When Students Need Options You Can’t Offer
A Trusted Online Path for Families
As a school counselor, you’re dedicated to helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. But what happens when families ask about an online option your district can’t provide?
Instead of saying, “I’m sorry, we don’t have that,” you can give them a trusted referral.
Since 2020, more than 1.2 million students nationwide have stepped away from traditional classrooms. In your state, when families seek flexibility, personalization, or a safer fit, Venture Upward is here to help.
We provide a fully supported, state-approved K–12 online program that combines academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and real-world enrichment opportunities
Supporting the Whole Child
Flexible, Personalized, and Proven
Our program goes beyond academics to nurture every part of a student’s growth. Families who join Venture Upward receive:
- Quality, state-aligned curriculum designed for success
- Live teacher interaction and consistent academic support
- Weekly in-person enrichment opportunities and community events
- A whole-child approach that builds academic, social, and emotional well-being
- Tiered interventions and progress monitoring when extra help is needed
- A complete virtual education team supporting families every step of the way
Why Counselors Recommend Venture Upward
- Safe & credible. We are a state-approved program with a strong track record.
- Whole-child focus. We balance academics with emotional well-being and social development.
- Proven results. Students consistently meet or exceed academic benchmarks.
- Family support. We guide families through enrollment, orientation, and ongoing mentoring.
- Trusted by peers. Counselors share our program with confidence.
Connect with us Today!
Wes Breuer
Partnership Development Manager
wbreuer@ventureupward.org | 507.720.8206
What families are saying
Barberg Family – Abby Barberg
“There is so much grace and heart behind the people at Venture. That is what drew me in. The teachers are amazing, and they truly work with you and want your best.”
“The Venture Upward community gives her family ‘a safety net, a support system, amazing field trips and resources, and a community to live life with.’”
Arbon Family – Lindsay Arbon
“Venture Upward provides so many opportunities to help families aid their students identify what they love to learn–in such personal and individual ways. These kiddos can then go on and continue to dive deeper into those subjects and interests.”
Finley Family – Katie Finley
“One of their favorite aspects of being a part of Venture Upward is the inclusion of the whole family at play dates, field trips, and events where school and learning are not limited to individual experiences, but group-oriented, all-level enrichment.”
Finley Family – Katie Finley
“One of their favorite aspects of being a part of Venture Upward is the inclusion of the whole family at play dates, field trips, and events where school and learning are not limited to individual experiences, but group-oriented, all-level enrichment.”
Rayford Family – Elizabeth Rayford
“The thing I love most about home educating is that we get to spend the majority of our time together. We can have great conversations about everything we are doing and experiencing.”
David-Price Family – Kim David
“Venture Upward has been a great fit for our family, and we are thankful for all it has given to us and our kids.”
Nephew Family – Tracey Nephew
“My boys have thrived this year on the Venture school competitive Lego robotics team, and they both have really enjoyed our group study of the Middle Ages.”
Studniski Family – Sara Studniski
“I’m just so happy that we found this program, and it works! I had no idea something like this even existed. This is perfect.”
What our school partners are saying
Associate Superintendent
Twin Falls School District #411
– Dr. Ryan L. Nesmith, Ph.D.
“Our collaboration with Venture Upward has been exceptional. Their team has demonstrated unwavering dedication, working diligently to address the unique needs of our students and personalize their learning experiences to ensure optimal outcomes. Venture Upward shares our commitment to fostering academic excellence and personal growth. Together, we are united by a common mission: to provide a high-quality education that equips our children with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive both in school and throughout their lives.”
Kaupe’a Virtual Learning Coordinator and Teacher
– Talia Capdepon
“This was our school’s first year working with Venture Upward for our K-12 virtual learning program. While there was a steep learning curve, Venture Upward heavily supported us with in-person training, virtual meetings, materials and resources from day one and throughout the year. All questions asked were answered and feedback was always addressed promptly and with professionalism. Having that support during a curriculum transition made all the difference while staff and families learned the ropes. I’m looking forward to continuing working with such a great team.”
Superintendent at Fremont County School District #25
– Jodi Ibac
“Venture has been responsive and supportive at every stage of our partnership. Venture has strong values and high expectations and is genuinely committed to our shared focus of serving families.”
SPUR Virtual Academy Principal
– Justin Taylor
“We are giving an option for these families who do want to do homeschool that is more structured. Things like Venture School gives them the community and the structure to be part of the education and not just delivering it, which can be huge. People are going to see the benefit, and families are going to start communicating with one another.”
Princeton Public Schools ISD #477
Director of Teaching and Learning
– Jessica Town-Gunderson
“Working with Venture Upward has provided a smooth on-ramp for us to be able to offer an online program K-8. The structures they have in place and guidance they offer helped us quickly meet the needs of students and families we were not yet serving.
Venture Upward has extensive experience starting up and providing online education to parents who prefer to educate at home.
We share a common vision of supporting every learner. They offer their expertise on how to do so without forcing decisions, which makes them great collaborators.”
Dean of Interventions
Sequoia Choice, Arizona Distance Learning
– Allyson Dibert
“Our work with Venture Upward has strengthened our efforts to serve students and families effectively. I love working with their team—they are consistently organized, responsive, and proactive. I never have to follow up because they’re already on it! In supporting their SST program, I’ve seen firsthand how committed they are to student success and how well they partner with our staff to engage families. Venture Upward truly puts students first and is a pleasure to work with.”