Frequently asked questions

LeapYear does not directly provide housing. Some students rotate through host families, while others rent apartments with fellow cohort members. We do not allow co-ed housing, and our team provides guidance and resources as students choose an arrangement that supports healthy community.

Yes. LeapYear is currently based in Austin, Texas. Students need to be physically present for intensives, coaching sessions, spiritual formation, and community events. The program also includes selected travel experiences.

LeapYear balances structure and freedom. Students begin with more shared structure while they establish strong foundations, then receive increasing ownership as they demonstrate judgment and self-direction. Weekly coaching, formation gatherings, intensives, and career experiments provide a consistent rhythm throughout the year.

Graduates leave with clarity about their next step, whether that is college, employment, entrepreneurship, or another path. Many students defer an existing college acceptance; others use the year to make a better college decision. Every graduate leaves with tested work, practical decision-making tools, professional relationships, and continued access to the alumni community.

Start the application online, tell us about yourself and what draws you to LeapYear, then review your answers before submitting. Selected applicants will have a conversation with the LeapYear team before a final decision.

We look for students who genuinely want to grow in initiative, self-awareness, purpose, and faith. Academic performance is not our primary concern. We value creativity, responsibility, thoughtful reflection, and a willingness to engage actively with the program.

Tuition includes aptitude and strengths assessments, the kickoff retreat, twelve intensives with industry leaders, weekly one-to-one coaching, spiritual formation gatherings, career prototyping support, community events, program materials, access to the professional network, and alumni community membership. Housing and ordinary living expenses are separate.

LeapYear offers a limited number of need- and merit-based scholarships and can work with families on payment plans. Scholarship decisions consider demonstrated motivation, potential, and financial need.

LeapYear is built by Christians and designed primarily for students who follow or want to follow Jesus. We welcome students from different backgrounds who are open to engaging seriously with Christian perspectives and participating fully in spiritual formation. Honest questions and thoughtful exploration are encouraged; pressure and forced conformity are not.

Faith is integrated throughout coaching, community, career design, and leadership formation rather than confined to a separate religious class. Students explore identity, purpose, vocation, and practical spiritual disciplines through a Christian worldview.

LeapYear affirms the Apostles’ Creed as its foundational statement of faith and works from an ecumenical Christian posture. Team members, speakers, and mentors come from a variety of orthodox Christian traditions.

LeapYear combines career design, leadership development, and Christian spiritual formation in one integrated program. Because partnerships and curriculum sources can change, families should contact the team for the current curriculum overview and any applicable licensing details.

Some shared program experiences are included, while optional or student-directed travel may carry additional costs. The LeapYear team provides a current, itemized explanation of included and separate expenses before a family enrolls.

LeapYear is an independent formation and career-design program, not a degree-granting college. Contact the team for the most current information about memberships, endorsements, and outside partnerships.

Prospective families should request and review the current enrollment agreement, deposit terms, payment schedule, withdrawal policy, and any eligible refund timing before making a commitment. Contact admissions for the current documents.