Kali and Joshua Fontanilla, former public school teachers, embarked on a bold journey to challenge the current education system by founding the Exodus Institute. Driven by their disillusionment with the politicization of public schooling, they quit their jobs to create a school focused on traditional American values and critical thinking. This article delves into their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the growth of their innovative educational venture.
Disillusionment with the Public School System
Kali and Joshua Fontanilla both embarked on their teaching careers with high hopes and a passion for education. Kali began teaching English in the Salinas school district in California at the age of 22, while Joshua also took up a teaching role in the same district. Both were dedicated educators who believed in the transformative power of education. However, as the years passed, they became increasingly disillusioned with the direction that public education was taking.
Kali and Joshua’s turning point came when they noticed a shift in the school environment. The education system, they felt, was becoming overly politicized, with a growing emphasis on teaching ideologies rather than objective facts. This trend was particularly evident in subjects like history, social studies, and even literature. Kali and Joshua were concerned that the curriculum was being used to promote specific political agendas rather than fostering critical thinking and balanced perspectives.
For Kali, the changes became starkly apparent after the tragic death of George Floyd in May 2020. The aftermath saw a surge in political activism within schools, which she felt sometimes crossed the line into political indoctrination. She recalled an incident where the school district sent her a “gift for black teachers” that included a mask emblazoned with “black educators matter.” While the intention was to show support, Kali felt uncomfortable being singled out for her race. She believed that recognition should be based on her professional contributions rather than her ethnicity.
Joshua shared similar sentiments. He found that being a conservative or holding traditional American values was becoming increasingly difficult in the public school system. He observed that there was a push for everyone to participate in liberal politics, leaving little room for dissenting views. This environment made it challenging for teachers like him to “mind their own business” and focus on their teaching without feeling pressured to conform to a particular political ideology.
The disillusionment with the public school system’s direction, combined with their desire to provide an education based on traditional values and critical thinking, led Kali and Joshua to consider a radical change. They realized that in order to truly make a difference and offer an alternative to the current education system, they would need to take a bold step and create their own institution.
Making the Decision to Quit
Deciding to quit their secure teaching jobs was not an easy choice for Kali and Joshua Fontanilla. It was a leap into the unknown, filled with emotional and practical challenges. However, their conviction to provide a different kind of education drove them forward.
The decision to leave their jobs was born out of numerous conversations and reflections. Kali and Joshua spent many evenings discussing their frustrations with the current education system and brainstorming solutions. They realized that their dissatisfaction was not just a passing phase but a profound disagreement with the direction public education was heading.
Emotionally, the decision was taxing. Both Kali and Joshua had dedicated significant portions of their lives to teaching. Leaving their stable careers meant stepping away from a predictable income, benefits, and a professional identity they had built over the years. It also meant moving away from colleagues and students they had grown attached to. Despite these challenges, they felt a strong calling to create a space where education could thrive free from political agendas.
Practically, the decision involved a lot of planning and preparation. They needed to ensure they had enough savings to support themselves during the transition period. They also had to research the legal requirements for starting a school, secure funding, and find a suitable location. This process was daunting, but their shared vision kept them motivated.
The couple’s initial decision was met with mixed reactions from family, friends, and colleagues. Some were supportive and admired their courage, while others were skeptical and worried about the risks involved. Kali and Joshua listened to all the feedback but remained steadfast in their resolve. They knew that pursuing their dream meant taking risks and stepping out of their comfort zone.
As they began to take concrete steps towards quitting their jobs, they found solace in each other’s support. They leaned on their shared faith and values, which strengthened their bond and commitment to the cause. They also sought advice from mentors and joined networks of like-minded individuals who had embarked on similar journeys. This support system proved invaluable as they navigated the uncertainties of starting a new venture.
Quitting their jobs marked the beginning of an exciting yet challenging journey. It was a testament to their belief in the power of education and their desire to create a lasting impact. Their decision to leave the public school system was not just an escape from dissatisfaction but a proactive step towards building something better.
Establishing the Exodus Institute
With their decision to quit their jobs firmly made, Kali and Joshua Fontanilla set out to establish the Exodus Institute. Their vision was clear: create a school that focused on traditional American values and fostered critical thinking, free from the politicization they saw in public education.
The first step was to turn their idea into a concrete plan. They worked tirelessly to outline their school’s mission, core values, and curriculum. They aimed to offer a balanced education that included essential subjects like math, science, history, and English, but with an emphasis on teaching through a lens of traditional values.
Setting up the school involved navigating several logistical and legal challenges. Kali and Joshua researched state regulations, applied for necessary permits, and worked on the financial aspects, including setting tuition rates and finding funding sources. They decided to start the Exodus Institute as an online school, which allowed them to reach a wider audience and reduce initial overhead costs.
One of their biggest hurdles was finding their first students. Marketing their new venture was crucial. They leveraged social media, attended community events, and reached out to like-minded parents who were also disillusioned with the public school system. Their efforts paid off when they enrolled their first student in May 2022.
The early days were a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Kali and Joshua poured their energy into creating engaging lesson plans and ensuring that their online platform was user-friendly. They also focused on building a supportive community for their students and parents, fostering an environment where everyone felt valued and heard.
