Meet Kali Fontanilla, 41, and her husband Joshua, 42. They made a bold move that shook up the educational world. Leaving behind their teaching careers in California, they set out on a mission to challenge the prevailing narrative in education. Their journey led them to establish the Exodus Institute, an online school based in Florida. Their goal is to provide a necessary counterbalance to what they see as the progressive infiltration of public education.
Their motivation comes from a growing disillusionment with what they describe as the overly politicized nature of the public schooling system. Kali and Joshua sought to create an educational environment grounded in what they term traditional American values. They designed their curriculum to address what they perceive as skewed teachings on sensitive topics like gender, race, and history, especially regarding issues such as slavery.
Starting with just one student in their inaugural class in May 2022, the Exodus Institute quickly gained traction. Now, nearly 200 students are enrolled across their K-12 program, along with a supplementary offering called the Young Patriots Academy. Their success is a reflection of a broader trend of discontent among conservatives nationwide regarding the perceived politicization of school curriculums.
Kali and Joshua’s decision to establish the Exodus Institute was not made in isolation but rather against the backdrop of a national conversation about the direction of education. Figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have supported legislative measures aimed at addressing what they see as the encroachment of progressive ideology in schools, including bills like the Stop WOKE act.
For Kali and Joshua, founding the Exodus Institute represents a departure from their previous roles as public school teachers. Both experienced firsthand what they perceive as the increasing politicization of education, prompting them to take action. Their decision to leave their teaching positions was not taken lightly but was fueled by what they saw as a tipping point following events like the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. They recount instances where they felt pressured to conform to certain ideological narratives, which they believe are divisive and politicized.
The curriculum at the Exodus Institute reflects their commitment to providing an alternative to what they see as mainstream narratives. They offer courses in math, science, language, and business, all framed within the context of traditional American values. They emphasize critical thinking and aim to debunk what they perceive as falsehoods perpetuated in mainstream education.
Their initiative has faced challenges, both financially and ideologically. The cost of enrollment ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 per year, although voucher programs in some states help alleviate the financial burden for parents. Additionally, they face criticism from those who view their approach as regressive or exclusionary.
Despite these challenges, Kali and Joshua remain dedicated to expanding the reach and impact of the Exodus Institute. They envision a future where their curriculum is accessible internationally and available in multiple languages, providing an alternative educational path for those who share their vision of traditional American values.
In conclusion, the story of Kali and Joshua Fontanilla and the Exodus Institute reflects a broader conversation about the direction of education in America. Their establishment of an “anti-woke” school represents the growing sentiment among conservatives regarding the politicization of education. While the success of their endeavor is yet to be seen, their journey serves as a testament to the power of individuals to challenge the status quo and pursue alternative paths in pursuit of their beliefs.
