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

What Arete Does

Arete Scholars awards need-based K-12 scholarships to children in under-resourced families throughout Georgia, empowering parents to choose the private school that best fits their child's gifts and learning needs. The average Arete family 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 DeKalb

1 in 5 children in DeKalb County lives in poverty, making educational choice out of reach for thousands of families without a scholarship.

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

DeKalb Scholar: Isaac
Dominion Christian School · Georgia

When Isaac lost his father at 12 years old, Dominion Christian School became more than a place to learn. The teachers showed up for him, the mentors stayed invested, and the community became something close to family. An Arete scholarship made it all possible — for Isaac and all four of his siblings.

Today, Isaac is a warehouse manager in Atlanta, a part of the Arete Alumni board, a husband, and a father to a young daughter he hopes will grow up with the same foundation of faith and character that shaped him. He still credits Dominion and Arete for getting him there.

"If it wasn't for Arete, I wouldn't be where I am. It gave me teachers who cared, mentors who believed in me, and a place where I could grow into who I was meant to be."

Where Are They Now: Isaac Turns Opportunity into Purpose

Partner Schools in DeKalb
- Atlanta North School
- Arete Preparatory School
- Firm Foundation Preparatory Academy
- Lithonia Adventist Academy
- Decatur Adventist Junior Academy
- Solid Foundation Christian Academy
- Solid Foundation Christian Academy

Invest in DeKalb's Future

In DeKalb, 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