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Journey Outpost is simply a family that desires to help other families love God, serve God, and know God through creating life long learners. We accomplish this mission through our resource center that has a collection of homeschool curriculum for families to look through and purchase, offering classes for all ages on a wide varriety of subjects, and a range of services such as highschool planning, menorship, and tutoring. 

We started in 2012 with 3 families that met once a week in our basement to complete art projects, group games, and have parties in connection to the history curriculum we used. As the kids aged, the classes changed and more families started joining. Eventually it morphed into April teaching middle and high school composition for 10 students each week. In 2017, April's oldest daughter, Annie, joined to teach elementary students American Sign Language. 

In 2020 we moved our of our basement and to Azure Hollow. We had 15 middle and high school students that came once a week for a full day of classes in history, composition, Bible, public speaking,and leadership, among other classes. The following year, we added a second day, allowing elementary students to come on Tuesday while older students came Wednesday. In 2022, we partnered with the Cass County Resuce Mission to expand both age groups to meet 2 days. At this point, we serve more than 100 students in our program every week between our classes, tutoring, and community outreaches.

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The mission of Journey Outpost is to encourage and equip lifelong learners for the purpose of knowing, loving and serving God. 

We plan all of our classes and activities with this mission in mind.

We do this through mentoring parents, offering classes and tutoring for all ages, and providing a learning center equipped with books and tools for the use of families.

Our core beliefs and practices are Christian. There is one and only one living and true God. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God and all Scripture is completely true and trustworthy.

All families are welcome to join us and respectful conversations are encouraged, but our teaching and ultimate goals will point to our mission statement as described above. The Bible is used as a core text in all of our classes.

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We are primarily a drop off program, so you do not need to stay with your child. We do have a few spaces for parent helpers in the elementary classes.

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That depends on your child. If your child is able to sit in a class for 30-45 minutes, able to follow multiple directions given at a time, and able to work independently when given directions, your child might be ready to join our elementary class. Younger students who have older siblings already attending the same class tend to do better than those who do not have one.

At this time, kindergarteners are only able to attend Tuesday morning classes (Lower Hands-On Learning, Lower Social Studies, and Lunch and Recess). After October 4th, if parents desire and there is still space available, they can talk to the Elementary Director, Annie, to determine if additional classes would be a good fit for their child.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us. We would be happy to help evaluate if our program is a good fit for your child.

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That depends on your child. Elementary classes feel more elementary. The account is in the parent's name, there is less homework which is optional and the classes target middle elementary aged students. Middle school students have accounts in their own names, there is more homework and the classes feel more academic. Students are welcome to mix and match elementary and middle school classes.

We also have a new program this year to help bridge this gap. On Tuesday mornings, Upper Elementary (4th-6th grade) and Lower Elementary (K-3rd grade) have been split up during Hands-On Learning and Social Studies. This allows them each to receive differentiated learning environments. Older students will have a chance to get a taste of Middle School without jumping in completely yet.

If you have any questions, please let us know. We would be happy to help you determine if our program is a good fit for your students.

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Elementary students eat lunch in the classroom, then walk together to the grass lot across the street to play whenever the weather permits. If it's chilly, please send a coat. Even a few minutes outside help kids get a mental break. If the weather prohibits time outside, we will take an active break in the classroom. Students are never left unsupervised. There is a microwave and fridge available for students, but most find it easiest to have a simple, nutritious lunch packed in a lunch bag.

Middle school and high school students get a forty minute break for lunch. An adult will always be in the classroom through the lunch break. Parents complete a form at the beginning of the year specifying whether students are allowed to leave for lunch or if they need to stay in the classroom. Some students stay and some go out to lunch (on the square or elsewhere). There is a microwave and fridge available for students.

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We've created a full lineup of classes that compliment each other, but you are welcome to pick and choose the ones that work for you. However, students enrolled in full-day classes, then those signed up for part-day classes, will gain priority for available class slots over those who sign up for a single class.

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For elementary school children, homework is provided but not required. It is available for parents to extend the lessons their children learned in class that week. 

Middle and high school students have required homework with most classes. Students will need to complete their homework each week before class. 

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There is a $25 registration fee per family. Most hour classes are $75/year plus a supply fee. Most block classes are $125/year plus a supply fee. Math classes are $100/year. We also offer fundraising opportunities.

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Yes! We have an open house on Saturday, April 13th from 1-3 and Monday, April 15, from 3-6.