Kali Fontanilla, 41, and her husband Joshua, 42, made a bold move that reverberated through the educational landscape. Leaving behind their teaching careers in California, they embarked on a mission to challenge the prevailing narratives in education. Their journey led them to establish the Exodus Institute, an online school based in Florida, aiming to provide what they see as a necessary counterbalance to what they perceive as the progressive infiltration of public education.
Their motivation stemmed 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, particularly regarding issues such as slavery.
The Exodus Institute started humbly, with just one student in their inaugural class in May 2022. However, it quickly gained traction, with nearly 200 students now enrolled across their K-12 program and a supplementary offering called the Young Patriots Academy. Their endeavor reflects a broader trend of discontent among conservatives nationwide regarding the perceived politicization of school curriculums.
Their 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, the journey to founding the Exodus Institute represents a departure from their previous roles as public school teachers. Kali began her teaching career at the age of 22, teaching English in the Salinas school district, while Joshua also worked in the same district. 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 catalyzed 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, such as being offered a mask emblazoned with “black educators matter,” which they saw as divisive and politicized.
The Exodus Institute’s curriculum reflects their commitment to providing an alternative to what they see as mainstream narratives. Their courses cover a range of subjects, including 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 not been without 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 steadfast in their mission to expand 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 encapsulates a broader conversation about the direction of education in America. Their decision to establish an “anti-woke” school reflects a growing sentiment among conservatives regarding the perceived politicization of education. Whether their endeavor will succeed in reshaping the educational landscape remains to be seen, but 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.