A Student’s Journey from Honduras to Harveston

Ethan Galindo’s journey to success at Great Hearts Harveston is one of resilience and determination. As a Spanish-speaking fourth grader, he has faced challenges far beyond the classroom, overcoming language barriers, cultural shifts, and the uncertainty of starting over in a new country.

In December 2023, Ethan and his family relocated from Honduras to Louisiana in search of a brighter future. His mother, Gabriela Vargas, made the decision to leave their home due to unsafe living conditions, hoping to provide better opportunities for her children.

Upon arrival, the family faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, a competitive job market, and limited educational support. Before Great Hearts Harveston, Ethan attended another local charter school, where he struggled both academically and emotionally. “We were concerned about Ethan’s emotional health and academic progress at his other school,” Vargas explains. “The resources available to him were limited, and he often felt overlooked by teachers who couldn’t provide the personalized attention he needed.”

Since joining Great Hearts Harveston for the 2024-2025 school year, Ethan has made remarkable progress despite the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and language.

His lead teacher, Mrs. Boria, attributes his academic growth to both his determination and the school’s Intervention program, which provides targeted support for students. “Intervention is really helpinghim improve his reading comprehension,” says Boria. “In math, he has also shown significant growth, progressing from the lowest-performing group to an on-grade-level group in just one semester.”

Intervention sessions take place twice daily, Monday through Friday, offering students consistent, tailored support. Through small-group and one-on-one instruction, every student, regardless of theirstarting point, receives the guidance they need to succeed.

In addition to intervention support, Ethan benefits from the school’s English Learner program, which helps him overcome language barriers and build confidence in class. “Ethan doesn’t let language be a barrier to his learning,” says Mrs. Boria. “He is eager to learn, asks questions if he doesn’t understand, and always carries his Spanish dictionary. He even excels at poetry recitations and embraces speaking in front of his peers.”

Since enrolling at Great Hearts Harveston, Ethan has flourished in an environment that is both nurturing and challenging. He has made friends, gained confidence in his studies, and continues to demonstrate resilience in overcoming life’s obstacles.

Great Hearts Harveston is a growing K-9 (K-12 by 2028) academy and the first Great Hearts academy to serve families in Louisiana. As a tuition-free, public charter school, they are honored to offer a classical education that nurtures young minds from kindergarten through high school, preparing them for both collegiate success and a life rich in virtue. Learn more about Great Hearts Harveston athttps://harveston.greatheartsamerica.org.

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Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.