Dario Estrada, who goes by DJ, is the father of Ava Estrada, a fourth grader, and Dario Estrada, a second grader. Both his children attend the Phoenix campus of Great Hearts Christos. Great Hearts Christos academies are separate, faith-based, non-profit, private school arm of the Great Hearts organization committed to creating and offering the best ecumenical Christian academies in the country.
“Great Hearts Christos has truly been a blessing to our family,” said Estrada. “It is so invaluable to have the choice of such a wonderful school made available to us.”
Estrada said his family was already had a great appreciation for classical education and of the Great Hearts model, even prior to switching his children to Great Hearts Christos. “So, when the opportunity became available for a Christian classical education, we had to intentionally take it into consideration,” he said. “Like many parents, we want stability in the lives of our children and didn’t want to carelessly switch our children to a different school.”
The entire Estrada family was included in the conversations about what they value as a Christian family and why they would consider switching schools. “We discussed the possible impacts of making such a change, addressing [the children’s] thoughts and concerns. We prayed as a family about this decision and embraced the responsibility that God has entrusted us as parents with raising disciples of Christ.”
Estrada said they are so grateful that they enrolled Ava and Dario into Great Hearts Christos. “They receive a top tier quality classical education with the foundations of our Christian faith,” he said. “Their minds are renewed daily by God’s word and are also challenged academically to be great thinkers. We are thankful for the strong parent-teacher relationships we have that allow teachers to come alongside parents to help shepherd the hearts of our children.”
He especially appreciates the collective community of believers that he has experienced at the private academy. “From the top down, our children are cared for and loved daily. We have hearts of gratitude to God for placing this school vision into the hearts of the Great Hearts Christos leadership and trust God will water what has been planted, and that we will see good fruit from this beautiful labor of love.”
The Estrada’s story highlights the importance of school choice in Arizona, where families can select educational environments that align with their beliefs and values. For families like the Estradas, the option of a Christian school within the Great Hearts network provided an opportunity to integrate their faith into their children’s education, cultivating a sense of community and support in their journey of raising children in their faith.
Families are invited to become part of the Christos community alongside others who share their values. To enroll your K-6 student for the 2024-2025 school year at Great Hearts Christos, simply visit the application portal. You will be asked to select your desired campus location during the admissions process. You can read through our Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions for questions about enrollment or contact our Director of Operations, Lisa Horak, at Lisa.Horak@greatheartschristos.org as questions arise regarding the admissions process or regarding tuition and financial aid.
Estrada said that his prayer is that families will see how priceless this type of education is for their children. “To not only receive an amazing education, but to see the great value of Christ being formed in their lives daily. Via, Veritas, Vita (the Way, the Truth, and the Life).”
Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.