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Frequently Asked Questions

  • 2:00-2:15pm Break
  • 2:15-3:15pm Fundraising
    Slides: Handouts: Zeta Tax Receipt Letter Template Sample Donor Engagement Plan
  • 3:30-4:00pm Session 2 Closing
    Slides:
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 10:45am-12:00pm Pitch Practice
  • 9:00-10:30am Building Elected & Community Relationships
    Slides: Handouts: Elected & Community Outreach Plan Template Elected Official Bio Template Elected Official Tour Invite Template
  • 3:15-3:30pm Break
  • 12:00-1:00pm Lunch
  • 1:00-2:00pm Pitch Practice
  • 12:15-1:00pm Lunch + Budget Office Hours
  • 2:00-3:30pm Marketing & Social Media
    Slides:
  • 9:00-10:30am Family & Student Outreach
    Slides:
  • 5:30-7:00pm Dinner
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 1:00-2:00pm Work Time, Outreach / Hiring / Marketing Plan
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast & Daily Overview
  • 3:30-4:30pm Work Time, Outreach / Hiring/ Marketing Plans
  • 10:45am-12:15pm Hiring 101
    Slides: Handouts: Talent Recruitment Handout
  • 5:00-5:30pm Travel to Dinner
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 9:45-11:15am Knowing Yourself as a Leader (DISC)
    Slides: Cohort DISC Results linked here
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 8:30-9:30am Breakfast and Session 2 Overview
    Slides:
  • 3:00-4:30pm, Managing Your Board
    Slides: Handout: Board Member Assessment & Engagement Planning
  • 2:45-3:00pm Break
  • 11:15-12:15pm Inwood Building Tour
  • 1:15-2:45pm Building Your Team
    Slides: Handout: Building Your Team: Opening Reflection Template
  • 9:30-9:45am Break
  • 3:15-3:45pm Daily Debrief
  • 1:30-3:00pm, Getting Academic Results as a Founder
    Slides: Handouts: Setting Academic Goals Root Cause Analysis Getting Academic Results as a Founder Case Study
  • 1:00-1:30pm Work Time
  • 8:00-8:30am Breakfast & Daily Overview
  • 8:30-9:30am Zeta Excellence Training (ZET) @ Tremont Park: Walkthrough + Debrief
  • 7:15am Arrive to Zeta Tremont Park
  • 9:45-11:15am Academic Coaching
    Slides: Handouts: Right #1: Overview of Moving Adult Practice Right #2. Observing Teacher Implementation Right #3: Setting Clear Priorities for Moving Practice Right #4: Observing Effective Practice Right #5: Observing Instruction to Assess Progress Zeta Brilliance in Excellent Teaching (BiET) Learning Competencies and Rubric
  • 11:15am-12:00pm Travel to Zeta Inwood
  • 9:30-9:45am Break
  • 7:30-8:00am Observe Student Arrival
  • 3:00-3:15pm Break
  • 12:00-1:00pm Lunch
  • 10:00-10:30am Work Time
  • 3:45-4:30pm Work Time
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 5:30-10:00pm Dinner and Special Event
  • 8:00-8:30am Breakfast and Daily Overview
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 1:15-2:00pm Work Time
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 2:00-3:30pm Problem Solving Consultancy
    Slides: Handouts: Consultancy Protocol
  • 8:30-10:00am Effective Communication with Zeta School Leaders
    Slides:
  • 5:00-5:30pm Travel to Event
  • 10:45-12:15pm Telling Your Story
    Slides: Handouts: Template: Pitch Deck
  • 3:30-3:45pm Break
  • 10:00-10:30 MVV Debrief + Work Time
  • 10:45-12:15pm Facilities for Early Stage Charters
    Facilities for Early Stage Charters Slides:
  • 1:15-2:30pm Work Time, Pitch office hours, Coupa support and submit questions for COO
    Questions for Samreen Form: Here
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 9:00-10:00am Welcome & Mission/Vision/School Design: Bringing Culture to Life with Zeta School Leaders
    Welcome & Mission/Vision/School Design: Bringing Culture to Life Slides:
  • 2:30-4:00pm Finance for Early Stage Charters
    Finance for Early Stage Charters Slides:
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Preparing to Launch Mission & Vision Worksheet: Here
  • 4:00-4:30pm Daily Debrief
  • Cohort Experience
    Z Combinator creates a close-knit cohort experience, including an online community forum for real-time conversation and requests for support. ​ Z Combinator Fellows make connections and relationships with each other that last beyond the program.
  • Alumni Community
    Z Combinator is all about creating communities of continuous learners. We provide virtual opportunities to keep learning (like open access to some of our in-house professional learning opportunities) and are already working on ways to keep our first two cohorts on their path to success. Our network of Z Combinator Fellow Alumni is crucial to our mission of ensuring every child in America has access to free, high-quality public education, pre-K to 12th grade.
