Feature Family

Meet the Nephew Family

In the great state of Idaho, the Nephew family embraces the joys of home education and the great outdoors. Tracey and her husband, Chris, along with their two boys, Casey and Cameron, have transformed their home into a dynamic classroom that extends far beyond its walls. Now in their fourth year of home educating, the family’s educational adventure began unexpectedly during the challenges of COVID-19. Disenchanted with the limitations of distance learning, Tracey and Chris decided to take a more active role in their children’s education. This decision led them to Venture Upward, recommended by family friends, that beautifully complements their home-study instruction. Cameron appreciates the extra time with his dad, who also works from home, while Casey enjoys the flexibility to pursue varied interests. Both boys exude confidence, with Cameron priding himself on being a problem solver and Casey finding joy in the lighter side of learning, like the times doing classroom experiments and interacting with live specimens!

Tracey details a typical week blending structured mornings with a flexible curriculum that adapts to the family’s daily needs and interests. Mondays and Tuesdays are dedicated to concentrated study at home, while the remainder of the week offers a mix of learning environments—from cozy reading sessions on the couch in pajamas to hands-on explorations at local parks and libraries. This approach not only keeps the learning process vibrant and engaging but also aligns perfectly with their sons’ passions. 

Venture School has been a highlight for them. Tracey says, “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.” Tracey has also enjoyed helping as a teacher’s assistant for the 2-3 grade class. 

The support from their teacher, Lisa Steineke, has been invaluable. She provides the guidance and encouragement needed to keep them on track, especially through challenging times. This external support complements the family’s educational philosophy, which prioritizes understanding over mere progression, allowing the boys to excel in a nurturing environment that celebrates their strengths and addresses their weaknesses.

Aside from academics, the family cherishes their time outdoors, whether it’s exploring new landscapes or simply enjoying nature together. In this family, education is not confined to textbooks or traditional learning environments. The flexibility of home education with Venture Upward allows them to weave their learning around their lives, not their lives around schooling, making every day a unique adventure that prepares Casey and Cameron not just for tests, but for the test of life.

“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.”

~Tracy Nephew