Early Risers

The Early Risers program introduces families to the college journey before high school pressure begins. Instead of reacting to deadlines later, students and caregivers gain the clarity and communication tools needed to approach high school with intention.

Students begin developing self-awareness, curiosity, and direction — while caregivers gain the knowledge and context needed to support their student thoughtfully. The result: families entering high school aligned, informed, and confident.

Why Families Begin in 8th & 9th Grade

A Rare Window of Time and Freedom

Eighth and ninth grade offer a rare window when students have the time and freedom to explore their interests without the pressure of applications or testing.

Build confidence entering high school
Understand what actually matters in college admissions
Make thoughtful academic and extracurricular choices
Develop healthy communication habits around future goals

Starting at this stage means more time, more options, and better decisions later.

Who This Program Is For

This program is designed for families who want to:

Begin the college journey thoughtfully rather than reactively
Help their student explore interests and strengths early
Reduce anxiety about high school and the future
Establish healthy family communication around academics and goals
Understand the college admissions landscape before the pressure years

How the Early Risers Program Works

Our program intentionally includes students, caregivers, and the family together. Each component is structured to build understanding, connection, and shared direction.

Student Sessions

Expanding language beyond "majors" or school names to talk meaningfully about interests and goals
Understanding the difference between curiosities and interests and how exploration leads to discovery
Reducing anxiety about high school by demystifying the road ahead
Beginning thoughtful academic course planning
Exploring how personal interests connect to potential academic pathways

Caregiver/Parent Session

Resources to help caregivers understand the evolving college admissions landscape
Identifying and articulating the student's strengths, challenges, and learning style
Aligning expectations around academic growth and success
Understanding how to keep the student's perspective and criteria at the center of the process

Family Session

Creating healthier conversations about school, goals, and the future
Understanding what colleges actually evaluate in admissions
Learning the concept of academic fit, social fit, and financial fit
Connecting personal interests to academic exploration
Developing tools for productive family discussions about college

The goal: a "better dinner table conversation" — one built on curiosity rather than pressure.

8th Grade Program

Explore Curiosity / Family Alignment

$4,060

Program Investment

Total Session Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

1 Family Session (45 min)

2 Student Sessions (1 hr each)

1 Parent/Caregiver Session (30 min)

Plus: unlimited engagement with your assigned counselor during the program period.

"We weren't sure our 8th grader was ready, but the conversations were so natural. She came home excited — not stressed."

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9th Grade Program

Academic Direction / Career Exploration

$5,000

Program Investment

Total Session Time: 4 hours

2 Family Sessions (45 min each)

2 Student Sessions (1 hr each)

1 Parent/Caregiver Session (30 min)

Plus: unlimited engagement with your assigned counselor during the program period.

9th Grade Student Sessions Also Include:

Strengthening communication with caregivers about goals and interests
Expanding interests through curiosity-driven exploration
Developing a realistic four-year academic plan
Exploring career pathways and how they connect to potential majors
Building time management and academic planning skills

What Families Gain

By the end of the program, families typically leave with:

A clearer understanding of the high school journey ahead
A thoughtful academic course plan
Improved family communication around goals and expectations
Greater student confidence and self-awareness
A stronger foundation for future college planning

Most importantly, families gain time and clarity — two of the most valuable advantages in the college planning process.

Limited Early Risers engagements available each semester.