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The Program

How It Works

A structured path from first session to lasting peer relationships. Here's exactly what to expect.

The Experience

Weekly sessions designed for depth.

Groups of 4 students meet for 90 minutes each week. Sessions are AI-facilitated, designed to challenge and connect, and adapted to your group's dynamics.

Students collaborating in a focused discussion

Weekly Mastermind Sessions

Every week, your group of 4 meets for 90 minutes guided by an AI facilitator that adapts to your interests and dynamics.

  • ◆ Deep dives into curated topics
  • ◆ Collaborative problem-solving challenges
  • ◆ Member-led discussions on personal interests
  • ◆ Goal-setting and accountability check-ins

Quarterly Shuffle

Every 3 months, cohort groups are reshuffled. You'll join 4 new peers while maintaining connections with previous cohort members.

Over a year, you'll form deep relationships with 12+ exceptional peers across diverse backgrounds and geographies.

Your Growing Network

Each quarterly shuffle expands your circle. Over time, you build a web of meaningful peer relationships that extends well beyond your current group.

  • ◆ Member directory to stay connected with past peers
  • ◆ Group spaces for ongoing conversation
  • ◆ Direct messaging between members
  • ◆ 12+ deep peer connections built over your first year
Students in animated standing conversation
Selection

Who gets in.

Most applicants are not admitted. Membership requires clearing every stage of a multi-factor review: academic transcripts, a reference letter, and a rigorous assessment interview.

We evaluate the whole student. No single credential is sufficient.

  • ◆
    Proven Academic Record

    Transcripts and coursework that demonstrate sustained excellence, not a single test score

  • ◆
    Intellectual Curiosity

    Self-directed exploration and a genuine fascination with ideas, evidenced across the full application

  • ◆
    Depth of Thinking

    The ability to reason beyond the surface and make non-obvious connections

  • ◆
    Collaboration Potential

    Fascination with other people's ideas and the ability to build on them

The assessment interview is approximately 60 minutes, administered online by an AI, and offered only to applicants who have already passed earlier review stages. We are looking for students who belong in a room with the best.

Retakes: If not admitted on your first attempt, you may retake the assessment after 6 months. You have up to 3 lifetime attempts.

Session Format

90 minutes of real discourse.

0:00

Check-in

Each session opens with a structured check-in. Share wins, challenges, and what's on your mind. The AI facilitator identifies themes and connections across the group to guide the session.

0:15

Exploration

Dive deep into a curated topic or member-chosen subject. Collaborative problem-solving, presentations on areas of interest, and guided Socratic discussion. The AI adapts the format based on what works best for each group.

0:45

Debate

Structured dialogue where perspectives are challenged constructively. The AI ensures every voice is heard and pushes the group to examine assumptions, consider counterarguments, and deepen understanding.

1:15

Reflection

Synthesize takeaways, set goals for the week ahead, and establish accountability with your peers. Each session closes with a moment to capture what shifted in your thinking.

Investment

Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. A fraction of private school tuition.

Membership
$200 /month
  • ✓ Weekly 90-minute sessions
  • ✓ Group of 4 matched students
  • ✓ 12-week cycles with new group rotations
  • ✓ AI-powered session facilitation
  • ✓ Community access
  • ✓ Need-based financial aid available
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Need-based aid and school-based waivers available up to 100% of fees.

The Value Comparison

Feature Private School Cohort1
Cost $30,000 – $60,000/year $200/month
Peer Selection Based on family wealth Based on merit
Geographic Reach Local only Nationwide network
Peer Diversity Similar backgrounds Diverse perspectives
Network Size (4 years) ~100 classmates 48 exceptional peers
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Cohort1 for? +

Cohort1 is designed for exceptional students ages 13-18 who want to connect with ambitious, accomplished peers. Our members come from all backgrounds, geographies, and educational settings (public school, private school, homeschool). Many are academically strong, but what really unites them is broader: a record of achievement, initiative, curiosity, and the desire to do something meaningful with their abilities.

How selective is the entrance exam? +

Our entrance exam is designed to identify students in the top 1% who will thrive in and contribute to the cohort environment. We're looking for intellectual curiosity, collaborative spirit, and academic foundation — not perfection. Many admitted students join on their second or third attempt as they mature.

What happens during weekly sessions? +

Each 90-minute session is guided by an AI facilitator and includes a mix of structured and open activities. Typical sessions might include a deep-dive discussion on a curated topic, collaborative problem-solving challenges, member presentations on areas of interest, and goal-setting or accountability discussions. The AI adapts the format based on what works best for each group.

How are cohort groups matched? +

We match students based on several factors: similar ability level (based on exam performance), complementary interests, timezone compatibility, and age range. We aim to create groups where students can challenge each other while remaining in roughly the same developmental stage. Groups typically span a 2-3 year age range.

What if my child doesn't connect with their cohort? +

It's natural for some groups to gel better than others. If a student is struggling to connect, we plan to handle regrouping at the next 12-week rotation whenever possible. We also encourage students to give it time; some of the strongest cohort bonds form slowly. Our AI facilitator is designed to monitor group dynamics and help everyone participate.

Can I pause or cancel membership? +

Membership is $200 per month. Because groups run in 12-week cycles, any pause or cancellation policy will be structured to avoid disrupting a student's group mid-cycle.

Is financial aid available? +

Yes. We believe merit should be the only barrier to entry, not financial circumstances. Need-based financial aid is planned up to 100% of membership fees, and exam fees will be waived for approved aid applicants, school-nominated students, and Title I nominations. Financial need is reviewed separately from admission.

What technology do I need? +

Sessions are conducted via video conference. Students need: a computer or tablet with camera and microphone, stable internet connection, and a quiet space for focused conversation. We recommend headphones for better audio quality. Mobile phones are not recommended for sessions.

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