Thriving Against the Odds: Jupiter’s Story of Growth, Confidence, and Success

Every child deserves access to an educational environment that nurtures their unique gifts and learning needs. For one family, Crisp Academy in Cordele, Georgia, provides just that—a place where faith, community, and academic excellence come together.

For Jupiter, a second grader at Crisp, the school is more than a classroom; it’s a second home. With its strong academics and supportive atmosphere, Crisp Academy not only shapes her education but also fosters her personal growth, empowering her to reach her full potential.  

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Jupiter is being raised by her great-grandparents, Diane and Allen, affectionately known as Granny and Poppy. Their story is a testament to the transformative impact of an Arete scholarship, which has made all the difference in Jupiter's young life. 

Several years ago, Jupiter was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. Though medication and counseling have helped her develop healthy coping skills, there are still moments when her experiences of mental distress make day-to-day social interactions feel insurmountable. 

“Jupiter suffers from severe anxiety,” Diane shares. “She can't be around many people or a lot of noise. It’s just too overwhelming for her, but at Crisp Academy, there are only 11 students in her classroom. The biggest help to her right now is that her class size is so small.” 

Kindergarten was a rough year for Jupiter. She was apart from Granny and Poppy for the first time and struggled with the separation. Diane would receive calls from her teacher weekly, and each time, she would have to speak with Jupiter to calm her. Sometimes, she was inconsolable, and Diane would have to drive to the school and bring her home. Jupiter's struggles compounded, and she was held back for a year. In hindsight, this decision was one of the best things that could have happened to her.

“When she had to repeat kindergarten, her two teachers, Mrs. Barbara and Mrs. Laura were an absolute blessing for my child,” says Diane. “They were a turning point for her.”

Dianne attributes this critical shift to one primary factor: these teachers were committed to fostering a secure and supportive classroom environment for Jupiter.

"They really just helped her feel safe," says Diane. "They gave her a true feeling of security, often through little interactions. They'd tell her, 'Jupiter, I like the shirt you're wearing today.' That may not mean much to someone else, but to her, it made her feel special. They showed that they were interested in her life because Jupiter's world is different from the rest of us. But, she felt safe with them." 

That support also extended from the emotional into the practical. Because there were only 12 students in her class, her two teachers could take the extra time to help her with classwork, ensuring she did not fall behind her classmates. 

Another key hallmark of the school, which has helped Jupiter feel so comfortable, is that she is known. It can go a long way in soothing fear or worry. Being called by your name is reassuring, and Jupiter hears hers daily.

“She likes that everybody knows her,” Diane shares. “They talk to her and call her by name. The greeter at the front door says, ‘Good morning, Jupiter,’ when she walks in. You don't get that everywhere. It's really like a family in that way.”

In truth, Crisp Academy does, in many ways, feel like a large family. The faculty and staff don’t only know each student’s name; they are familiar with their personality, needs, and long-term educational goals. Teachers also know the whole family—older brothers and sisters—because they have taught many of them over the years. It is a culture where faculty, staff, and students know and care about each other, and in this nurturing environment, Jupiter is not only thriving personally and socially; she’s excelling academically. 

According to Granny, she’s made significant strides in just a few years. As her confidence has grown, she can better tap into her full potential at school. Jupiter’s grades consistently average in the 90s, and she’s reading at a fourth-grade level. When Diane is asked to reflect on where Jupiter would be without access to this type of learning environment, she's quick to answer:

“She would likely be stuck in a special education class. She would have never had the chance to prove herself—to show that she can read at a fourth-grade level and consistently earn high grades. Yes, she suffers from severe anxiety, but Jupiter’s reading ability, grades, and learning capacity are just so much greater than what she could show anywhere else.” 

“She could have been pigeonholed, which would have followed my child forever,” she adds. “Without the wonderful teachers at Crisp Academy, I’m afraid that would have been it for her.”

Diane is deeply grateful to the donors who, in her words, have helped to save her great-granddaughter’s life. An Arete scholarship doesn’t just provide financial relief; it also allows Jupiter to receive an education that is shaping her beyond the classroom.

“I want everyone who supports Arete to know what a blessing they have been to my child,” she says. “I am so grateful, and I thank them because Jupiter would not have had a chance to prove all that she is capable of without them.”

Jupiter’s story is just one of thousands made possible by Arete Scholars. School choice is not about favoring one type of education over another. It's about ensuring that all children, regardless of financial circumstances, have access to the education that best meets their academic, spiritual, and emotional needs. Across Georgia, the impact of school choice goes beyond the individual child; it is strengthening families, communities, and future generations.

Through Arete Scholars, donors, schools, and families are coming together to unlock potential, break cycles of poverty, and create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. The word “arete” means excellence in action. It signifies a life well-lived, both virtuous and courageous. As Diane reflects on this meaning, she envisions a future for Jupiter clear as day: 

“She’s happy and loved, has received a good education, and leads a good life. She has learned how to be kind and help others. She knows that she's loved and loves her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She knows that if anybody ever holds their hand out to help her, to thank them. And, she will always be willing to hold her hand out to help somebody else in need.” 

Indeed, Diane's foresight of a well-lived life is beautiful. It aligns with Arete's vision of seeing every child reach their greatest, God-given potential. Those who share this vision—who believe that no child should be penalized by circumstances beyond their control—are helping to open the doors of opportunity for thousands of low-income children across Georgia. 

Today, Jupiter's potential feels limitless. The opportunities and experiences she has gained at Crisp Academy—the love, kindness, and supportive, family-like environment—give her hope as she and her family navigate the challenges of anxiety and fear. For Diane, these moments inspire optimism about her great-granddaughter’s future: 

"As she grows, I truly believe she'll be able to do anything she wants. Each year, I've seen her anxiety improve—especially at school. Now, that school has become a place of comfort for her."