Programs / Exceptional Student Learning
Make real media.
Build real confidence.
A media program for neurodivergent learners, students with learning differences, and anyone who has struggled in a traditional classroom. Over 12 weeks you build confidence, communication and money skills while creating your own real media projects.
Applying doesn't commit you to enroll. Your director reviews the gear kit with you during your enrollment consultation.
Is this for you?
Take your time. Pick the one that sounds most like you.
For the learner
I'm a learner
You may learn differently. School may have been hard. Here you make real projects, like a short video, a comic strip and a presentation. You also practice talking with people, handling money and managing stress.
Start your applicationQuestions welcome
I'm a parent or caregiver
You know your learner best. A director will talk through what support looks like in your consultation, so you can decide with the full picture.
Thinking of a student?
I'm an educator or counselor
Every class and project is listed below, so you can see what a student would do. If your school would like to talk about working together, there is a page for that.
Charter school partnershipsFour courses, 24 classes
Pick a course to see its six classes and what you make in each.
Communication Skills
Students will develop a comprehensive approach to communication, learning how to read body language, start meaningful conversations, write professional emails, and speak confidently in public.
- Class 1
Understanding Non-Verbal Cues
Exploring the science of body language, facial expressions, and unconscious signals in human interaction.
You makeCreate animated videos demonstrating emotions.
- Class 2
Building Conversations
Learning techniques for initiating, sustaining, and deepening meaningful dialogues across various contexts.
You makeRole-play using AI chatbots for practice.
- Class 3
Public Speaking Basics
Mastering essential techniques for overcoming nervousness, structuring talks, and engaging audiences effectively.
You makeRecord a short broadcast segment.
- Class 4
Digital Communication
Understanding principles of clear, professional, and effective written communication across modern platforms.
You makeCreate a digital newsletter using AI tools.
- Class 5
Storytelling for Connection
Harnessing narrative techniques to create emotional resonance and memorable messaging.
You makeCraft and film a personal narrative using digital storytelling techniques.
- Class 6
Presentation Design
Integrating visual elements, data, and multimedia to enhance communication impact.
You makeCreate a multimedia presentation incorporating visual communication principles.
Financial Literacy
Understanding money becomes practical and approachable through learning how financial systems work, creating realistic budgets, practicing safe online banking, and developing strategies for future financial planning.
- Class 7
Understanding Money
Exploring currency systems, financial institutions, and the psychology behind spending and saving behaviors.
You makeUse gamified apps to simulate spending and saving.
- Class 8
Budgeting Essentials
Learning practical methods for tracking income, managing expenses, and aligning spending with personal values and goals.
You makePlan a virtual shopping trip using AI tools.
- Class 9
Banking & Online Safety
Understanding financial account management, security protocols, and protection strategies against digital fraud.
You makeSimulate setting up a virtual bank account.
- Class 10
Future Planning
Developing strategies for long-term financial goals, including investments, retirement, and major life purchases.
You makeCreate a visual plan using animation tools.
- Class 11
Digital Currencies
Examining blockchain technology, cryptocurrency fundamentals, and the evolving landscape of digital financial transactions.
You makeDesign a presentation with information about online services and digital currencies.
- Class 12
Financial Decision-Making
Applying critical thinking and analytical skills to complex financial choices and risk assessment.
You makeCreate scenario-based simulations for financial choices using interactive tools.
Humor Skills
Humor becomes a powerful tool for connection as students learn to create and tell jokes, understand visual comedy, and navigate social interactions with confidence.
- Class 13
Understanding Humor
Exploring the psychology and science behind what makes people laugh, including timing, surprise, and emotional release mechanisms.
You makeCreate one liners, practice and illustrate them.
- Class 14
Visual Humor
Examining the principles of visual comedy through cartoons, physical comedy, and digital media expressions.
You makeIllustrate a comic strip or meme using free online tools
- Class 15
Joke-Telling Skills
Mastering delivery techniques, timing, facial expressions, and adaptability for effective humor communication.
You makePractice humor using analytical techniques.
