Investing in Augusta's Future, One Scholar at a Time.

What Arete Does

Arete Scholars awards need-based K-12 scholarships to children in under-resourced families across the CSRA, empowering parents to choose the private school that best fits their child's gifts and learning needs. The average Arete family in the CSRA earns approximately $40,000 per year and 73% are led by a single parent. Your investment — through Georgia's zero-cost QEE tax credit — opens the door to a school where a child can discover what they are truly capable of. Make an investment today.

The Need in Augusta

Only 1 in 4 Richmond County students reads at grade level by the end of third grade.

Across Georgia, two-thirds of third graders are not proficient in reading. The gap is even wider for students in low-income households, where up to 80% are not considered proficient by the end of third grade. Behind every statistic is a child full of potential who simply needs access to the right environment to reach it.

What Makes Arete Different

Unlike scholarship programs that simply place students in private schools, Arete walks alongside scholars through every stage of their development. Through Arete RISE, scholars receive academic and literacy tutoring, leadership and character development, college and career pathways, and family engagement support, from kindergarten through career.

Proven Results

25,000+ scholarships awarded since 2010
$100M+ invested in scholar families since 2010
97% high school graduation rate
$4.8M+ in scholarships awarded in Georgia during 2025-26 school year
1,200 scholars served in Georgia during 2025-26 school year

Augusta Scholar: Elijah
Heritage Academy · Augusta, Georgia

When Nicole enrolled her youngest son Elijah at Heritage Academy on an Arete scholarship, he was a quiet, reserved kindergartner. Nine years later, he graduated as a confident young man who had discovered a love for athletics, found a lifelong mentor in Coach Robinson, and become the first student ever to receive the full-tuition Giles Scholarship at Augusta Preparatory Day School.

Inspired by what she witnessed, Nicole eventually joined the Heritage Academy team herself,working her way from assistant to Assistant Director.

"Without Arete, Elijah would have gotten lost in the shuffle," she says. "He wouldn't have had teachers to push and help guide him."

Elijah's Transformative Journey

Partner Schools in the CSRA
- Apparo Academy
- Aquinas High School
- Augusta Christian School
- Augusta Preparatory Day School
- Challenge Preparatory Academy
- Curtis Baptist School
- Heritage Academy
- Immaculate Conception Catholic School
- Logos Classical Academy
- SOAR Academy
- Westminster Schools of Augusta

Invest in Augusta's Future

In the CSRA, the need is significant and so is the potential for lasting change. Your tax credit giving costs nothing out of pocket and funds a scholarship that changes a child's life. Contact Jonathan at jstelling@aretescholars.org to get started.

Make an Investment Today