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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about Gemstone Academy—ranging from admissions and curriculum structure to technology requirements and beyond. If you still can't find what you're looking for, please reach out directly!

Q: How do I enroll my child at Gemstone Academy?

A: Begin by filling out our online application. Once submitted, you'll be contacted to schedule an interview for your child. This informal discussion allows us to gauge their interests and readiness so we can place them in the right "house."

Q: Is there a minimum age for enrollment?

A: We typically work with students around 9–18 years old, but we'll consider younger or older students on a case-by-case basis, especially if they show strong interest and readiness.

Q: What is the interview process like?

A: It's a friendly conversation (via Zoom or phone) where we learn about your child's interests, any prior coding experience, and preferred learning style. This helps us determine the most suitable house placement.

Q: How are houses assigned?

A: Houses (e.g., Game Dev, Cybersecurity, etc.) are assigned based on your child's interests, background, and our assessment of where they'll thrive. Most students stay in the same house for all six ranks, but switching is possible if their interests change.

Q: What are the six ranks?

A: The ranks are Amethyst (Year 1), Garnet (Year 2), Topaz (Year 3), Sapphire (Year 4), Ruby (Year 5), and Diamond (Year 6). Each typically takes about a year, though this can vary based on individual pacing.

Q: Do all ranks follow the same structure?

A: Yes. Every rank has three phases: the Gemstone Project (2–3 months, shared by all students in that rank), an Instructor-Specific Study (3–5 months for house-focused material), and a Capstone Project (3–4 months, approved by at least four of the six instructors).

Q: Can my child move through the ranks faster if they are advanced?

A: Absolutely. Students who demonstrate mastery can complete their capstone early and "rank up" as soon as they receive the necessary instructor approvals.

Q: Which houses are offered?

A: We currently offer Game Development, Web & Mobile, AI/ML Development, Cybersecurity, Systems Programming, and Data Science. Each house provides a specialized curriculum after the global Gemstone Project.

Q: Can a student switch houses?

A: Yes. If interests evolve over time, a student can request to join a different house. This may involve shifting to another circuit of instructors and adjusting timelines, but we strive to keep the transition smooth.

Q: How are instructors arranged?

A: Each house is broken up into groups of six instructors, one for each rank (Amethyst through Diamond). These six form a "circuit." As students move from Year 1 to Year 2 and so on, they'll transition to the next instructor within the same circuit.

Q: Do circuit instructors communicate regularly?

A: Yes. They stay in close contact to discuss student progress, approve capstones, and cover for one another if someone is absent. This ensures consistent support and oversight throughout each rank.

Q: What if there are more students than one circuit can handle?

A: When a circuit reaches its capacity (usually about five or six groups per rank instructor), the Academy forms a new circuit. Each new circuit has its own set of six rank instructors but follows the same overall structure.

Q: Do instructors handle multiple groups simultaneously?

A: Yes. An instructor might run multiple groups (4–6 groups, typically), each group containing about 5–6 students. This ensures personalized attention while maintaining efficient instructor bandwidth.

Q: How large is each group?

A: We keep groups to about 5–6 students. This size fosters peer-to-peer collaboration while allowing the instructor to provide individualized feedback and guidance.

Q: Will my child be in a group with students of similar experience?

A: We try our best to group students by age and rank. Even if prior experience varies, they'll typically be at a similar learning stage, ensuring nobody feels "too advanced" or "too behind."

Q: Is group collaboration encouraged?

A: Absolutely! Groups often collaborate on mini-projects or share ideas during weekly sessions. This cooperative atmosphere helps students learn from each other's perspectives.

Q: When do lessons take place?

A: Each group meets for one live session per week. The day/time is agreed upon by the instructor and the group members. Office hours are also held weekly at a set time and open to all students in that instructor's circuit.

Q: What if my child misses a session?

A: Every session is recorded and shared via weekly emails. Your child can watch the lesson later and reach out to the instructor or attend office hours for any clarifications.

Q: What is the time commitment outside of the weekly session?

A: Students typically spend 2–5 hours per week working on projects and assignments. During Capstone phases, they may invest extra time to refine and polish their final projects.

Q: How does the "Help!" system work?

A: If a student is stuck, they press the "Help!" button on our website. It directs them to upcoming office hours or notifies available instructors who can provide assistance—often through a quick video walkthrough or code snippet.

Q: Can my child attend another instructor's office hours if their primary instructor is unavailable?

