Academics (and, more generally, knowledge) has earned a rather lackluster reputation over the last several decades — mostly because of the low-impact, boring way it is pursued in schools. It feels stuffy and irrelevant. As a result, there’s been a significant decrease in the cultural interest of high academics. (“High academics” as challenging, rigorous academic work.)
For instance, I meet a lot of thoughtful, intentional parents who, at first glance, don’t understand why we place so much emphasis on academics. “Why do you care so much about learning 2X in two hours a day?” They ask. “Why does performing academically in the top 1-2% in the nation even matter? We want our kids in Alpha for the life skills!”
But here’s the truth. Great academics is rocket fuel for kids. The incredible Alpha experience (life skills included) wouldn’t exist without the rigorous academics. And here’s why.
