Frequently Asked Questions
We’re adding more information regularly as questions come in - please Contact Us if you have any questions about our programs!
Who is Argonaut for?
Our programs are designed for students in Grades 6-8, with openness to more mature 5th graders as well. We are also exploring offering a group for 9th and 10th grade students: please let us know here if you are interested in this.
Are scholarships available?
Yes! We care deeply about equity in our education system, particularly as equity problems are worsened in this pandemic time. We are committed to equity in several ways including by offering a full sliding-scale fee for the program. You can request a sliding-scale scholarship here.
Does this work for homeschoolers or microschoolers?
Yes! Our aim is to be the essential social-emotional companion for a child’s education, whether that education takes place at a traditional school, a microschool, or at home. Across each of these, we believe that every student deserves a safe, trusted group of peers, where they can talk about whatever is most important to them, while growing together through concrete experiences.
What are the technology requirements?
Students will need a reliable high-speed internet connection, a computer, and the ability to access Zoom for video meetings.
Is there a geographic limitation?
No. We have worked with students from four continents so far, and love opportunities to create groups and friendships across such vast distances. Our session times are listed in Pacific Time since we are based in California, but we have students joining from many time zones.
Is the program 100% online?
Yes in terms of how programming is delivered, and how students interact with facilitators and peers. However, the hands-on challenges students choose for themselves, which develop social and emotional intelligence through experience, take place offline, like the challenge to find awe in nature, or to cook a great meal for your family.
How many hours a week is the program?
Each Argonaut group meets twice a week via zoom for one hour each time.
Is there support for parents?
Yes! As part of your Argonaut subscription, you receive access to monthly parent workshops, live on Zoom, led by Chris Balme. These cover topics including adolescent psychology, health, managing your child’s technology use, and many more. During these sessions we also invite ongoing questions about both Argonaut and the broader experience of parenting an adolescent. Most sessions are recorded and shared with all enrolled Argonaut families.
Frequently Asked Questions for Enrolled Families
Where are the other students from in my child’s Argonaut group?
From all over! We’ve been thrilled to have students sign up from around the US and other countries. We see this as a chance to create a “friend pod” across communities and places.
How do I contact my child’s facilitator?
A few days before your first session, you’ll receive an email from your child’s Argonaut group facilitator introducing themselves, which will include contact info and a specific Zoom link. Please contact us if you did not see this email.
What do I do if my child needs to miss a session?
No problem — just send a quick note to contact@argonaut.school so we know.
What do I do if there is a technology problem?
We can’t solve every technology problem, but we can help you navigate Zoom, the primary tool we’ll use. Feel free to contact your facilitator if you run into a Zoom snag.
Does Argonaut have homework or other time requirements beyond the meetings?
There is no homework at Argonaut. At times, students may want to keep working on a personal challenge or project begun as part of Argonaut, but this is always up to them.