- Class 16
Social Humor
Learning to use humor appropriately to build relationships, defuse tension, and navigate diverse social settings.
You makePlan and deliver several comedy scenarios.
- Class 17
Digital Comedy Creation
Understanding how humor translates across digital platforms and developing skills for creating engaging comedic content online.
You makeProduce a short comedy sketch using digital media tools and basic editing techniques.
- Class 18
Cultural Humor Exploration
Investigating how humor varies across cultures, generations, and contexts while developing sensitivity to diverse perspectives.
You makeResearch and present examples of humor across different cultures, creating an interactive digital showcase.
Emotional Wellbeing
Students explore emotional intelligence by learning to recognize and manage their own emotions, develop stress management techniques, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build personal resilience.
- Class 19
Recognizing Emotions
Understanding the science of emotions, developing self-awareness, and learning to identify emotional states in yourself and others.
You makeP
- Class 20
Stress Management Techniques
Exploring evidence-based approaches to managing stress, including mindfulness, physical activity, and cognitive reframing.
You makeAnimate a calming scene with soothing music tracks.
- Class 21
Conflict Resolution
Developing communication strategies, active listening skills, and problem-solving approaches for navigating interpersonal challenges.
You makeRole-play scenarios using AI.
- Class 22
Building Resilience
Understanding the components of emotional resilience and developing practical skills for bouncing back from setbacks.
You makeFilm a motivational video sharing personal strengths and goals.
- Class 23
Emotional Storytelling
Learning to express and process emotions through narrative techniques and creative digital expression.
You makeCreate a digital narrative exploring emotional intelligence through visual storytelling.
- Class 24
Community Connection
Applying emotional intelligence skills to build stronger relationships and foster supportive communities.
You makeDesign a collaborative digital project promoting emotional awareness within a community context.
What you'll make, and what you'll practice
Projects you can show, in four small steps.
What you'll make
- COURSE 1Videos and a personal storyAnimated emotions, a short broadcast segment, a newsletter and a filmed personal narrative.
- COURSE 2Money practice, hands onSimulated spending, a virtual shopping trip, a practice bank account and a visual plan.
- COURSE 3Funny things of your ownOne-liners, a comic strip or meme and a short comedy sketch.
- COURSE 4Work about feelings and communityA calming animated scene, a video about your strengths and goals, and a group project.
What you'll practice
- Talking with peopleBody language, starting conversations, writing clear emails and speaking in public.
- Everyday money skillsMaking a budget and staying safe with online banking.
- Using humor to connectTelling jokes and understanding visual comedy in social settings.
- Understanding your emotionsNoticing feelings, handling stress and working through conflict.
Dates and tuition
Two classes are on the calendar. The tuition is the same for every program.
| Starts | Ends | Meets |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 24th, 2026 | Mar 18th, 2027 | Tue & Thu, 3–6pm |
| May 25th, 2027 | Aug 12th, 2027 | Tue & Thu, 6–9pm |
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Exceptional Student Learning program4 courses, 24 classes, 12 labs | $8,925 |
| Payment planThree payments over the 12 weeks | 3 × $2,975 |
| Single courseAny one of the four | $2,975 |
Apply online
Five minutes to apply.
Talk with a director
You talk through your goals, your schedule and what support looks like.
Start class
Meet your class and your instructors, live online.
Questions about Exceptional Student Learning
Who is this program for?
Neurodivergent learners, students with learning differences, and anyone who has struggled in a traditional classroom. Parents, caregivers, educators and counselors are welcome to ask questions too.
What support is there?
A director will talk through what support looks like on the call. You are welcome to write first and ask before you apply.
What will we make?
Short videos, a comic strip or meme, a comedy sketch, a presentation, a newsletter and more. Every class and project is listed in the course section above.
What if I can't pay all at once?
You can pay in three installments of $2,975.
Where do classes meet?
Classes are live online. Join from home or from a desk at any partner Venture X office.
Other programs
Every program is 4 courses over 12 weeks, at the same price.