How Arete Scholars Helped One Military Family Find the Right School for Their Son

Arete Scholars ensures that every child, regardless of income, has access to an education that nurtures academic growth and personal values. By providing tuition scholarships, we empower families to choose schools that align with their faith, character, and long-term vision for their children's future.

One such family is Juan's. His son, Ezekiel, is a first-grade student at First Christian Academy in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Thanks to the support of Arete Scholars, Ezekiel is thriving in an environment rooted in faith and academic excellence. Juan, an officer in the U.S. Army, shares how their journey led them to the right school—and how Arete has made a life-changing difference.

A Family's Search for the Right School

Juan has served in the U.S. Army for 16 years, with assignments taking him from Fort Bragg to Quantico, Virginia, and eventually to Savannah, Georgia. With each relocation, his family's priority has remained the same: ensuring the best possible education for their children.

"When we moved to Savannah, the first thing my wife and I looked for was a school that aligned with our beliefs and values," he shares. "We wanted an education that didn't just focus on academics but would also help shape our son's character and faith."

Both deeply rooted in their Christian faith, the couple discovered First Christian Academy and quickly recognized it as the right fit for Ezekiel. But like many families seeking private education, they faced a financial challenge.

Overcoming the Cost Barrier

Private education often comes with a significant financial cost. Though Juan and his wife were prepared to make sacrifices for Ezekiel's future, the burden was still heavy—until they learned about Arete Scholars.

"The school told us about Arete and encouraged us to apply," Ezekiel's father recalls. "At first, we weren't sure if we'd qualify. But we applied, and my wife was so overjoyed when we got the approval. She called her family in Colombia and shared the good news. It was a huge relief for all of us."

With the scholarship covering a portion of Ezekiel's tuition, the family could finally enroll him in the school they knew was best for him.

More Than Academics: A Foundation of Faith

For Juan and his wife, education is about more than grades—it's about building a strong moral and spiritual foundation. Having grown up in Colombia during a dangerous and unstable period, Juan knows the importance of faith firsthand.

"I grew up in a tough environment," he shares. "Colombia in the '90s was dangerous. There was so much drug trafficking, violence, and corruption. I saw many of my friends go down the wrong path, but my mother's faith and commitment to keeping us in church kept me on the right track."

That experience convinced him that a faith-based education would give his son the same stability and strength he had as a child.

"In today's world, children are exposed to so much at an early age," he says. "We wanted Ezekiel to have a strong foundation, just like I had growing up. That's why we chose First Christian Academy."

A Moment That Mattered

Arete's scholarship provides financial relief, but it also enables Ezekiel to receive an education that shapes him in ways beyond the classroom. One moment stood out to Juan in particular.

"One weekend, Ezekiel sat down and read his children's Bible from cover to cover," he recalls. "He came to me and said, 'Daddy, I read the whole Bible!' That was a powerful moment. His school isn't just teaching academics. They're also shaping his faith."

Supportive Teachers and a Nurturing Environment

Another powerful aspect of Ezekiel's experience has been the care and understanding of his teachers. Juan highlights the support they've received from Ezekiel's first-grade teacher in particular.

"His teacher is amazing," he says. "She understands our values and supports our decision to limit our kids' exposure to technology at a young age. Instead of relying on iPads and other technology for assignments, she provides printed materials to help Ezekiel learn in a way that aligns with our family's approach."

This individualized support and respect for parental values are key aspects of the private school experience, which is why Arete's scholarships matter so much to families in need.

A Life of Service and Sacrifice

Juan is deeply appreciative of the teachers who give so much of themselves to support his son. As someone who has made great sacrifices in his own life, he understands the power of service.

"When I was 19, my family fled Colombia," Juan says. "I knew people who were kidnapped—some were killed. We moved four times in one year to escape the violence. We lost everything. We had to leave."

After receiving permanent residency in the United States, Juan found something he had never had before: safety, opportunity, and a future.

"This country gave me everything I was missing," he says. "So I joined the Army as my way of giving back. I wanted to repay what this country has done for me and my family."

A Future Built on Gratitude

Juan is deeply grateful for the donors who make Arete scholarships possible. 

"To everyone who donates to Arete, I want you to know that you are changing lives," he says. "You are not just funding Ezekiel's education. Because of you, he is growing in his faith and knowledge, and there's no doubt in my mind that we could not do this without you."

As Ezekiel continues his journey at First Christian Academy, his parents remain committed to helping him reach his God-given potential. Thanks to Arete, they are confident that Ezekiel's future is bright.