars presented their Individualized Learning Plan.
  • 94% of 6-10th grade scholars attended a college visit.
  • 6 dual enrollment courses were offered with 135 college credits earned and $17,931 in scholar savings toward college credits.

Additional details about the most recent school year at The Lincoln Academy can be found here.

The Lincoln Academy
2024 - 2025 Year in Review
The Lincoln Academy
2023 - 2024 Year in Review
The Lincoln Academy
2022 - 2023 Year in Review

2024-2025 | The Lincoln Academy Year in Review

2023-2024 TLA Year in Review

The Lincoln Academy | 2022-2023 Year in Review

Additional details about the most recent school year at The Lincoln Academy can be found here.

The Lincoln Academy
2024 - 2025 Year in Review
The Lincoln Academy
2023 - 2024 Year in Review
The Lincoln Academy
2022 - 2023 Year in Review

2024-2025 | The Lincoln Academy Year in Review

2023-2024 TLA Year in Review

The Lincoln Academy | 2022-2023 Year in Review

The Lincoln AcademyThe Foundation’s Education priority is focused on strategies that improve educational outcomes for Beloit children and increase choices and educational options available to Beloit families. We, along with many others, have grown increasingly concerned about educational outcomes in our city and have worked with community members from every corner of Beloit to bring TLA to life.

Through its investment of time, talent and resources in The Lincoln Academy, including making a significant financial commitment to closing the per pupil funding gap that creates an ongoing challenge for independent charter schools, the Foundation helps to ensure local scholars are provided an environment conducive to the learning process; proving what is possible when scholars are given the right combination of school culture, strong academics, career integration and a mission-driven staff.

The Lincoln Academy Website

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The Lincoln AcademyThe Foundation’s Education priority is focused on strategies that improve educational outcomes for Beloit children and increase choices and educational options available to Beloit families. We, along with many others, have grown increasingly concerned about educational outcomes in our city and have worked with community members from every corner of Beloit to bring TLA to life.

Through its investment of time, talent and resources in The Lincoln Academy, including making a significant financial commitment to closing the per pupil funding gap that creates an ongoing challenge for independent charter schools, the Foundation helps to ensure local scholars are provided an environment conducive to the learning process; proving what is possible when scholars are given the right combination of school culture, strong academics, career integration and a mission-driven staff.

The Lincoln Academy Website

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When I think about education, I think about what were really giving our children. We’re giving them a future. We’re daring them to dream.

Diane Hendricks
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When I think about education, I think about what were really giving our children. We’re giving them a future. We’re daring them to dream.

Diane Hendricks
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Insights

Insights Archive
Science Experiment | The Lincoln Academy

A New Milestone for The Lincoln Academy

Four years into the investment in closing the per pupil funding gap that exists at The Lincoln Academy, the Foundation, along with the school community, is celebrating another new milestone for the school; the first graduating senior class!
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SDB Data Tool

The School District of Beloit Data Tool

Accurate and objective data is critical, particularly if we rely on that data to facilitate decision-making and problem-solving.
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Lockers, Boys & Girls Club | Hendricks Family Foundation

The Impact of Choice

Our goals are to bring more options to children and families, to improve academic outcomes, to extend learning beyond the classroom and to seed innovation.
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Rewarding Success

Rewarding Success and Empowering Parents

All children deserve an educational option that enables them to learn and grow; they all deserve to have the supports they need to be able to create a successful life after high school.
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Little Lambs Childcare

Little Lambs Childcare Center Receives HFF Impact Grant

In 2022, there were 3.1 children under 5 years of age for every one childcare space in Beloit.
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Parker Arts Academy

Parker Arts Academy Receives Start-Up Funding

Preparing Arts-Focused Students for the Future
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Janesville Performing Arts Center

Hendricks Education Center | Janesville Performing Arts Center

JPAC’s exponential growth as a driving factor necessitating its expansion. JPAC needed a separate space dedicated to performing arts education. When planning for the future it was important to the Board and JPAC staff to have a permanent structure like this in place.
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Boosting Literacy | Beloit Daily News, Hillary Gavin

Boosting Literacy – Beloit Daily News

Beloit Memorial High School National Honor Society students have been rounding up books and shelves to help boost early literacy. Student Gloria Heiss and fellow students will be hosting a book giveaway event from noon - 1 p.m. on May 11 at the Beloit Public Library.
Read more
Youth Opportunities

Preparing Our Youth – Youth Opportunities

There’s little doubt that Beloit has a plethora of committed agencies and organizations reaching out to help youth in many areas.
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