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Group Placement for The Journal

Learn about group options and placement for The Journal program.

What is the difference between the Goldfish Crew and Shark Squad?

Students are grouped by age and English proficiency:

  • Goldfish Crew: For younger writers aged 8-12.
  • Shark Squad: For students aged 13 and above.

If a student is aged 11-13 and unsure of which group to join, feel free to reach out to us at support@letterly.io. We're here to help!

Reading materials by group:

  • Goldfish Crew: Articles from Time for Kids, NPR, Kids Sports News Network, shorter New York Times pieces, KidsNews Australia, and CBC Kids News.
  • Shark Squad: Articles from publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and The Economist.

Can I transfer between groups?

Yes. To request a transfer, submit an academic writing sample to support@letterly.io. We’ll review it and notify you by email regarding the transfer decision.

Will my child be grouped with similar-age peers?

  • Goldfish Crew: Students aged 8-12 work alongside others within the same age range.
  • Shark Squad: Ages 13 and up. Shark Squad has a broader age range, but each student will still work one-on-one with their coach throughout The Journal.

My child is 10 but an advanced writer. Can they join the Shark Squad?

Yes, they may be eligible for the Shark Squad. Please submit a sample of their academic writing to support@letterly.io. We’ll assess the sample and inform you via email if the transfer is possible.