The basics:

• Drew University will open The Drew School in fall 2026
• School will serve students in grades one through eight
• 2HR Learning will provide AI-driven curriculum platform
• Founding families will pay $30,000 in annual tuition

Drew University is launching a new institution to help younger students “prepare for a rapidly changing world.”

Opening in fall 2026, The Drew School will host first through eighth grades on the Madison campus. Drew University teamed up with the Alpha School’s 2HR Learning, an AI-driven curricular platform, for the new offering.

Drew is the first affiliate partner of 2HR Learning. It will also mark the first university campus to open a 2HR Learning-powered school, said MacKenzie Price, co-founder of 2HR and Alpha Schools, in the Aug. 10 announcement.

The Drew School will combine technology with personalized academic coaching to teach students real-world skills, including public speaking, financial literacy, AI competence, time management, resilience, personal fitness and more. Students will learn from university professors, faculty and graduate students. They will also have access to campus resources, according to the school’s website.

“Most traditional schools are killing creativity in these uniquely inspired students who don’t run with the grain. Oftentimes, they’re told early on that they have to conform and comply. We’re not in that business,” said Brian Holtz, head of school for The Drew School and co-founder of the Alpha School network.

“The Drew School is looking to give these students the time, space, and mentorship to really zero in on what actually makes them tick,” Holtz added.

The Drew School leader Brian Holtz shares more (provided by The Drew School):

Enrollment open

The Drew School is enrolling for the fall 2026 semester for grades one through seven. It will accept 10 to 12 founding families – or about 15 to 20 students – for the first cohort.

“We anticipate enrollment growth to be brisk after the school is up and running,” Holtz shared with NJBIZ. “Schools that have been powered by 2HR Learning have seen double digit enrollment growth year over year during their first several years.”

Founding family tuition will be $30,000 annually, according to the school’s website.

Rethinking the learning process

“We recognize the importance of rethinking every stage of learning from age 6-60 and beyond,” added Drew University President Hilary Link.

“To be relevant, universities must rethink the metrics, systems, and structures that have long governed us to ask: Can a person solve problems? Collaborate? Adapt and pivot? Create value in complex situations and contribute to enriching our world?” Link said. “These are the same questions Alpha School has been asking of younger learners since 2014, and we are thrilled to be their first higher education partner.”

Younger students are no strangers to Drew University. Each summer, the campus plays host to New Jersey Governor’s School in the Sciences, a three-week residential program that immerses local high school students in intensive, college-level scientific research.