Hey there! Got questions? We have answers about Justice Academy here!
What's the deal with all the letter themes (like J is for Jobs and K is for Kindness)?
We follow the letters in the alphabet because it's a simple and fun way to organize our adventures and learn new things! Plus, it teaches beginning sounds and gives us a fun focus for the week!
What kind of stuff do you do at the themed events?
PLAY! That's the foundation of everything that makes learning awesome! Think hands-on stuff like art projects, building things, games, storytelling, counting, pretend play, and even a little movement. Activities have variations so each child is learning on their level. We try to make it so the kids are learning without even realizing it!
Are these events at your house?
Yep, most of the time they are! Think of it as a super fun, educational playdate at our place. It keeps things cozy and familiar, especially for the little ones. If we need a bigger space, we can host the event at the library nearby. Located in West Dallas (75212), we're just minutes from downtown Dallas and easily accessible via I-30 and I-35, making us convenient from anywhere in the metroplex!
What if I'm hesitant to come to your home for an event?
We totally understand that feeling! Meeting new people can take time. We'd be happy to meet up for a casual playdate at a local library so you and your littles can meet us and see if we're a good fit for your family. We're really seeking to build a supportive community of friends, and it's important to us that you feel comfortable and supported in your learning journey! Just reach out and we can arrange something.
So, who are you, the person behind Justice Academy?
I'm Lilly! I'm a home-schooling parent who's super passionate about making learning fun and engaging for little ones. I'm a real parent who loves being creative and helping my kids learn! Before homeschooling and staying home with my kids, I worked as a mental health clinician in schools and the community. I am a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) have a Master's degree in Counseling so understanding kids' well-being and creating a supportive environment is really important to me – both in learning and in life!
Do your own kids join in on the fun?
Absolutely! They are Kingston (age 5) and Kai (age 3) and they are seeking new friends! Kingston is always excited about learning and meeting new people. Kai is shy, so he may join the fun but also he may be hiding in the corner.
What are the other families like who come to Justice Academy events?
They're awesome! We are thankful for the two homeschooling families who have been a part of Justice Academy from the beginning! We currently have families registered to attend events that commute from West Dallas, Desoto, and Arlington. Everyone's really friendly and all are welcome!
Will my kid make friends at these events?
We sure hope so! Our activities are designed to encourage interaction and social-emotional skills. It's a great chance for kids to connect with kids! Even grown-ups can make friends too!
How many activities can we expect at each event?
We usually aim to have around 8 or more different activities planned for each event! Little ones have busy minds (and sometimes short attention spans) so we like to have lots of options to keep things engaging. Everything we do will connect back to our theme and we try to touch on different subject areas for a well-rounded experience. After each event, you will also get an email with more activities and to continue the learning fun at home for the rest of the week.
What's the typical age range for the Justice Academy events?
Our activities are generally geared towards kids aged 2 to 7, but all are welcome to join in the fun! We believe learning together as a family is important. We encourage moms, dads, sisters, brothers, cousins, babies, grandparents, and teenagers to come along! We always ensure a safe space for babies to nap or play. Older kids are welcome to participate or work on their own projects, though we encourage them to embrace their inner child and join in! We also provide a collection of library books related to the theme of the week at each event for those who would like some quiet time to read.
Do parents need to stick around and participate?
Yes, please do! We encourage parents to get into the learning alongside their kids. Whether it's making art, coloring, dancing, or reading a story together, your participation makes the experience even richer and more fun for everyone, including you! It's a great way to connect with your child through learning. As we grow, we envision a future where we have our own building and can offer a drop-off program, camps, and more!
Is Justice Academy a co-op?
While we're building a community of families who love learning together, Justice Academy isn't structured as a formal co-op where parents take turns teaching specific subjects on a regular schedule. Think of it more as joining fun educational events and public meet-ups designed to build strong connections and community.
What is the Justice Academy curriculum like?
The curriculum at Justice Academy is a unique blend of custom-designed worksheets, activities, and carefully curated resources from my own research. I create engaging and fun activities, primarily geared toward children ages 2-7, with variations to provide extra challenges for older kids. Once I understand your child's current level, I develop customized activities to support their individual learning journey. My goal is to touch on a wide range of subjects, including social-emotional development and essential life skills, throughout all our events.
What if I can't attend every event?
Come whenever you can! We have events 2 times per month, check out our calendar! You're also welcome to attend our public meetups and library meetups for more socialization and learning. Just register to stay updated by email with a full list of activities for each month. We are always happy to see our friends whenever they can make it!
What kind of community is Justice Academy building?
We are building a community of diverse homeschooling families from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our goal is to create opportunities for families to build friendships, learn from each other, and support each other throughout their homeschooling journeys. We organize themed learning events at Justice Academy, as well as meetups at libraries and other exciting locations in the DFW metroplex. For more information about our program, please check out our parent handbook on the registration page.
Do I pay when I register?
No, registration simply adds you to our email list. This is how we invite you to all our future events and family meet-ups, and it helps us stay in touch. We promise no spam, no promotions, and no selling of anything else. You only pay an event fee when you're ready to attend a specific event.
More questions?
Just send me an email at lilly@justiceacademydallas.com! I'm always happy to chat!