Dear Everest Point Families,
   It is with a deep sense of conviction and prayer that I write to you today. For some time now, God has been stirring my heart, guiding me towards a difficult, yet necessary decision. I want to be transparent with you about the direction our school is headed for the 2025-2026 school year, and I hope you will join me in this important journey for the future of our children.
   As many of you know, our world has been rapidly changing. Schools, under public education systems, are increasingly being forced to adopt policies that contradict our values, especially when it comes to issues like gender, parental rights, and the moral upbringing of our children. Under legal mandates, are expected to go against the wishes of parents in the upbringing of their children. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus warns, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” I cannot, in good conscience, stand by while our children are led astray.
   For years, I have felt God’s calling to create an educational environment that truly honors the Christian values we hold dear. I know that families like yours have come to Everest Point because you share a vision of a school that teaches children not only academics but also the truth of God’s Word, a school where parental rights are upheld, and where we can protect our children from the confusion and division of today’s culture. I cannot, in good faith, continue running a school under a public umbrella that does not allow us to fully embrace this mission.
   Therefore, I am announcing that Everest Point will be transitioning to a private institution. This decision will allow us the freedom to provide the kind of education that you, as parents, deserve for your children— an education rooted in truth, academic excellence, and a strong, unwavering respect for your role as the primary educators of your children.
   In order to make this transition, we will need to charge tuition, and I fully understand that this may be difficult for some families. I believe it is an investment—an investment in your child’s future, their values, and in the stability of a generation that can stand firm in the truth. As a parent myself, I urge you to consider that this investment is far less than what many spend on daycare or extracurricular activities, and far more valuable for your child's eternal well- being.
   I also understand that for many, the financial burden of tuition may feel overwhelming. Please know that I am working diligently to establish a scholarship fund to assist families in need, and I have set up a donation account to help support this effort. Our goal is for no child to be left behind due to financial hardship. We will make this work together, as a community.
   In this new structure, Everest Point will be offering a two day program per week. The new program will include a mix of core and elective classes. Core classes will fulfill one full credit per year, and electives will offer a meaningful half credit per school year. The student community programs will grow from the current dances and family nights to include an optional weekly worship service and a variety of clubs to bring the student body together. This additional academic support blends the best of both worlds by providing academic and social support when families want it and continuing to prioritize the educational freedom homeschool families value so strongly. We are creating a unique and supportive environment that will empower both students and parents, a place where education and faith will go hand-in-hand.
   I feel such a strong calling to offer this kind of education—one that ensures our children receive the truth, love, and guidance they deserve in a world that so desperately needs it. This decision, though not easy, is one that will help build a firm foundation for your children, and I truly believe it will be an investment that pays eternal dividends.
   I invite you to join us as we move forward with this bold and exciting step. If you have any questions, concerns, or simply wish to discuss this transition further, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can provide a safe, Christ-centered environment for our children—one where they are not only educated but also equipped to stand strong in their faith and values. I am so grateful for each of you and look forward to continuing this journey together. 
  Please stay tuned to EverestPoint.org for important updates and announcements, including the release of the Intent Form and a FAQ page. Applications will initially be open to current families for a limited time. Additionally, I will be hosting an in-person meeting soon—more details on the date and time will be shared shortly.
In faith and service,
Sarah Burkeen, M.A.Ed.
Founder, Everest Point Ministries
everestpointministries@gmail.com