Arete’s approach to the tax credit scholarship program supports education of the public by providing low-income families with access to high-quality educational opportunities. School choice currently exists in various forms in Georgia and Louisiana, including public, charter, virtual, home and private schools. But for those families without financial means or the ability to relocate to another school district, the only choice is sometimes an environment that does not meet a child’s learning needs. Arete simply empowers low-income families to choose the right school for their own children ̶ thereby offering opportunity and hope to a segment of the public that seldom enjoys it.

In addition, research has shown that academic performance and graduation rates improve for both scholarship recipients and the public school systems where programs exist. Tax credit scholarships contribute to the overall public good by helping to narrow the achievement gap for those low-income students who face the greatest obstacles to learning. Arete stands in support of all school choice options as vital to ensuring that all children have access to an exceptional education.

I’m very protective of my brand and have questions about the accountability of student scholarship organizations. Will Arete represent my brand well?

To date, large corporations with significant brand equity have been hesitant to participate in the Georgia tax credit scholarship program - or at least to have their brand associated with it. Questions about organizational accountability, financial transparency, and a focus on schools have caused many corporations to take a “wait and see” position. In just its second year of operation, Arete Scholars Fund is setting a new statewide standard for accountability, corporate trust and focus on low-income families. In addition, the organization is lobbying for greater standards of accountability at the legislative level.

Co-founded in 2010 by Atlanta Falcons Chief Financial Officer Greg Beadles, Arete’s Board of Directors and Advisors includes business executives and civic leaders from KPMG, Wells Fargo Bank, The Coca- Cola Company, Balfour Beatty Construction and other reputable organizations. Under the board’s leadership, Arete met or exceeded all of its first-year objectives for scholarship awards and financial performance and is positioned for healthy year-over-year growth.

Arete’s operational standards and its vision for educational excellence and opportunity for all Georgia students is resonating with the corporate community. The current team of financial partners includes The Home Depot, Walgreens, Dollar General, Newell Rubbermaid, Waste Management, Balfour Beatty Construction, The Walton Family Foundation and others.

I’ve heard it said that tax credit scholarships are taking much-needed money away from public schools. Is this program draining public funds?

Arete’s fiscally responsible approach to tax credit scholarships guarantees savings to taxpayers by awarding amounts that are substantially less than the per student expense in public schools. These savings can remain invested in public schools or other public services as desired.

We believe enrollment decisions are best left in the hands of parents, not bureaucrats, donors, or program administrators. That's why we award scholarships directly to students and empower families to choose the best school for their kids. 

If you're interested in a specific school but don't see it on our partner list, let us know. We're always happy to add new participating schools to give parents the widest range of choices possible.