Thinking about alternative education options for your child? Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented is preparing for its inaugural year starting in August 2025 with a mission to offer an exceptional education to high-ability learners. Journeys is more than a school; it is designed to be a beacon of excellence in gifted education, where personalized programming, holistic development, and mastery learning converge to create a unique learning environment.
Journeys School was born out of a vision to meet the needs of extraordinary children who often find themselves overlooked or underserved in traditional school settings. Gifted and twice-exceptional individuals are a special population that process and perceive the world differently and, therefore, require tailored approaches that challenge their intellect while fostering social and emotional growth. Recognizing this gap, we set out to create a compassionate school that will address these needs through cutting-edge curricula, advanced opportunities, and an unwavering commitment to creating a safe and supportive community.
At Journeys School, we believe every outstanding child can thrive when placed in the right environment and given the appropriate tools and resources. These are our dreamers and doers. We cannot afford to let our future leaders slip through the educational cracks.
Journeys School’s model is designed to engage and inspire. The content is research-based, exposing children to quality materials specifically designed for high-ability learners, allowing them to delve deeper into topics and make meaningful connections. Curiosity and critical thinking are prioritized through exploration and discovery. Our goal is to develop lifelong learners who have the confidence and competence to positively impact their community and beyond. The school will incorporate STEM, the arts, and extra-curricular activities to help each individual develop their talents and enhance their gifts.
In addition to its rigorous academics, Journeys will offer a nurturing setting derived from biophilic principles. Learning should be an organic, dynamic process, flexible and evolving rather than rigid and unchanging. Our students will have the freedom to move between spaces that suit their needs, emphasizing a connection to nature and being calm, present, appreciating change and growth.
The school is constructing an outdoor learning space and multi-purpose building to support the school’s dedication to community engagement and taking learning beyond four walls.
The school is challenging educational norms with its decision to forgo mandatory homework. Instead, learners will engage deeply with subjects during school hours, focusing on mastery learning rather than just rote memorization. By reducing after-school pressures, the school aims to give more time for family, hobbies, and personal growth. Another unconventional element is its community-centered approach, which involves families, local businesses, and community leaders in the educational journeys of each student, making learning relevant and creating strong mentorships and connections outside of the classroom.
As Journeys prepares for its grand opening, I will continue to build momentum through partnerships, open houses, and marketing strategies. My efforts extend to professional development and advocacy of gifted and talented learners. By obtaining a doctorate in educational leadership focusing on addressing underachievement, I was able to further solidify my expertise in the field.
Journeys isn’t just a school; it is an independent movement. It is a haven for exceptional learners to do more and be more in Western North Carolina. To accommodate families of all backgrounds, financial aid is available. I encourage families to be a part of something special.
For more information on Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented, visit www.journeysGT.org. Campus tours begin this month, and we are now enrolling for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.