  • Office Hours
    Connecting is a crucial part of Z Combinator. We offer optional and as-needed virtual office hours with Zeta leaders in between in-person sessions to dive deeper on topics raised during workshops and to provide additional, timely support on school launch resource creation. This might look like small-group virtual pitch practice before an upcoming donor meeting, a 1:1 feedback session on your school launch plan with a Zeta leader, a group problem-solving session on your enrollment tactics, or other meetings to address questions that arise throughout your experience.
  • 3 In-Person and 2 Virtual Sessions
    Z Combinator Fellows spend 24 days across 3 sessions in New York City at Zeta Charter Schools for intensive, hands-on learning. During these sessions, Fellows join Zeta’s network leaders for business and operations sessions (e.g., People Operations, Budgeting, Family Outreach); embed with Zeta leaders and teachers for interactive workshops during Zeta’s summer training and professional learning program; and engage in facilitated school launch planning from vision-setting to forming your tactical check-list leading up to Day 1; We balance our intensive, hands-on sessions during the day with opportunities to connect and rejuvenate with Z Combinator Fellows in our beautiful city in the evening.
  • The New York Experience
    We want you to have a wonderful experience while you visit and learn in the Big Apple! Fellows receive Z Combinator swag and participate in cohort outings to classic NYC experiences. (Past outings have included Broadway hits Hamilton and Lion King and a Mets baseball game. Future outings may vary.) Z Combinator also covers the cost of lodging, food, and transportation throughout your stay.
  • School Launch Resource Creation
    Through workshops, coaching, and individualized support, Fellows leave Z Combinator with a wide variety of exemplar Zeta resources and customized school launch deliverables, which include: a personal development plan, a polished fundraising pitch deck, a school launch project plan, an academic scope & sequence, a Year One budget, an organizational hiring/staffing plan, and so much more!
  • 5:30-7:00pm Closing Dinner
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 3:45-4:00pm Break
  • 2:45-3:45pm Work Time
  • 2:30-2:45pm Break
  • 1:15-2:30pm Pitch Practice
    Pitch Practice Slides (same as previous):
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 5:00-5:30pm Travel to Closing Dinner
  • 10:45-12:15pm Pitch Practice
    Pitch Practice Slides:
  • 4:00-5:00pm Session Goals Review & Wrap Up
    Session Goals Review & Wrap Up Slides:
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Daily Overview
  • 9:00-10:30am CEO “Ask Me Anything”
    CEO "Ask Me Anything" Slides:
  • 3:30-4:30pm Academic Resource Share
    Slides: Handout:
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 9:00-10:30am People Ops for Early Stage Charters
    Slides: Handouts: Employee Handbook Onboarding Planning Documents Vendor Comparison Form (if useful in comparing PEOs)
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Daily Overview
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 10:45-12:15pm Work Time
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 3:15-3:30pm Break
  • 1:45-2:45pm [SZU] Observe Lesson Demo with Zeta School Leaders
    Slides:
  • 1:15-1:45pm Work Time
  • 2:45-3:15pm Lesson Debrief
    Content Debrief Slides:
  • 1:15-2:00pm Work Time
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 12:15-1:15am Principal Panel
  • 10:15-11:15pm Ideal Team Player Book Club Discussion
    Slides: Ideal Team Player Self Development Action Plan: Link Ideal Team Player Self-Assessment: Link
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Daily Overview
  • 9:00-10:00am [SZU] Growth Mindset with Zeta School Leaders
    Slides: Videos: A School with a Growth Mindset First Year Teacher Growth Mindset Community Student Results
  • 10:00-10:15am Break
  • 3:30-4:30pm Work Time
  • 2:15-3:15pm Circle
  • 3:15-3:30pm Break
  • 2:00-2:15pm Break
  • 11:15-12:15pm Lunch
  • Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
    If you have additional questions about Z Combinator, please contact us at zcombinator@zetaschools.org.
  • What is the application process?
    Stage 1: Z Combinator accepts applications on a rolling basis each spring. Our application window closes once all openings are filled, and no later than May 30. Stage 2: Z Combinator invites select Fellow candidates to complete a brief video interview. Stage 3: Z Combinator invites finalists to a virtual 30-min live interview with our team. Candidates will also submit 3 professional references at this time. Stage 4: Fellowship invitations are sent on a rolling basis. Stage 5: Final fellowship dates will be announced no later than June. Once these dates are released, Fellows' acceptance will be contingent on the ability to attend all sessions.
  • If I am unable to attend all sessions, should I still apply?
    No. Because the Z Combinator Fellowship is grant-funded, we must ensure that all Fellows will attend each session and will not be able to admit anyone who is only able to partially complete the full Fellowship.
  • When is the 2025-26 Fellowship application deadline?
    The application deadline is May 30, 2025. However, we fill seats on a rolling basis starting in mid-April. We encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!
  • Am I eligible to apply for the Z Combinator Fellowship?
    The 2025-26 Z Combinator Fellowship Program supports charter school founders who are opening their schools in the Fall of 2026. If you fit this criteria, please apply!
  • What is the time commitment for Z Combinator?
    Fellows are expected to attend all ~22 days in-person in NYC and two virtual sessions as well as complete deliverables between sessions. You should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours working on deliverables between each session, though you may spend much more time, as all your hard work will lead to an even stronger school launch!
