Pregnant or Parenting?
This High School Is For You.

Cardinal Academy is a free public charter school open to pregnant and parenting students ages 14-21. In partnership with the Salvation Army’s Booth Program, Cardinal provides complete wraparound support for young parents (moms and dads!) to finish high school and get on a clear path to success. If you don’t know where to start, you came to the right place. Let’s make a plan together.

Text for more info

Schedule a Tour

Welcome Kit

Receive a free welcome kit filled with information about our school—plus a small gift just for your baby.

Get It Now

Cardinal Academy Helps You

At Cardinal Academy, we understand the challenges young parents face. That’s why we provide wraparound support to help you succeed at school and at life:

On-site childcare
Transportation to and from school
Free breakfast, lunch, weekend food bags, and food pantry access
Counseling & mental health services
incentive store with free diapers, wipes, formula, clothes, household goods and more
Life skills, prenatal & parenting classes
Career and college planning assistance

We’re more than a school; We’re a community that believes in you.

Learn More About Services

How It Works

We’ve got you covered with door-to-door transportation, meals, diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food, on-site childcare, counseling, life-skills training, plus prenatal & parenting classes–all at no cost to you!

Finish High School

Graduate with a real diploma in a school built for young parents like you.

Get Care & Support

Build Your Future

Whether it’s landing a career or preparing for college or trade school, we’ll help you create a plan and connect you with the right opportunities.

Student Stories

“Thank you for everything Cardinal does for us. Coming to this school has been one of the best things that could have ever happened to me. I am so glad to have grown up around all the Cardinal staff, and I can’t wait to graduate next year.” -Francisco, age 16

“Every time someone asks me about school, I get emotional. This school is my second family and I don’t think I could ever ask for something better. Thank you for making this point in my life easier and helping me understand more about parenting.”-Savannah, age 16

“Thank you for welcoming me here at Cardinal and making it feel like it’s my second home. It makes me feel so happy knowing that I’m at a place where everyone knows and understands each other. Being here has really changed and shaped the person I am today.”-Beritha, age 17

“I never feel like I am alone here. Whenever I’m feeling down, everyone notices and makes sure to remind me they care about me.” -EJ, age 17

“Thank you for never giving up on us teens with babies, for understanding how hard it is, and for pushing us to be better versions of ourselves.” -Gloria, age 17

“Thank you for helping me figure out parenthood while I’m a teenager.” -Angelica, age 18

“I am forever grateful that you give so many kids a second chance to build an amazing future, get our high school diploma, and have a community we can call family. You help with so many resources like the Incentive store, food pantry, and access to so much more. This school has saved so many people, including myself.” -Lea, age 17

“This school has helped me a lot with diapers for my baby, formula, wipes, and other things. Everyone here at the school has been very supportive. Even though I don’t know the language, you understand me and have never treated me less. Thank you for supporting me in learning the language and being a parent.” -Dulce, age 17

“This school has changed my life in so many ways, I couldn’t even list them. When I first started here, I was going through some of the hardest times of my life and I seriously don’t think I would have kept going if it wasn’t for this school and the community around me. This school is the best thing that has happened to me. I don’t consider it my second family, I consider it my first.” -Macy, age 18

Cardinal saved me. You make me want to live and have a future. You make me feel important, wanted, and loved.” -Aubry, age 16

No Caption

Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions
about our products and services.

Does it cost anything to attend Cardinal Academy?

Nope! We’re a free public charter school.

Can I bring my baby with me?

Yes. We have on-site childcare through New Horizon Academy, so your child is cared for while you’re in class, with no cost to you.

What if I’m pregnant and not a parent yet?

You’re welcome here. We offer prenatal support, parenting classes, car seats, cribs, baby clothes, and all the supplies you need to help you prepare.

How will I get to school?

Our buses come right to your front door. We offer free transportation from Boise, Meridian, Kuna, Eagle, Nampa, and Caldwell, so getting here isn’t a barrier.

What kind of support will I get besides classes?

Everything from free meals and parenting classes, to life-skills training and career/college planning.

What’s the first step to enroll?

Simple: Schedule a Tour. We’ll meet, answer your questions, and help you start your plan. We’ll also send you home with a free gift box of goodies!

Take Action Now