From Bullied to Thriving: How School Choice Transformed a Student's Life

There are many reasons why parents choose to send their children to a non-public school. For some, it's simply that their kids are struggling academically. For others, they are seeking an educational environment that aligns with their values. And yet, some families recognize their child is no longer safe-either physically or emotionally-at the school they attend.

For Keely, this realization came when her son, Liam, entered middle school. For several years, Liam had faced continual episodes of verbal bullying and intimidation and, either because of shame or embarrassment, had kept these negative experiences hidden from his family. However, once she learned of his situation, the opportunity to determine the school environment Liam needed to achieve academic formation and personal growth-free from harassment-motivated Keely to explore all her school choice options.

"For a few years, he didn't tell me about the bullying," Keely says. "But by the end of middle school, he was just so unhappy."

Though the bullying had stopped by this point, the adverse effects had left their mark on Liam. Once a very social kid, Keely saw her son become more reserved, shy, and disconnected from classmates. He began to dread school, and though he was very bright, his grades began to suffer as his engagement with his studies waned.

Fortunately for the family, they found a friend and advocate in Arete Scholars, an organization committed to empowering parents to place their children in private schools that best suit their unique gifts and learning needs and, ultimately, helping them to reach their highest, God-given potential.

Liam, who completed his freshman year and first as an Arete Scholar at Lafayette Christian Academy, is grateful for a fresh start. His mom is thankful for a school environment that supports, encourages, and empowers her son to be the best version of himself-academically, athletically, emotionally, and socially.

"He's a smart kid," Keely shares. "He's always struggled with math, but when he took standardized tests, he would get above-average marks. When he took the placement test for LCA, he scored one of the highest scores the principal said she had ever seen."

According to his mom, Liam's struggles with school, especially mathematics, were complicated by the COVID-19 shutdowns and the learning opportunities he missed not being in a classroom setting. The bullying and the emotional, mental, and psychological toll only exacerbated Liam's disconnect at school and with his education.

"Before the bullying, he was, and still is, a very social person," Keely shares. "But with that bullying experience-and it's been so sad to see-I just couldn't recognize him."

While Keely shares that Liam still struggles with his self-esteem, his first year at LCA has improved his confidence. Not only is he growing more comfortable in the classroom, but he's come into his own as a member of the high school's football team.

"He loves football," Keely says. "In the fall, he was always so happy when I would pick him up from practice or after games. It's been good mentally, emotionally, physically and competitively. He needs that physical activity."

Liam also needs a community, or in his case, a team-a place of belonging and a sense of commitment-a dedication to something bigger than oneself. As a freshman offensive lineman, that's exactly what he has discovered as an LCA Knight. He's also found something deeper. According to Keely, the coaching staff at LCA are as invested, if not more, in developing their players as young men as they are in building championship-caliber athletes.

"I'm so grateful for his coaches," Keely shares. "If Liam makes a mistake in a game, the coaches will sit down and talk to him about how everyone makes mistakes, but how you learn and grow from them matters most. His coaches are just so encouraging."

Connected, encouraged, and now engaged, Liam is growing into a confident and capable young man. Keely can see the difference in his demeanor and maturity.

"He's taking his studies seriously," Keely notes. "And he knows what he wants to do when he graduates. He plans to attend LSU, become an officer, and fly jets in the Air Force."

"His father and grandfathers served in the Air Force, and that's the path he wants to follow," she adds.

Keely acknowledges her gratitude to Arete Scholars and the supporters who contributed to his success and future in ways she could have never imagined.

"Before we received the Arete scholarship that has allowed Liam to attend LCA, it was as if his light was under a bushel, and now, it's shining for everybody to see-teachers, coaches, and friends," Keely says. "He has gone from being an eighth grader who did not want to go to college because his school experience was so bad to being certain that he wants to go to LSU and then into the Air Force."

"We're so thankful that he's been able to attend Lafayette Christian Academy this year," she adds. "What Arete has provided for us is the best thing you could ever wish for as a parent. I finally have my Liam back."

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