If you’ve ever had to pay for preschool, you know it’s not cheap. But one local woman is doing everything she can to ease the burden for families in Bryan-College Station.

Erika Montez, the director of Bright Light Christian Learning Center, has made it her mission to provide affordable education to the community, and her efforts have earned her this week’s “Be Remarkable” award.

Located in a small church off Highway 30 in College Station, the Bright Light Christian Learning Center is a beacon of hope for families seeking quality education at a price they can afford. Montez, who runs the preschool, and her husband, who pastors Bright Light Free Will Baptist Church, have made it their goal to keep tuition costs low, ensuring that more families can access early childhood education.

“We started with 15 students,” Montez shared. “We grew to 21 this year, and we’re aiming for 30 next year.”

The journey to College Station wasn’t part of their original plan. After being laid off from her job with a public school system in California during the COVID-19 pandemic, Montez used insurance money from her mother’s passing to start a low-cost private school. When the opportunity arose to move to the Brazos Valley, she and her husband decided to continue their mission of providing affordable education.

“I felt in my heart that we really needed something like this here—another option for parents who couldn’t afford the high costs of other schools,” explained Montez.

Parents like Julie Bailey, whose son has attended Bright Light for two years, are grateful for what Montez has created.

“I’m incredibly thankful for what Erika has built here. My son has grown so much academically, socially, and spiritually. I love her passion and dedication to these kids,” Bailey listed.

The school also accepts donations and has an Amazon Wish List. The Montez family has even dipped into their own savings to buy supplies and pay salaries, all to keep tuition at a remarkably low $150 per month. Montez is so committed to this cause that she’s chosen to not take a salary herself.

“God has provided, and we’re able to offer this education for $150 a month,” Montez said.

The impact that Montez and her husband have made in such a short time is why KBTX and Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers are proud to present them with this week’s Be Remarkable award. Their dedication to serving the community is truly inspiring, and they are making a real difference in the lives of many families in College Station.

The “Be Remarkable” award is a joint initiative between KBTX-TV and Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers.

Full video interview located here: https://www.kbtx.com/2024/09/02/be-remarkable-couple-launches-low-tuition-preschool-college-station-church/