l. The Scholar’s Commitment
By enrolling in this program, the Scholar agrees to join a high-level academic community. This requires a commitment to the following Five Standards of Excellence:
- Preparation: Finishing all readings (30–60 mins) before the weekly session.
- Presence: Attending the 60-minute Zoom session with camera on, in a quiet, professional environment.
- Participation: Engaging in the Socratic discussion with respect and logic.
- Integrity: Submitting original work for all 5 Pillars; hand-writing “The Practice” notes to ensure authentic learning.
- Punctuality: Submitting the Weekly Portfolio via email by Friday at 11:59 PM.
ll. The Parental Partnership
Parents agree to support the Scholar by providing a quiet workspace and ensuring the Scholar has 1 hour of independent study time per day to complete their Portfolio Pillars.
lll. Disciplinary Policy: The 3-Step Warning System
To maintain the prestige and focus of our sessions, we hold a strict policy regarding conduct and preparation. Failure to follow the Code of Conduct will result in the following steps:
Step 1: Formal Warning
If a Scholar is consistently unprepared (has not read the text) or violates the conduct rules (camera off, distracted, or disrespectful), a formal email warning will be sent to the Scholar and the Parents.
Step 2: Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)
If the behavior continues, a mandatory meeting will be scheduled between the Mentor and the Parents to create a Student Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). This plan will outline specific goals for the next two weeks. During this time, the Scholar is on “probationary status.”
Step 3: Program Expulsion
If the Scholar fails to meet the requirements of the PIP or commits a serious violation (such as plagiarism or severe disruption), the Scholar will be expelled from the program immediately.
Note: In the event of expulsion, no refunds will be issued for the remaining sessions in the term.
lV. Grading & Portfolio Submission
Portfolio Score: Each of the 5 Pillars is graded 0 or 1. A weekly score of 5/5 is the goal for every Scholar.
Feedback: The Mentor will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the portfolio by the Friday of the following week.
Deadline: Late portfolios disrupt the learning cycle and may receive a score of 0 for that week.
V. Admissions Disclaimer
Participation in The 1% Scholar program is designed to foster intellectual rigor, cultivate leadership skills, and build a robust academic portfolio. While our curriculum is structured to prepare students for the demands of highly competitive academic and professional environments, participation does not guarantee admission to any specific university, Ivy League institution, or program. Admissions decisions remain the sole discretion of individual institutions.
Vl. Data Privacy & Security Policy
Data Collection & Purpose: The 1% Scholar collects Scholar assignments, assessments, and session recordings solely for the purpose of educational mentorship, progress tracking, and the construction of the Scholar’s University Portfolio.
Storage & Security: All digital artifacts, including the “Scholar Portfolio Assessment & Feedback” tables, are stored in a secure, encrypted cloud environment (Google Workspace/Microsoft 365). Access is strictly limited to the Scholar, the assigned Mentor, the Scholar’s legal guardian, and authorized administrative staff.
Third-Party Sharing: We do not sell, rent, or trade Scholar data. Artifacts will only be shared with third parties (such as University Admissions offices) upon the explicit written request or consent of the Scholar and/or their legal guardian.
Data Retention: Scholar files will be maintained for the duration of the program plus [e.g., 2 years] following completion to assist with college application cycles, after which data may be archived or deleted upon request.
Privacy Standards: We operate in alignment with best practices for student data privacy, ensuring that personal intellectual property created by the Scholar remains the property of the Scholar.
*This contract is subject to change under the discretion of The 1% Scholar