For our family this has been about much more than changing schools. It has been about changing the trajectory of my son’s educational experience, and giving him an environment where he can feel safe, supported, confident, and capable of reaching his full potential.
From kindergarten through eighth grade, DeChristian had always been in smaller classroom settings where he excelled academically and received the individualized attention he needed. Although he initially adjusted well to the traditional high school, the larger environment eventually became a significant challenge for him.
The class sizes were much larger than what he had been accustomed to, and with the school population being so large, I began to feel that he was getting lost in the shuffle. While he continued to maintain good grades, the everyday experience of being in an overcrowded and overstimulating environment began to take a toll on him. He witnessed several fights each week and shared with me that he often felt anxious and afraid while at school.
After he completed his first year of high school, I began searching for other educational options. I knew I wanted to find a school where DeChristian could receive a quality education while also feeling safe, supported, and comfortable enough to grow academically, socially, and personally.
A friend told me about her son’s experience at Curtis Baptist School and how well he was adjusting to its nurturing environment. I began researching the school and learned about the Georgia Promise Scholarship. As a single parent, I knew that private school tuition could be a financial challenge, but I was determined to do whatever I could to give my son the opportunity to learn in an environment where he could truly thrive. I was even willing to take on additional employment if necessary to make it possible.
After touring Curtis Baptist School, both DeChristian and I felt that we had found the environment we had been searching for. We applied for the Georgia Promise Scholarship and prayed for favor.
DeChristian was accepted into Curtis Baptist School, and we were incredibly grateful when he was also awarded a Georgia Promise Scholarship. Although the scholarship covered the full eligible amount, there was still a small remaining balance that I pay monthly. I currently work a second job to help ensure that we can meet that financial commitment, and I consider it an investment in my son’s future.
The difference in DeChristian has been remarkable.
The smaller class sizes have allowed him to receive more individualized attention and have helped him excel academically. More importantly, he is no longer experiencing the same level of anxiety and overstimulation that he experienced in his previous school environment. Instead, he is excited about going to school. He has found a peaceful environment where he feels comfortable learning, growing, and being himself.
He has also been able to continue pursuing his interest in sports, which was important to us when we began looking for a new school.
As a parent, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity the Georgia Promise Scholarship has provided our family. This scholarship has given DeChristian access to an educational environment that better meets his needs and allows him to see school as a place of opportunity rather than a source of anxiety.
For our family this has been about much more than changing schools. It has been about changing the trajectory of my son’s educational experience, and giving him an environment where he can feel safe, supported, confident, and capable of reaching his full potential.
I am deeply grateful for programs like the Georgia Promise Scholarship and the difference they can make in the lives of families. As a single mother, having access to this opportunity has helped make a school choice possible that I otherwise may not have been able to afford. Most importantly, it has given my son the opportunity to thrive.
A quality education can have a lasting impact on a child’s future. It helps prepare children not only academically, but also to become confident, responsible, and productive members of society. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, valued, and capable of succeeding.
A family’s income should not determine whether a child has access to an educational environment that meets their individual needs. School choice gives parents the opportunity to consider what environment will allow their child to learn and thrive rather than simply being limited by what is available based on their financial circumstances or where they live.
As a parent, I believe having the ability to choose the right school for my child is one of the most important decisions I can make for his future. Every family deserves that same opportunity.
