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Grades 8–9

Build Confidence.
Explore Strengths.
Align as a Family.

The Early Risers program introduces families to the college journey before high school pressure begins — with the clarity and communication tools to approach what's ahead with intention.

Schedule a Conversation →

Why Families Begin in 8th & 9th Grade

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.

Starting at this stage helps families:

Who This Program Is For

This program is designed for families who want to:

8th Grade Program — How It Works

Total Session Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Student Sessions (2 sessions · 1 hr each)

  • 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 Strategy Session (1 session · 30 min)

  • 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 at the center of the process

Family Session (1 session · 45 min)

  • 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

8th Grade Program Investment

$4,060
8th Grade Program
Dedicated counselor throughout the program
2 Student Sessions (1 hr each)
1 Caregiver Strategy Session (30 min)
1 Family Session (45 min)
Unlimited engagement during program period

9th Grade Program — How It Works

Total Session Time: 4 hours

Student Sessions (2 sessions · 1 hr each)

  • Strengthening communication with caregivers about goals and interests
  • Expanding interests through curiosity-driven exploration
  • Reducing anxiety by understanding how high school fits into the larger college journey
  • Developing a realistic four-year academic plan
  • Exploring career pathways and how they connect to potential majors
  • Building time management and academic planning skills

Caregiver Strategy Session (1 session · 30 min)

  • Resources and frameworks for supporting students during high school
  • Clarifying caregiver expectations for success
  • Understanding the evolving admissions landscape
  • Keeping the student's perspective and goals central to the process

Family Sessions (2 sessions · 45 min each)

  • Building positive habits for discussing school and goals
  • Understanding academic rigor and how context matters in admissions
  • Exploring the meaning of college "fit" — academic, social, and financial
  • Connecting academic exploration to personal interests
  • Building a support network and utilizing school resources
  • Developing tools for productive family conversations about the college journey

9th Grade Program Investment

$5,000
9th Grade Program
Dedicated counselor throughout the program
2 Student Sessions (1 hr each)
1 Caregiver Strategy Session (30 min)
2 Family Sessions (45 min each)
Unlimited engagement during program period

What Families Gain

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

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

What Comes Next

Sophomore Launch → Junior Strategy → Schedule a Conversation →

Ready to start your family's journey?

Limited Early Risers engagements available each semester.

Schedule a Conversation →