Carlton Makes the Most of Every Opportunity

When Cynthia looks at her son Carlton today, a confident, motivated high school senior preparing for college, she can't help but think of how far he's come. From his early years in public school to thriving at Solid Foundation Christian Academy, Carlton's educational journey has been shaped by perseverance, opportunity, and a steady rebuilding of confidence.

"Carlton was born very, very premature," Cynthia says. "From the very beginning, I knew he would face some challenges." As he entered school, those challenges became more apparent. Carlton struggled to keep up with the pace of the classroom, often needing extra time to process lessons and complete assignments. While he was capable and eager to learn, the work moved faster than he could manage on his own.

In public school, where classrooms were large and teachers were stretched thin, Carlton's need for individualized attention often went unmet. "He needed more one-on-one support than the school was able to give," Cynthia explains. "The teachers cared, but there just wasn't enough time or flexibility." As lessons moved on, Carlton was sometimes left feeling behind, unsure of himself, and hesitant to speak up when he didn't understand.

Over time, those struggles began to affect his confidence. Carlton noticed he was working harder than his peers just to keep up, which left him feeling frustrated and discouraged. "He started doubting himself," Cynthia says. "He would get quiet, and you could tell he didn't feel as capable as the other kids." For Cynthia, watching her son struggle was painful. "It broke my heart," she admits. "I knew he was smart, but the environment just wasn't built for how he learned."

Determined to find a better fit, Cynthia searched for a school where Carlton could receive the patience, encouragement, and individualized instruction he needed. "I wanted small class sizes and teachers who could really see him," she says. That search first led her to St. Timothy School, where she learned about Arete Scholars. "At the time, I didn't have the funds to put him in private school," she recalls. "The school told me about Arete, and that's when his scholarship journey began."

Eventually, Carlton found his place at Solid Foundation Christian Academy, where everything began to change. The smaller classes and supportive teachers allowed him to learn at his own pace without feeling rushed or overlooked. "They gave him the attention he needed," Cynthia says. "And once he realized he wasn't being left behind, his confidence started to grow."

Academically, Carlton began to strengthen his skills. Emotionally, he became more secure in himself. "Solid Foundation gave him that one-on-one time and the confidence he needed to build those skills," Cynthia shares. "He stopped feeling defeated and started believing he could succeed." For Cynthia, the change was both a relief and a joy. "I finally felt at peace," she says. "I wasn't constantly worried anymore."

For a long time, Cynthia admits she was hesitant to send Carlton out into the world. "He's my miracle baby, and I wanted to protect him," she says. But with the support of Solid Foundation and the stability provided through Arete, she's watched him flourish. "They really helped shape him. Now he's thriving."

That foundation has opened doors to new opportunities. With encouragement from his teachers and counselor, Carlton enrolled in a dual enrollment program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, where he's studying cybersecurity. "He gravitated toward learning skills on the computer," Cynthia says proudly. "And he's doing really well."

Carlton also participated in Arete's ACT Prep Program, which helped strengthen his test-taking skills and boost his confidence. "It helped him find new ways to approach the questions," Cynthia recalls. "And raising his score, even by a few points, meant so much to him. It showed him he could do this."

Beyond academics, Carlton has grown through enrichment opportunities and mentorship. He's been involved with the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County since sixth grade, gaining role models and leadership experience that have further strengthened his self-esteem. More recently, he participated in a life-changing cultural exchange trip to Lisbon, Portugal. "That experience opened his eyes," Cynthia says. "He learned so much, and he came back even more confident."

Looking back, Cynthia is deeply grateful for Arete's role in her son's journey. "Without Arete, Carlton would have been in large public-school classrooms where he couldn't get the attention he needed," she says. "Instead, he's been in environments that fit him, and that has made all the difference."

Today, Carlton is confident, capable, and excited about his future. "He's built self-esteem, resilience, and strong life skills," Cynthia says. "I'm so proud of him, and I'm incredibly grateful for the support that made this possible."

Carlton's story is a testament to what happens when students are met with understanding, opportunity, and belief. With the right support, he didn't just catch up, he found his stride.