What are Learning Cohorts?

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A cohort is a small, multi-age learning group led by a teacher who differentiates instruction by readiness and mastery. Students move forward when they demonstrate understanding, not simply when the calendar turns.

Combined classes typically teach two grade levels with parallel tracks. Cohorts are deliberately multi-age and mastery-based—less about juggling two grades and more about grouping by skill and habit formation across subjects.

Yes. Multi-age settings give teachers flexibility to place a child at the right level per subject (e.g., more advanced in reading, on-level in math), providing challenge without gaps.

We use placement conversations, prior work, and short, low-stress diagnostics to identify current mastery. Teachers adjust groups within the cohort as students grow.

No. Our curriculum maps ensure that students meet or exceed expected content and skills over the course of the grammar and logic years. We emphasize depth before speed, so understanding is durable.

Parents receive clear term reports showing mastery of core skills/standards, along with narrative feedback and traditional grades where appropriate. For high-school credit later on, transcripts reflect course titles and competencies accepted by receiving schools.

Assessments are chiefly formative—they inform teaching and give students feedback. When a student needs more practice, we reteach and reassess. The goal is mastery, not point-chasing.

Cohorts work well across the school, but the exact configuration (e.g., half-day vs. full-day in the youngest years) may vary as enrollment and program needs develop. We’ll publish the current structure each year.

Cohorts are intentionally small, with a ratio of 1:12 in the school,  so teachers can individualize instruction and cultivate strong habits. We cap sizes based on age and subject to preserve that feel.

Multi-age communities are rich in mentoring. Younger students see mature models; older students practice leadership and service. Daily liturgies, house activities, and clubs mix students across cohorts in healthy ways.

Because cohorts group by readiness, a student who excels can move to a more advanced strand in that subject; a student who needs support gets targeted practice without stigma. We partner with families on any documented learning differences.

We teach students to measure growth by faithful effort and mastery, not by birthdays. Parents receive regular updates so progress is visible and celebrated.

Through explicit teaching, small-group rotations, rich reading/writing routines, and independent practice guided by clear checklists. Shared chants, recitations, copywork, and math facts build communal momentum.

Yes. Cohorts support the classical aim of forming skill and habit (especially in the grammar years) and preparing students to think clearly and communicate well as they enter the logic and rhetoric years.

Homework is purposeful and limited, reinforcing what was taught. We prioritize reading, memory work, and math practice appropriate to readiness rather than busywork tied to a grade label.

Our records translate mastery into familiar grade/course language. Students typically transition well because they have strong fundamentals and study habits.

You’ll receive weekly plans, term reports, and invitations to conferences. Teachers communicate how your child is progressing within each strand (reading, writing, arithmetic, etc.).

We consider both. Age guides initial placement; readiness determines instructional grouping. During onboarding, we’ll discuss any unique needs and the best starting point.

If applicable in a given year, the website will clearly list current tuition tiers and which grades are half- or full-day.

Peace of mind that your child is known, challenged, and shepherded—growing in virtue and mastery rather than being rushed or held back by a one-pace model.