  • Is there a cost associated with being a part of the program?
    The Z Combinator Fellowship is fully funded by Zeta Charter Schools. We cover the cost of tuition, transportation, lodging, and food.
  • When are the 2025-26 Z Combinator sessions?
    Session dates are still being finalized, but will be similar to prior years. Session 1 will take place in July over 2 weeks, Session 2 will take place in September for 1 week, and Session 3 will take place in January for 1 week. Between Session 2 and 3, we will have at least 2 virtual full-group check-ins. For reference, here are last year's dates: Session I: Mon., July 15, 2024 – Fri., July 26, 2024 (including travel to/from NYC) Session II: Sun., September 22, 2024 – Sat., September 28, 2024 (including travel to/from NYC) Virtual 1-hour Session: Oct., 2024 (Zoom meeting) Virtual 1-hour Session: Nov., 2024 (Zoom meeting) Session III: Mon., Jan. 13, 2025 – Fri., Jan. 17, 2025 (including travel to/from NYC)
  • What is the Z Combinator dress code?
    As you will be in Zeta schools, professional dress is required. Zeta implements a "business casual" dress code, which means: (1) well maintained button-down shirt or professionally appropriate top, (2) professionally appropriate dress slacks or skirt, (3) professionally appropriate dress, (4) dress socks/hose, and (5) close-toe dress shoes. When touring, observing, or shadowing in schools, single-color sneakers are also appropriate for walking/standing comfort. Zeta occasionally implements dress-down days as specified in advance, which means: (1) professionally appropriate top and jeans or equivalent (no holes, rips, etc.), professionally appropriate shoes (does not include flip flops, beach shoes, gym shoes, etc.).
  • 3:45-4:30pm Financial Logistics and Coupa
    Slides:
  • 1:30-2:30pm Circle with Zeta School Leaders
  • 5:30-7:00pm Welcome Dinner
  • 9:30-10:30am Session 1 Overview and Program Goal Setting
    Slides:
  • 9:15-9:30am Break
  • 2:30-2:45pm Break
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 10:45-12:15am Defining Your Mission
    Slides:
  • 10:30-10:45pm Break
  • 12:15-1:30pm Lunch
  • 5:00-5:30pm Travel to Welcome Dinner
  • 8:30-9:15am Orientation and Welcome Breakfast
    Slides:
  • 2:45-3:45pm Developing your APs and Teachers with Zeta School Leaders
    Slides:
  • 2:00-3:30pm School Design
    Slides:
  • 9:00-10:30am Vision of a Grad
    Slides: Handout:
  • 10:30-10:45pm Break
  • 3:45-4:30pm Learning Reflection Team Building with Zeta School Leaders
    Slides:
  • 1:15-2:00pm Work Time
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 10:45-12:15pm ZET
    Slides: Handouts:
  • 3:30-3:45pm Break
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Daily Overview
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Daily Overview
  • 3:15-3:30pm Break
  • 10:45-12:15pm Time and Task Management
    Slides: Handout:
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 1:15-2:15pm Work Time
  • 2:15-3:15pm Academic Year 1 Q&A
    Slides:
  • 3:30-4:30pm Circle Training
    Slides:
  • 9:00-10:30am Defining Your Core Values
    Slides: Handout:
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 12:15-12:45pm Lunch
  • 12:45-3:00pm Headshots + Budget Office Hours
  • 9:00-10:30am Zeta Operational Excellence (ZOE)
    Slides: Handouts: OD/Principal Debrief (Schooling, ODs) ZET 2024 / 2025, ZOE Scores
  • 4:30-5:00pm Daily Debrief
  • 10:45am-12:15pm School Launch Planning
    Slides: Handout: School Launch Project Plan
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast & Daily Overview
  • 3:00-4:30pm Circle
  • Travel Day
  • 11:15-12:15pm Work Time
  • 4:00-4:30pm Daily Debrief
  • 9:45-11:15am Year 1 Strategic Planning
  • 8:30-9:30am Breakfast & Session 3 Overview
  • 9:30-9:45am Break
  • 3:15-4:00pm Work Time
  • 1:15-3:15pm Pitch Practice
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 10:45-12:15pm Your Academic Design
  • 10:30-10:45am Break
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 9:00-10:30am Family Communications
  • 2:45-4:00pm Leader Consultancy
  • 4:00-4:30pm Daily Debrief
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast & Daily Overview
  • 1:15-2:45pm Partner Pitch Practice / Work Time
  • 4:45-5:30pm Travel to Dinner
  • 9:00-11:00am Pitch Competition
  • 2:00-3:30pm Circle
  • 11:00-12:15pm Pitch Competition Debrief
  • 5:30-7:00pm Dinner
  • 8:30-9:00am Breakfast & Pitch Readiness
  • 12:15-1:15pm Lunch
  • 3:30-3:45pm Break
  • 3:45-4:45pm Reflections & Closing Session
  • 1:15-2:00pm Work Time
  • Travel Day
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