From Uncertainty to Confidence: A Family’s Journey of Faith, Growth, and Opportunity

Every parent knows the moment when concern quietly replaces confidence. For Chris, that moment came as he watched his daughter, Justicia, work through her school days at home, trying to focus, trying to understand, and slowly losing the joy that once defined her learning. What followed is a journey marked by faith, family, and the life-changing opportunity made possible through an Arete scholarship.

This year, Justicia began at Oak Hill Classical School after being homeschooled, where she attended class one day a week and completed the rest of her work at home. While the structure worked for a season, Chris began to see signs that Justicia needed something more.

At home, the challenges slowly become clearer. Justicia struggled to stay focused, particularly in math and a few other subjects. Chris and his wife did everything they could, but they recognized that she needed more hands-on instruction than they could provide on a daily basis.

Chris and his wife both attended public school growing up, and they knew they wanted a different environment for their children. Private school, however, felt just as unreachable. The cost alone made it seem impossible, so it never truly entered their minds as a realistic path forward.

Chris, his wife, and their children spent six years living in Nicaragua as missionaries. During that time, Justicia attended a private Christian school, but the focus was primarily on ministry and outreach rather than academic excellence. Chris was grateful for the heart behind the school, yet he saw how limited the learning experience was. When the family returned to the United States, Justicia had to adjust not only to a new culture but also to a very different educational system. The transition required her to play catch-up, and the gaps became more noticeable as time went on.

The turning point came through family. Chris's sister-in-law began working at Oak Hill and mentioned the school in passing. At first, it felt like another closed door. Oak Hill sounded like a wonderful place, but tuition made attendance seem impossible. That's when they learned about Arete.

Chris describes the process as deeply prayerful. He and his wife did not have an answer for their daughter's struggles, and they felt the weight of wanting to do what is best for her while lacking the resources to make it happen. They prayed simply and honestly, asking the Lord to open the right door if Oak Hill is where Justicia is meant to be. When the Arete scholarship became available, the answer felt unmistakable.

Now, just months into her time at Oak Hill, the transformation is evident. Academically, Justicia thrives. She receives daily, hands-on instruction, and the difference was immediate. Her focus improved, and her understanding deepened. The subjects that once caused the most concern no longer bring complaints home. More importantly, Chris sees confidence replacing uncertainty. Learning no longer feels overwhelming. Instead, it feels supported.

The growth extends far beyond academics. One of Chris's biggest concerns during their homeschooling years was social development. He noticed that standing in front of others and speaking began to feel intimidating for Justicia, even though it had not been an issue before. He worried that limited social interaction may be holding her back.

At Oak Hill, those fears fade. Justicia regularly stands before classmates, presents her work, and participates fully in the classroom. Chris hears no reports of anxiety or hesitation from teachers. At home, he sees a quiet confidence emerging. His daughter is more comfortable speaking, engaging, and stepping into challenges that once felt overwhelming.

Chris also points to the school's culture as a defining factor. From the beginning, Oak Hill made it clear that families are expected to be involved. Rather than feeling burdensome, that expectation becomes a gift. The school functions as a true community, not simply a place where children attend classes. Parents are welcomed, relationships are built, and support extends beyond the classroom.

When Chris recalls how the Arete scholarship has impacted his family, gratitude fills his words. He shares honestly that without the scholarship, Oak Hill would never have been possible. There was no backup plan. There was no financial margin to make private education work. The scholarship is not simply helpful. It is essential.

Chris sees the impact of the Arete scholarship not only in Justicia's grades, but in who she is becoming. He believes her time at Oak Hill is preparing her for whatever lies ahead. She is gaining tools, confidence, and a foundation that will serve her for the rest of her life.

For Chris and his family, the Arete scholarship is more than financial support. It is an answered prayer and a reminder that generosity creates real, lasting change in the lives of students like Justicia, shaping not only how they learn, but how they grow.