Reason & Rationality equips high school students with the tools to think rigorously about complex questions, separate fact from ideology, and engage in lively intellectual discussion. Our classes are filled with humor, and rooted in relatable discussions. Students sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills and leave with a grasp of the intellectual frameworks that empower them to become confident independent thinkers.

 

At Reason & Rationality, we welcome honest, intellectually rigorous conversations on topics that are often avoided in traditional high school settings, including politics, religion, ethics, personal values, and more. These discussions can be deeply rewarding but also require maturity, self-awareness, and respect. Everyone involved, students and instructors, shares responsibility for creating an open, thoughtful, and inclusive environment.

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We are committed to fostering dialogue, not debate. The goal is to understand and explore different perspectives, not to win arguments or persuade others of a particular ideology. Our aim is to create not only a “safe space,” but a brave space. where intellectual courage and emotional maturity go hand in hand. 

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The 2-week Foundation Program focuses on 20 Big Ideas in Philosophy, Economics and Ethics. Classes are rigorous, fast-paced and full of humor. Reason & Rationality classes and small group convivial conversations are led by PhD candidates and young professors from top universities including Princeton, Harvard, Oxford, MIT and others.  

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Teacher Recommendations are helpful in determining whether the applicant is well suited to engage in deep intellectual conversation in a convivial manner. Please complete this Teacher Recommendation form below. Hitting "send" automatically emails your recommendation to Reason & Rationality Dean of Academics, Peter Bach-y-Rita. You may also copy the content of this form into an email and send it to Dr. Bach-y-Rita at info@reasonandrationality.com. Either way, your recommendation will remain confidential and will not be shared with the student.