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Bezos Academy to open Montessori-inspired preschool that will be adjoined with LDG’s new affordable housing community, the Ridge at Lancaster

DALLAS, TX. – [December 16, 2022] – LDG Development today announces it has signed a ten-year lease agreement with Bezos Academy to open Bezos Academy Dallas – Singing Hills, a tuition-free, Montessori inspired preschool that will be adjoining the future multi-family affordable housing community known as The Ridge at Lancaster. Bezos Academy and LDG Development are also discussing similar opportunities in other cities.

The Ridge at Lancaster is being developed by LDG Development—one of the country’s largest developers of affordable housing, with more than 20,000 units across the country including over 9,000 units of senior and family housing across Texas. The Ridge at Lancaster is the first phase of a three-phase master planned development that spans approximately 63 acres. Once complete, the development will provide a variety of affordable and market-rate housing. According to Councilman Tennell Atkins, who represents the area and played a leadership role in its development, this type of mixed income community is essential to revitalizing the area.

“The Ridge at Lancaster is serving as a catalyst for more economic activity that will strengthen and enhance this neighborhood,” said Atkins. “The addition of a high-quality early childhood learning center, like Bezos Academy to this neighborhood is going to build on the momentum and I could not be happier that they will be located in the district I am proud to represent.” The Bezos Academy preschool will be located adjacent to The Ridge at Lancaster community. The school will feature four classrooms, will follow a full-day, year-round schedule, and will be open the same time residents move into the new community.

“The addition of a Bezos Academy reflects LDG’s commitment to not only provide high-quality housing but through the LDG Foundation, access to programs and services that can enrich the lives of the families we serve,” said Chris Dischinger, co-founder and principal of LDG Development. “The partnership between LDG and Bezos Academy will ensure that many of the children who call an LDG community home receive a solid education that will prepare them to be a lifelong learner.” Lisa Dischinger, chair of the LDG Foundation, agrees and says this partnership will benefit the entire community.

“The LDG Foundation is committed to funding and supporting initiatives that support the goals of an entire city,” said Lisa Dischinger. “This partnership achieves this goal and while we are thrilled that many of our families will benefit from this partnership, we are equally excited about the benefits it will provide to those cities fortunate enough to have a Bezos academy located in their community.”

“Affordable housing developments are natural partners given their focus on serving the needs of the community and commitment to wrap-around services,” said President of Bezos Academy Mike George. “That is why we are thrilled to work with LDG Development. They have a track record of knowledge and quality, being one of the nation’s largest affordable housing developers. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to providing the residents of Dallas with quality, tuition-free preschool.”

Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level with children aged 3-4 years old are eligible to apply. This means that, for a family of four, the annual household income can be up to $111,000 to qualify. Updates to the opening date will be shared here.

More information and an application to the lottery-based selection process will be posted at www.bezosacademy.org once the school opening date is set.

For more information on LDG Development, visit www.ldgdevelopment.com.

For more information on Bezos Academy, visit www.bezosacademy.org.

About LDG Development
LDG Development is the nation’s largest developer of affordable housing. The company was founded more than 27 years ago by Chris Dischinger and Mark Lechner based on their shared belief that everyone deserves a quality place to live. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company has created more than 20,000 units of high-quality affordable housing for working families and active seniors in seven states. The work of LDG is supported by more than 200 employees who are in the company’s Louisville, Kentucky; Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia offices. For more information about LDG Development, please visit www.ldgdevelopment.com.

About Bezos Academy
Bezos Academy is a non-profit organization that is building a network of tuition-free preschools. Our
preschools offer year-round, full-day programming, five days a week, for children ages 3-5 years old from
low-income families. Bezos Academy also provides students with all necessary educational supplies and
services to set each student up for success, including Montessori materials, books, arts and crafts, field
trips, and meals. For more information, visit: www.bezosacademy.org.