Lancaster, SC - Cogito Academy is excited to announce that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-27 school year through participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the National School Lunch Program.

The school is also excited to partner with Chartwells K12, a nationally recognized school dining provider, to serve nutritious, high-quality meals that fuel student learning and success throughout the school day.

Through CEP, every student enrolled at Cogito Academy will have access to healthy meals at no cost to their family, regardless of household income or completion of meal application. By removing financial barriers, the program helps ensure every child begins the school day ready to learn and has the nutrition they need to thrive both academically and personally.

"At Cogito Academy, we know that students thrive when their basic needs are met," said Van Steen, School Director of Cogito Academy. "By providing free meals to every student, we are investing in both their well-being and their ability to succeed in the classroom. This is one more way we can support our families while ensuring students are ready to learn each day."

Chartwells K12 will prepare and serve balanced breakfasts and lunches that meet federal nutrition standards while offering students a variety of appealing meal options throughout the school year.

"Our partnership with Chartwells reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child," said Steen. "Nutritious meals play an important role in helping students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. We are proud to provide this benefit to our students and families as part of the exceptional educational experience we strive to offer every day."

As Cogito Academy prepares to welcome students into its new, permanent campus this fall, this initiative represents another important investment in supporting students and families while continuing to provide a well-rounded educational experience.

For more information about Cogito Academy, visit https://www.cogitolancaster.education/.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement:

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.