The New Commons

It’s totally normal and actually welcomed if things feel awkward at times! The New Commons is a project born out of a desire to create spaces for connection despite those fears: to deeply read books, ensure real learning outcomes, and have authentic, low-stakes but challenging conversations with others in a warm and welcoming way. Unlike a reading seminar, a lecture series, or an audited class, we create a small space that welcomes a range of self-expression and authentic participation—and sometimes that feels weird. To help us navigate those moments, we’ve developed a strong ethos around how we think about dialogue, as well as Group Agreements, which we will go over at the beginning of each cohort. You will be guided through this part of the process, and your participation is never forced.
Yes! Cohorts are on if at least four students enroll. If less than four enroll, you get your money back, 100% guaranteed. You will know by the enrollment deadline, or within three weeks of the start date.
You are welcome to join a book cohort even if you have never heard of “close reading” or are unfamiliar with dialogue spaces. All you need is a sense that you crave a space to read with others and explore through discussion. Registration is always on a first-come basis. All you need to do is show up to the cohort having read the text and be as present as possible. We’ll meet you where you are!
We are an unaccredited, independent, extracurricular/supplemental training program. Think of us as a reading seminar that holds a strong ethos around community interaction, dialogue practices, and relationships so that the experience invites self-expression and connection in real and long-lasting ways.
You can explore our current Book Cohort offerings and book your seat directly on our website! Once you join, you will receive a link to join our online community in your email confirmation. If you’re having any trouble, don’t worry — our administrators track membership and will add you to the online Circle community within 24-48 hours.
Book clubs are often free and wonderful places to read books and meet new people. But the emphasis can sometimes be more on the social experience, and the level of rigor in dialogue can vary. The New Commons is a place to exercise your mind and practice the craft of dialogue in real-time, under the guidance of experienced instructors who have studied literature in depth, with advanced degrees and/or years of professional experience in education.
Many high-quality reading seminars are available online; however, they can vary to the extent that they provide a small group setting, a dialogue philosophy, outlined learning objectives and prompts, and perpetual membership available in an online community. We aim to bring together all of these added elements and features in a clearly structured and accessible way at The New Commons.
General Rates: For our pricing and rates, please visit our Book Cohorts page to see upcoming cohort offerings. We do not offer scholarships at this time. However, we are price-conscious, and it is our goal to be able to offer scholarships to students in need as soon as possible.
Early Bird and Returning Member Discounts: We offer a 10% off early bird discount to all students who apply well before the deadline (dates are available on each page). We offer early-access to registration at a 15% off rate to recurring members (available from inside our Circle community).
Group Discounts: While we do not offer group discounts for individuals at this time, we offer group discounts to homeschooling groups, academies, or schools, starting at 5 students and going up to booking out a full cohort at 7. We also welcome school partnerships with teachers or administrators who would like to schedule their own group cohort with us. Please visit our Group Booking page for more information and to fill out the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ll be in a cohort with six strangers—what if that’s awkward?

If seven individuals aren't enrolled, will my session still take place?

Are there requirements to join? How do I know I am ready?

Is The New Commons an accredited program?

How do I join a cohort today?

How is this different from a book club?

What’s the value comparison with another reading seminar?

What is your pricing system, and are discounts or scholarships available?