About Us

It Takes a Village began as both a dream and a need.

Our founder, Denise, longed for the kind of community she was missing. After losing her parents and living far from family, she made a decision: to become for others what she wished she had for herself.

As an introvert raising an extroverted only child, Denise explored many homeschool groups but couldn’t find the right fit. She envisioned a place that captured the best parts of school—without the drawbacks. So, she took a leap of faith.

It started simply—with a Facebook group and a trampoline park playdate. Families showed up, friendships formed, and it became clear: people were hungry for genuine community. From there, the gatherings grew—library meetups, parent-led classes, a homeschool orchestra, and even a PE group. Each step was guided by one simple truth: people need connection and a place to belong.

What began with one mom’s vision has grown into the first homeschool enrichment center in the Southwest. Here, families keep their own curriculum and schooling plans while coming together to enrich their children’s education. Students explore spirited debate, animal dissections, robotics, science experiments, music, travel, physical fitness, and more—learning alongside their peers and mentors who bring passion and expertise.

We are rooted in God’s truth and dedicated to raising bold, fearless thinkers who lead with conviction and compassion. We strive to preserve our Christian heritage and the founding values of our nation: life, liberty, freedom, equality, and justice for all.

At It Takes a Village, we believe in leaving a lasting legacy: raising children who stand for truth, walk in love, respect others, pray for their enemies, and forgive quickly. Together, we are building a community where faith, family, and freedom flourish.

Our Mission

Our mission is to come alongside parents as partners in homeschooling, preserving family-led freedom while providing Christ-centered spiritual growth, academic excellence, and character development. Rooted in Jesus, we equip students with the skills to discover their unique God-given purpose, think critically, ask courageous questions, and lead with confidence, boldness, love, and compassion.

Our Vision

To see a generation of confident, Christ-centered leaders who love boldly, think critically, and stand firm in truth—empowered through family-led education and rooted in God’s Word.

Our Four Pillars

Academic Excellence – Equipping students with knowledge, critical thinking, and a love of learning.
Character & Leadership – Nurturing integrity, resilience, and the confidence to lead.
Real-World Experiences – Connecting learning to life through mentorship, travel, and service.
Community & Family – Building a strong, supportive network of parents, teachers, and partners.

Our Core Values

Biblical Foundation – Rooting all wisdom and learning in God’s Word, the ultimate truth and guide for life. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

Academic Excellence – Equipping students with knowledge, critical thinking, and a love for learning—understanding that while the pursuit of knowledge is valuable, true wisdom begins with a relationship with God. (Proverbs 2:6;Colossians 2:3; Proverbs 1:7)

Character & Leadership – Shaping students to reflect Christ’s character by walking in integrity, holiness, resilience, humility, and the confidence to lead boldly. (1 Timothy 4:12; Philippians 2:3–4)

Real-World Discipleship – Connecting faith and learning through mentorship, service, and hands-on experiences that equip students to live out their unique calling in Christ. (James 2:17; Matthew 5:16)

Community & Family – Building a strong, network of parents, teachers, churches, and community partners to foster unity, and divine order. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10; Hebrews 10:24–25;Titus 2:1-10)

Our Mission

Our Vision

To see a generation of confident, Christ-centered leaders who love boldly, think critically, and stand firm in truth—empowered through family-led education and rooted in God’s Word.

We warmly welcome families who want their children to think deeply, engage respectfully, and stand firmly in their faith — even those who don’t, or those wrestling with or questioning their family’s values. We believe that disagreement, when handled with respect and love, can be one of the most powerful teachers.

It is our calling to raise critical thinkers — young people who can discuss and disagree with grace, while walking in truth and love. Charlie Kirk modeled this well. He led with facts, upheld faith, exercised self-control, treated others with respect, and left a lasting legacy. Though we are saddened to see his legacy twisted and misrepresented, we remain steadfast in honoring it rightly.

A fire burns within us brighter than ever — to raise children who stand for truth, remain firm and bold, walk in love, show respect, pray for their enemies, and forgive quickly. This is not just our mission; it is our resolve. We choose to carry the torch of freedom of speech, respectful debate, and walking in loving truth

This commitment goes beyond academics — it is a vision for the future. We are rooted in God’s truth, forming children into adults who glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. We are dedicated to preserving the founding ideals of our nation and the Western tradition—including our Christian heritage and the values of life, liberty, freedom, equality, and justice for all.

We are honored to be the only Turning Point Academy affiliate in West Texas and to carry on his legacy with clarity and purpose. This moment is both sobering and inspiring — a call to action that we cannot ignore.

With this affiliation, we are fully embracing the 5C School Principles, committing to being an educational institution that is:

Christian, Classical, Conservative, Collaborative, and Cost-Affordable.

Our Staff Members

Denise Zavala is the founder and CEO of ITAV, as well as a devoted wife and mother with a passion for creating a community where homeschooling can truly thrive. Inspired by her son, she is committed to making homeschooling the best possible choice for families.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies—with concentrations in Business, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, and Music—and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling, hiking with her two huskies, and embracing new challenges.

A visionary leader who loves Jesus Christ, her family, and her community, Denise finds joy in investing in the next generation of leaders and surrounding herself with others who value big ideas and a lasting impact.

Mariah Morales holds a degree in Global Culture & Language and has specialized training in learning disability intervention. She designs curriculum for ITAV, creating classes that challenge students to think deeply—examining their beliefs, reflecting on why they hold them, and exploring how global perspectives shape their values.

Guided by her Christian conservative principles, Mariah is passionate about equipping the next generation to thoughtfully engage with history and culture, strengthen their critical thinking, and grow in character. She approaches teaching with respect, fostering open dialogue rather than imposing her own views, encouraging students to think for themselves.

Beyond the classroom, Mariah is an avid reader, a joyful wife, and the mother of two children. She loves spending time outdoors, especially camping, and also runs a flourishing sewing business where she creates beautifully crafted clothing.

Laura Gomez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology with an emphasis in Marketplace Studies. A dedicated wife and mother, she has spent the past six years homeschooling her three children, skillfully adapting her teaching to meet each child’s needs—including one with ADHD. Laura is also a licensed minister and a certified cosmetologist, blending her passions for faith, education, and creative expression in everything she does.

Deandra Revels holds an Associate’s Degree in Business and Accounting and has completed all required coursework toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. While she has not yet completed student teaching in a public school setting, she brings a strong foundation in educational theory and practice, along with years of tutoring experience—particularly in mathematics.

Outside the classroom, Deandra enjoys spending time with her husband and son, and two dogs, playing board games, solving puzzles, listening to music, and exploring art. She also loves traveling and values the quality time homeschooling provides for her family.

In her class, Deandra’s goal is to integrate play-based learning through engaging centers focused on math, language arts, and STEM. She believes hands-on experiences encourage independence, spark creativity, and nurture social development in young learners. Students will also explore literature through books and poetry and enrich their learning through art.

Susan Zaragoza is a certified teacher with 17 years of experience, guiding students from 1st through 12th grade in subjects ranging from English to drama. Her adaptability to diverse age groups and learning needs highlights her dedication and versatility as an educator.

Drawing from her background in Christian studies and social psychology, Susan integrates academic excellence with a heart for spiritual growth. She is passionate about nurturing students not only in knowledge but also in character, encouraging them to discover and embrace their God-given gifts.

Susan is also a proud wife and mom, currently homeschooling her son. Beyond the classroom, her love for sharing the gospel shines through in every interaction. She embraces each opportunity to uplift, encourage, and uncover the unique treasures within those she serves.