Their hard work and dedication quickly began to show results. Positive feedback from parents and students started to spread, and enrollment numbers began to grow. Lastly, by maintaining a clear vision and staying true to their values, Kali and Joshua successfully laid the foundation for the Exodus Institute.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The journey to establish the Exodus Institute was not without its difficulties. Kali and Joshua Fontanilla faced numerous challenges in the early days, testing their resolve and commitment. However, their determination to provide a better educational alternative kept them going.
One of the first major challenges was financial stability. Leaving their secure teaching jobs meant that Kali and Joshua had to rely on their savings and carefully manage their budget. They worked hard to minimize expenses while ensuring they had the necessary resources to launch their school. This often meant long hours and personal sacrifices, but their vision kept them motivated.
Technical issues also posed significant obstacles. Setting up a reliable and user-friendly online platform was crucial for their school’s success. They encountered several technical glitches and setbacks, which required constant troubleshooting and sometimes professional help. Despite these hurdles, they persevered, continuously improving the platform to meet the needs of their students.
Attracting initial enrollment was another significant challenge. With limited resources for marketing, Kali and Joshua had to be creative in spreading the word about their new school. They used social media extensively, participated in community events, and relied on word-of-mouth referrals from supportive parents and friends. Slowly but surely, their efforts paid off as more families became interested in the Exodus Institute.
Building trust with parents and students was essential. Kali and Joshua made it a point to communicate transparently about their mission, curriculum, and values. They hosted virtual open houses, Q&A sessions, and provided detailed information about their educational approach. This openness helped them gain the trust and confidence of their early adopters.
Balancing their professional and personal lives was also challenging. The couple had to manage the demands of starting a new school while maintaining their family life and personal well-being. They supported each other through the stressful periods and celebrated small victories together, reinforcing their partnership and shared goal.
Despite these early challenges, Kali and Joshua’s perseverance and hard work began to bear fruit. The school’s reputation grew, and positive feedback from parents and students validated their efforts. Each obstacle they overcame strengthened their resolve and brought them closer to realizing their dream of providing an alternative, value-based education.
Growing and Evolving the School
The initial success of the Exodus Institute was just the beginning for Kali and Joshua Fontanilla. Their dedication to providing an alternative to public education resonated with many families, leading to rapid growth. From enrolling their first student in May 2022, the school expanded to nearly 200 students within a short period.
The key to this growth was the unique programs offered by the Exodus Institute. The core K-12 program provided a comprehensive education that emphasized traditional American values and critical thinking. Subjects like math, science, history, and English were taught with a focus on fostering independent thought and balanced perspectives.
In addition to the K-12 program, the Exodus Institute introduced the Young Patriots Academy. This supplementary course, designed for homeschooling parents, offered over 100 pre-recorded lessons on various topics, including race, culture, and the American dream. Priced at $29 a month, it provided an affordable and flexible option for families looking to enhance their children’s education.
To support this growth, Kali and Joshua continually improved their online platform, ensuring it was user-friendly and engaging. They also prioritized creating a strong community among students and parents. Regular virtual meetings, forums, and support groups helped build a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Testimonials from parents and students played a crucial role in attracting new enrollments. Many parents praised the school’s approach to education, highlighting the positive impact it had on their children’s learning and development. Students appreciated the engaging and balanced curriculum, which encouraged them to think critically and independently.
To manage the increasing number of students, Kali and Joshua expanded their team by hiring additional teachers who shared their vision and values. They ensured that all educators were well-trained and committed to providing high-quality education.
Tips for Aspiring Educational Innovators
Kali and Joshua Fontanilla’s journey to establish the Exodus Institute offers valuable lessons for those looking to start their own educational ventures. Here are some practical tips based on their experience:
- Identify Your Vision and Mission: Clarify your purpose and understand why you want to start an educational venture; define the core values that will guide your educational philosophy.
- Conduct Thorough Research: Understand the legal and regulatory requirements for starting a school in your area; study the market to analyze the demand for your type of school and identify your target audience.
- Plan Financially: Create a detailed budget that includes startup costs, operational expenses, and potential revenue streams; explore various funding options, such as personal savings, loans, grants, investors, and crowdfunding.
- Develop a Strong Curriculum: Ensure your curriculum covers essential academic subjects while incorporating your core values; use innovative teaching methods and engaging materials to keep students interested and motivated.
- Build a Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals and join networks of educators and entrepreneurs who share your vision; maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, and staff through regular meetings and forums.
- Stay Resilient and Adaptable: Be prepared to face challenges and setbacks, and learn from them; adapt to changing circumstances and be open to feedback for continuous improvement.
- Promote Your School Effectively: Use social media platforms to reach a wider audience and share your story, mission, and success stories; highlight positive testimonials from parents and students.
- Prioritize Quality Education: Recruit teachers who share your vision and values, ensuring they are well-trained and committed to providing high-quality education; monitor student progress and provide support as needed to enhance the learning experience.
Conclusion
Kali and Joshua Fontanilla’s journey from disillusioned teachers to founders of the Exodus Institute is a testament to their passion for education and dedication to traditional values. Their story highlights the importance of perseverance, community support, and staying true to one’s mission. Through their hard work and commitment, they have created an alternative educational environment that fosters critical thinking and balanced perspectives. Their experience also offers valuable insights and inspiration for others looking to innovate in the field of education.
