FAQs

• Gifted and talented, high-ability/high-potential students are a neurodiverse population that process information and perceive the world in different ways. These individuals demonstrate or have the potential to demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude or competence in one or more areas. Their abilities require programming enrichment, differentiation, and acceleration, yet they are often overlooked and underserved in schools based on a lack of information surrounding their nature and needs. Proper identification, interventions,  programming, and support help them gain the confidence and self-awareness required to fully appreciate and enhance their gifts and talents to become well-rounded global citizens and future leaders.

• Children ages 5-13 (who can enroll in K-8th grades in August 2025). 

• Gifted and talented students need a unique learning experience. Tying them to average standards can create boredom, behavioral problems, apathy, and an overall lack of motivation. Private schools can offer more autonomy and flexibility in their methods and models, which will provide authentic learning experiences and benefit the students at Journeys by empowering them to embrace their characteristics and challenging them to do more and be more.

• The tuition rate is being considered. We want to Journeys to be affordable to families while being able to provide exceptional education opportunities to students and recruit exceptional staff. We will offer financial assistance to families as our goal is to create a sustainable, equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment for all to thrive. In September 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly gave approval to triple funding for the Opportunity Scholarship program and remove income restrictions for getting a private school voucher. It also eliminated the requirement about prior enrollment in public school. This is advantageous to any family considering Journeys as a school of choice.

• Mrs. Hudak taught gifted students and was intrigued by their unique ideas and ways to problem solve. Their critical thinking abilities and precocious nature made diving into content meaningful and comprehensive, and inspired her to do more and be more. After seeing gaps in equity, she became a passionate advocate of the gifted and supported educators, specialists, and families in the gifted community to close the gaps, motivate the students, and help them reach their full potential. Hudak thought, “These are our future leaders- how can we let them slip through the cracks? Why are we not supporting their asynchronous development holistically?” Through years of research and careful consideration,  she developed Journeys with the intent to rescue those that feel they are alone on an island and provide them with the skills and strategies needed to pursue their passions and become productive and informed citizens. Mrs. Hudak believes that being gifted and talented is a superpower which can be valuable and useful in moving society forward. Those who think outside the box can offer broader solutions to the challenges our ever-changing world faces.

• Those interested in joining the Journeys family may fill out an initial application found in the Admissions section of the website. Once completed and submitted, the school will respond within 48 hours regarding the next steps in the admissions process. Applicants will be encouraged to meet with Journeys staff, tour the campus, and participate in a face-to-face interview with the Head of School. If a family decides to pursue enrollment, they are required to submit a $500 deposit to reserve their student's spot in the school.  

POLICY NOTICE: It is the policy of Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented to enroll children without discrimination of race, color, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry, or physical handicap. Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented is open to all families and seeks to create a diverse, positive culture and safe, inclusive environment where everyone's needs can be met. 

• The school will operate Mondays- Fridays from 8 AM to 4 PM and follow a traditional 180-day schedule.