“Everybody is a genius; but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. “ Tapping into a genius is simple in theory yet hard in practice. It comes from mastering the one activity you love most .”  

-Albert Einstein 

My name is Karen Elaine Elliott, Founder and Director of Cory Douglas Scholastic Academy, located in Waukegan, Illinois, proudly serving families throughout the North Shore community.

Education has never simply been a career for me—it has been a calling.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Illinois State University and later continued my education, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Science with a focus in Education. Throughout my professional journey, I have continued to learn, grow, and challenge myself beyond the traditional classroom. Those experiences have strengthened my belief that education should never be confined to textbooks, worksheets, or four walls. Children deserve opportunities to explore their gifts, discover how they learn best, build confidence, and understand that their possibilities extend far beyond the classroom.

From an early age, I knew I had a natural connection to children and education. As I grew older, that connection developed into a deep appreciation for literacy, language arts, creativity, and the power of knowledge. Eventually, I understood that teaching was more than something I enjoyed—it was the work I was meant to do.

After years of working within various educational settings, my vision began to expand. I wanted to create an environment where education could be intentional, personal, challenging, nurturing, and innovative. I envisioned a school where smaller classrooms allowed educators to truly know their students—their strengths, their struggles, their personalities, their interests, and the unique ways they learn.

That vision became even more meaningful after the passing of my eldest brother, Cory Douglas Jernigan, following his battle with cancer.

Cory lived boldly. He carried a spirit of adventure, laughter, encouragement, and strength. He had a way of leaving an impression on the people he encountered, whether through a conversation, a laugh, a word of encouragement, or simply the way he lived his life.

His legacy gave my vision a name and an even greater purpose.

On June 15, 2021, my brother’s legacy met my passion for education, and Cory Douglas Scholastic Academy was born.

What began as a vision has grown into a mission: to create an educational experience where children are seen, challenged, supported, and inspired to become more than they imagined possible.

Our journey has required growth, change, perseverance, and the courage to continue evolving. With every new chapter, the mission becomes clearer. Cory Douglas Scholastic Academy is not simply focused on where we have been—we are building toward where we are going.

The road ahead is about Bigger. Better. Learning.

It is about strengthening academics, expanding opportunities, creating meaningful experiences, developing confident leaders, embracing innovation, and continuing to build a school community that nurtures the whole child.

I believe education should ignite curiosity. It should create confidence. It should expose children to possibilities. It should challenge them to think bigger while giving them the tools and support necessary to succeed.

Every child who walks through our doors becomes part of that mission.

And as Cory Douglas Scholastic Academy continues to grow, so does my commitment to building an institution that honors the legacy behind its name while preparing children for the futures ahead of them.

For me, this work has always been about more than teaching.

It is about purpose, legacy, opportunity, and impact.

It goes Beyond the Chalk.

Mrs. Karen Elliott
Founder & Director
Cory Douglas Scholastic Academy
Bigger. Better. Learning.