Student Excels at Christian School, Attends Virginia Tech Thanks to School Choice

Devin Darden spent barely half of his high school career at Williamsburg Christian Academy (WCA) in Virginia, but he made the most of his experience at the ACSI-accredited school. 

Darden transferred to WCA from a public school during his sophomore year, thanks in large part to a scholarship through the Children’s Tuition Fund. In his two-plus years at WCA, Darden participated in the Key Club and the National Honor Society, plus competing for WCA’s swim, track and field, soccer, and baseball teams. 

The education he received at WCA, combined with his extracurricular activities, helped his college application process. He graduated in 2024 and is now a sophomore at Virginia Tech, studying Mining Engineering. 

His experience at WCA was “night and day” compared to his previous school. 

"It definitely helped my faith a lot,” Darden said. “It’s a matter of already knowing what I want to see in my own life and being better equipped to answer questions that people ask regarding their own life and mine.” 

Darden’s Christian philosophy teacher, Mr. Vas, made a particularly strong impact on him. 

“He was fantastic,” Darden said. “He listened to any question you had, answered the best he could, and gave his honest opinion about anything you asked him. And he was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.” 

Darden benefited academically at WCA, which offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Academics are important and prioritized in WCA's culture, but even more so, a supportive Christian culture. Devin said that the kindness he experienced was unparalleled and a distinctive of Christ-centered education.  

“I’m pretty sure that helped me get into Virginia Tech, which is very competitive for engineering,” he said. 

Darden is now able to pursue a field he’s interested in, while at a school that could set him up well for the long term. 

“Over the summertime I worked in construction and I thought, ‘Well, I like dirt, I like rocks. I’m pretty good at math. I think mining engineering is the way to go,’” Darden said. 

Now, Darden looks back on his time at WCA with fond memories. He enjoys going back to visit when he has the chance, especially since his siblings now attend the same school. And should he have the chance to send his own kids to WCA one day, he’d “absolutely” do so. 

“Looking back on it, it was golden,” Darden said.