A: Yes! Any instructor in the same circuit can help. We believe in collective support, so if their main instructor isn't free, another instructor can step in.

Q: Why the focus on projects?

A: Project-based learning cements theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world applications. By building meaningful projects, students gain deeper understanding, creativity, and a sense of ownership over their code.

Q: What is the Capstone Project?

A: Each rank ends with a student-proposed project (3–4 months) demonstrating the skills they've gained. The project must be reviewed and approved by at least four circuit instructors to confirm readiness for the next rank.

Q: Are projects group-based or individual?

A: The Instructor-Specific Study phase may include group mini-projects, but final Capstones are mostly individual (or in small teams) to ensure each student shows competency. Students still help each other with feedback and ideas.

Q: What if my child finishes early?

A: If a student completes their Capstone ahead of schedule and is approved, they can move on to the next rank immediately. They may join another in-progress group or work one-on-one with the next instructor until more peers catch up.

Q: How do you accommodate children with learning differences or special needs?

A: We aim for inclusivity by offering flexible pacing, extended deadlines, and personalized feedback. Parents are encouraged to discuss specific needs in advance so we can tailor support accordingly.

Q: Does the Academy provide tutoring outside of office hours?

A: On occasion, private tutoring can be arranged if a child needs extra help beyond group lessons and regular office hours. This may come with an additional fee, depending on instructor availability.

Q: Is there formal grading?

A: We don't use traditional letter grades. Instead, students receive continuous feedback on their projects. Advancement depends on successful capstone approvals and demonstrated competency.

Q: How do parents stay informed of progress?

A: Parents get weekly emails with lesson recordings, instructor notes, and upcoming assignments. If desired, you can also request parent-teacher check-in calls for deeper updates.

Q: Do students receive certificates?

A: Yes. Upon completing each rank (e.g., moving from Amethyst to Garnet), students earn a formal certificate highlighting the new skills they've developed.

Q: Can parents attend the weekly group lessons?

A: Parents are welcome to observe. However, most students prefer a bit of independence. All lessons are recorded, so you can watch them afterward if you wish to stay updated on course activities.

Q: How frequently can I communicate with my child's instructor?

A: Instructors usually respond to parent inquiries within 24–48 hours via email. You can request a brief check-in call or Zoom session if there's something specific you'd like to discuss.

Q: What hardware does my child need at home?

A: A computer (PC, Mac, or Linux) with a reliable internet connection, webcam, and microphone is recommended. It should be able to run common coding tools or game engines like Unity without significant lag.

Q: Do you provide software licenses (e.g., Unity, Unreal)?

A: Most software used (Unity, Unreal Engine, Python, VS Code) is free for educational use. If a specialized paid tool is needed, we'll guide you on how to obtain it—often at an educational discount.

Q: How do you handle technical issues?

A: Instructors can help troubleshoot common setup problems during office hours or via email. For major hardware issues, parents should consult local tech support or device manufacturers.

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: Costs vary based on the rank, house, and any extra tutoring services. We offer monthly or annual plans, plus occasional scholarships. Check out our pricing page for up-to-date information.

Q: Is there a code of conduct for students?

A: Yes. We expect respect for peers, instructors, and the learning environment. Harassment or cheating is not tolerated and can lead to disciplinary actions, including removal from the program.

Q: What if my child has behavioral issues or disrupts the group?

A: Instructors address concerns privately with the student first. If problems persist, we contact parents to develop a plan or discuss reassignment to a different group structure. Our goal is a positive environment for all.

Q: What happens after Diamond rank (Year 6)?

A: Students graduate with a final certificate and an impressive coding portfolio. Many use their Gemstone experience to pursue internships, enter college programs, or continue building side projects independently.

Q: Does the Academy help with college applications or career pathways?

A: While not our primary function, instructors often provide recommendation letters, portfolio advice, and references based on student performance. The project-based experience here can be a significant advantage in college admissions.

Q: Can my child participate if we live outside the United States?

A: Yes! Our program is fully online, so time zones need to be coordinated, but international students are welcome. We work to find schedules that suit everyone.

Q: Are there social or extracurricular events?

A: We occasionally host virtual showcases or "Demo Days" where students present projects to a broader audience. These events encourage a sense of community beyond the weekly lessons.

Q: How do I contact the Academy if my question isn't listed here?

A: You can always reach out by email or phone via our Contact Us page. We're happy to schedule a call or provide any information you need!