Introducing the ATI and Guidepost Exchange Program

Are you looking for new ways to expand your adolescent’s horizons and empower their independence? Have you wondered how your family could connect with others in our network of over 125 schools? We're excited to introduce the Academy of Thought and Industry (ATI) and Guidepost Exchange Program, a fantastic opportunity for eligible students in grades 4 through 12 to connect, learn and grow with other students in the ATI and Guidepost community.

Venturing Beyond: For students in grades 5 through 12, the Exchange Program offers the chance to embark on an exchange journey within the ATI and Guidepost network. Your child will stay at the home of another student who attends a different campus. These exchanges vary in length, from three days to a week for Upper Elementary students and two weeks for ATI Middle and High School students.

Hosting and Welcoming: If your child is in grades 4 through 12, we invite you to consider hosting students from other Guidepost or ATI campuses in your home. It's a chance for your child to extend a warm welcome and share their environment with visiting peers.

Living the Experience: During these exchanges, students get to experience the daily life and community of another campus. They'll discover a new campus in a new city while making new friends along the way.

The ATI and Guidepost Exchange Program will provide a unique opportunity for your child to create lasting memories while forging connections within our community. Whether they’re hosting fellow students or embarking on an exchange journey themselves, participants can expect to foster invaluable life skills that will contribute to their growth and independence.

The following campuses will be hosting students:

If you'd like more information, please reach out directly to your child's Head of School.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the exchange program?
Students in 5th-12th grade who are ready to expand their independence and meet the Exchange Student Requirements can apply to do an exchange within our network.

Who can be a host family?
Families who have enrolled students at the Upper Elementary (4th-6th grade) or ATI (6th-12th grade) can apply to become host families. All adult members of a host family must complete a background check as part of the application process.

When do exchanges take place?
Exchanges will take place between January and July of 2024. The specific exchange windows within this time frame will be selected by the Heads of School.

How long is an exchange?
Upper Elementary students can go on an exchange that lasts from 3 days to 1 week. ATI student exchanges last for 2 weeks.

Who pays for the exchange?
The exchange student is responsible for paying for their flight, travel expenses, and incidentals. Host families will provide food for the exchange student (including a packed lunch on school days). Additionally, the exchange student is expected to provide a small gift for their host family (this can be homemade!).

What will the exchange student do on an exchange?
During the week, the student will attend regular classes at their host campus. The exchange student will come to the exchange with a prepared education plan from their lead guide at their home campus. This plan should allow the student to participate in classes at the host campus, collect information to allow them to complete an "exchange project," and ensure they don't fall behind in work at their home campus. When the student is not in school, they will participate in activities and excursions with the host family.

Can an Upper Elementary student do an exchange at an ATI campus? 
Yes, an Upper Elementary 6th grader is eligible to apply to do an exchange at any of our participating ATI campuses.

How do I get more information?
Contact your child’s Head of School for more information and for details on how to apply.