Feature Family

Meet the Dousette Family

If there’s one word to describe the Dousette household, it’s lively.

With ten-year-old twin boys, an eight-year-old daughter, and a three-year-old son, there’s no shortage of energy or laughter. The family spends much of their time outdoors, whether practicing Parkour, horseback riding, or exploring nature. “We love all things science and learning about how our world works,” said mom, Melissa.

The Dousettes began home educating when their twins were in kindergarten after feeling pulled to take a more hands-on approach to learning. That’s when they discovered Venture Upward, a turning point for their family. “We weren’t sure how to start,” Melissa recalled, “but Venture Upward helped us get our bearings.” The boys quickly made lifelong friends at Venture School and still look forward to the creative classes and projects each week.

Now seasoned homeschoolers of more than six years, the Dousettes have found a rhythm that fits their family. The twins like to start lessons early so they can spend afternoons on hobbies and adventures, while their sister eases into her day with crafts, cooking, or helping her youngest brother. “We love being interest-led,” Melissa shared. “Science is usually at the center, but they’re always connecting math, language, and geography through hands-on projects.”

Melissa credits Venture Upward’s teachers for helping her family build a strong foundation and keeping their learning joyful. “Our first teacher supported not only my kids but me when I felt stuck,” she said. “The instructors at Venture School continue to fuel their creativity and keep learning fun.”

Now serving as Site Manager in Arizona for the Gilbert and Gilbert-Mesa Venture Schools, Melissa enjoys helping other families find the same encouragement she once received. “Following their interests and being able to support them right where they are has been such a gift,” she said. For the Dousettes, the best days are simple ones, picnics at the park, pool time in the summer, and moments that make learning feel like living. As daughter Aurora summed it up: “My favorite thing about home educating is doing school with my dogs.”