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SCHOOL CHOICE

Maximo wrote a compelling letter to his district’s senator about the firsthand value he has seen and experienced as a recipient of a private school scholarship. Excerpts are shared here.

“My parents tell me all the time, ‘If we would have had this opportunity [to attend a school that best fit our learning style] we could have accomplished so much.’ That not only tells me I’m lucky and grateful to have this opportunity, but it should be available to anybody out there who is also willing to work hard and make the most of it.”

Macaria is a single Nebraska mother of five who received opportunity scholarships, which greatly helped her enroll her children in private, faith-based schools in 2015.

“I wanted my children to attend private schools because they have a great education and teach things like respect, discipline and morality. I feel the teachers at my students’ schools pay close attention to them and give them the care they need.”

Each Guadalupe-Aranda child was able to enroll in a private school that aligned with the kid’s learning style and the family’s values, helping them become closer and actively involved in school and parish activities.

“I can see that my children’s teachers demand a lot from them. The academic level is high, and my kids have developed many skills. They have learned a lot about moral values in school that we also teach in the home.”

Private scholarships allowed Nicholas and his siblings to enroll in a private, faith-based school. Nicholas has excelled in math and science curriculums since then and is incredibly optimistic and purposeful about his future.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to choose the school I want to go to, and I love my mom for letting me go here. I think I’m here to help other people be successful. That’s why I want to become a teacher.”

Michelle’s senior year in private school helped her bond with her new environment and successfully complete additional classwork over the summer. She feels well-prepared to live her childhood career dreams and is excited for college. Her little sister also attends a faith-based school thanks to her family’s persistence and private scholarships.

“At my new school, we’re like one family. We work together towards a goal. We are all friends, not just those who are in my class. On the academic side, I have grown a lot in writing. Math is not my strength, but the teachers are always there to offer step-by-step help, and we have tests every week. I participate in retreats, and I participate in community service to serve food to those who really need it. I like that the most.”