Family Life Academy Charter Schools Awarded $4.5 Million by MacKenzie Scott to Support Educational Equity in the Bronx

Earlier this month, Family Life Academy Charter Schools (FLACS) received a generous $4.5 million gift from author and Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

When Marilyn Calo, Chief Executive Officer, received a phone call sharing that Family Life Academy Charter Schools was receiving a gift from Ms. Scott, she was astounded by the news. At a time when so much has happened to students across the community of the Bronx, this gift recognizes the important role that Family Life Academy Charter Schools and so many others play in expanding educational and racial equity in the community.

Ms. Scott, a mother and an activist, pledged in 2019 to give a significant portion of her multi-billion-dollar fortune away to charitable organizations. In her blog post, Ms. Scott reflected, “Equity can only be realized when all people involved have an opportunity to help shape it.” Each non-profit awarded was selected through a rigorous process and had a strong track record of serving under-supported needs.

Her donation serves as an investment in the success of FLACS’ scholars. It comes as a direct result of the great work of their staff across the network and their mission to create the conditions for self-empowerment for all their K-12 students to excel academically, take responsibility for their own learning, and affirm human values today, in college, and beyond.

FLACS is community-grown and owes its success to the grassroots efforts of the Latino Pastoral Action Center (LPAC), which recognizes the need for improving educational opportunities in the community. FLACS is a unique example of what can be accomplished when dedicated individuals take the lead in improving public education options. Since opening its doors over 20 years ago, FLACS has grown to three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school.

“This gift will allow FLACS the opportunity to continue to bring all “voices” to the table–Board, Staff, Parents, Scholars, and Community Partners,” said Marilyn Calo, Chief Executive Officer, “to actively engage in discussions in setting the course and next steps for continuing a legacy of providing access to high-quality educational options for all learners, creating a transformation for equity education and choice in our communities.”

FLACS is beyond grateful for Ms. Scott’s generosity and support, as every one of those dollars is needed to meet the needs of their students, teachers, families, and community.

Family Life Academy Charter Schools seeks to ensure that all children, despite race, income, and English language skills, can realize their potential when enrolled in a school that adapts to their needs, implements innovative teaching strategies, and holds high expectations of its community and stakeholders.

To learn more about our community-grown charter schools and how you can apply to Join our Family, please visit