Amaya attends third grade at a Title I public elementary school in Duval County. Her mother works the evening shift and her father has two jobs. 

When her birthday came around last fall, Amaya made what must have been a difficult choice for a third grader. 

“I don’t really get to paint at home, so instead of asking for a toy, I asked my mom if I could do this CAP art class instead.” – Amaya*

Instead of asking for the latest toy, Amaya begged to take an art class. The flyer she’d picked for an afterschool CAP visual arts class on orientation night was still on the kitchen table. Her parents looked it over, worried that this wish might be a bit over budget.

To her mom’s surprise, the class was free.

Because of generous donors like you, CAP is able to provide high-quality arts programs like the one at Amaya’s school at no cost to families. 

Amaya’s parents signed her up, and her grandmother started picking her up from school on Tuesday afternoons. The change they’ve seen in their daughter since that decision, the family says, is remarkable.

School hasn’t always been easy for Amaya. Last year, in second grade, she missed quite a few days of school and struggled to keep up with her homework. Her first FAST test of this year showed her ELA and Math scores behind her peers, even though her classroom teacher describes her as bright.

Now that spring is here, Amaya has become one of the star artists in her visual arts class. She’s more excited to come to school each day (especially on Tuesdays), so her attendance is much improved.

Amaya’s second-period FAST scores show that she’s catching up to her classmates in math and reading. She’s getting her homework in on time, too. Her grandmother tells us she’s noticed that Amaya is more confident and talkative at pickup.

The final standardized test of third grade is coming up, and Amaya says she’s feeling ready. 

As for her birthday next year? Amaya isn’t sure yet, but we know she’s going to dream even bigger.