Scientific Research
For students who want to understand how or why something happens, by investigating a question through an experiment. Many students conduct their experiments at home.
Every Ardent Scholar develops an original project with expert guidance.
Ardent follows the junior and senior divisions used in science-fair competition. Every student develops an individual research project, but the goals and level of preparation change with grade level. No prior research experience is required.
Grades 6–8
For younger scholars, the goal is to turn curiosity into a first serious research experience. Ardent helps students choose a question they care about, design and carry out the project, work with evidence, and learn how to explain what they discovered.
Students finish with an original research project, an abstract or report, a science-fair poster and presentation, and preparation to present and defend their work.
Grades 9–12
Senior scholars pursue more ambitious projects with greater depth and independence. Ardent helps them strengthen the research question, background research, methodology, and analysis so the work is competitive at high-school science fairs.
Students finish with an original research project, a research abstract or paper, a science-fair poster and presentation, and a portfolio that supports summer research and college applications.
Students don’t need to choose a track before applying. We help them find the approach that fits their interests and project idea.
For students who want to understand how or why something happens, by investigating a question through an experiment. Many students conduct their experiments at home.
For students who want to solve a problem by designing and building a solution. Projects are often devices, prototypes, apps, or other practical products.
For students who want to investigate a question using real-world data and tools such as machine learning or AI. Prior AI or data science experience is not required.
$2,450Fall · Spring · Summer
Students begin with a topic-selection kickoff and five live research classes. The classes teach the research process; each scholar then applies it to a project of their own, with twice-weekly mentor office hours as the work develops.
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
Summer 2027
Included
$2,450Start anytime · Year-round
The student completes the same training through guided self-study and private instruction scheduled around their availability. Returning scholars who already know the methodology can use more of that time directly on their project.
Included