Question 1

What is the application process?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1: Z Combinator accepts applications on a rolling basis. Apply today on our website! The application window closes once all openings are filled, and no later than June 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.

Question 2

What is the Z Combinator dress code?

Accepted Answer

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.).

Question 3

Whom should I contact if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

If you have additional questions about Z Combinator, please contact us at zcombinator@zetaschools.org.

Question 4

Am I eligible to apply for the Z Combinator Fellowship?

Accepted Answer

Zeta Charter Schools seeks fellows for our Z Combinator fellowship program starting in July 2026 through January 2027. We welcome applicants from all U.S. states who are planning to open a school in Fall 2027 and have already applied for their charter by the start of the program in July.

If you fit this criteria, please apply!

Question 5

When are the 2026-27 Z Combinator sessions?

Accepted Answer

In-Person Session Dates (NYC):
Session I: July 13–24, 2026
Session II: September 14–18, 2026
Session III: January 11–15, 2027

Virtual Session Dates:
October 28, 2026 3:30–5:00 pm ET
November 18, 2026, 3:30–5:00 pm ET

Question 6

If I am unable to attend all sessions, should I still apply?

Accepted Answer

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.

All Z Combinator session dates are mandatory to attend in full. No exceptions will be made, except in case of an emergency.

Question 7

What is the time commitment for Z Combinator?

Accepted Answer

Fellows are expected to attend all sessions in full:

In-Person Session Dates (NYC):
Session I: July 13–24, 2026
Session II: September 14–18, 2026
Session III: January 11–15, 2027

Virtual Session Dates:
October 28, 3:30–5:00 pm ET
November 18, 3:30–5:00 pm ET

In addition to full attendance for all of the sessions above, you should also 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!

Question 8

Is there a cost associated with being a part of the program?

Accepted Answer

The Z Combinator Fellowship is fully funded by Zeta Charter Schools. We cover the cost of tuition, transportation, lodging, and food.

Question 9

When is the 2026-27 Fellowship application deadline?

Accepted Answer

The application deadline is June 30, 2026, or until the program is full.

We will admit applicants on a rolling basis starting in March. We encourage you to apply sooner rather than later on our website!

Question 10

I'm not a Year 0 founder; are their other opportunities to learn from Z Combinator?

Accepted Answer

Zeta Charter Schools, operators of Z Combinator, also holds school tours so that other leaders/educators can learn from our model and practices. If you are interested in touring a Zeta school, please contact us at zcombinator@zetaschools.org. We'd love to hear from you and learn more about how to support your school!

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