The Learning Circle

学び · Manabi For intellectually curious kids
beyond traditional education.

A real-world, challenge-based thinking & doing space for 11–14 year olds to think rationally and solve real-world problems.

Real-world Challenges
Close-knit Global Community
Experts & Coaches
Apply Now
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The Work
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At Manabi, kids don't simulate learning, they practice it.

Kids engage through debates, research, conversations, and hands-on problem solving — with real-world experts and coaches every week.

Swipe to explore →

I
Entrepreneurship
II
AI & Technology
III
Climate Action
IV
Game Design
V
Engineering
VI
Neuroscience
VII
Finance & Investing
VIII
Higher Order Math
IX
Space Exploration
X
Animation & VFX
Agency & Ownership
Deep Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
High-bar Collaboration
Intellectual Rigor
First Principles Thinking
Research & Writing
Bias for Action
Global Perspective
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The Practice
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A new immersive challenge every week

90-Min Weekly Online Session

Students think, debate, and work through it together with the coach.

1-on-1 Check-in

Frequent personalised check-ins with the coach for every student.

Select Sessions with Real-world Experts

To bring discipline, expertise, and inspiration.

Manabi experts come from top global organizations
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Student Work
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Students don't just explore,
they build real projects.

Publications, ventures, and apps — built by kids aged 11–15.

Fallen by Riya
Fallen
by Riya
Published Author
Riya

Wrote and published her own anime-inspired fantasy novel, developing the story, characters, and artwork from scratch.

N PIONEER
Startup Founder · $5,000 Grant
Asher

Built and launched Pioneer, a startup connecting people with local experiences — and won a $5,000 grant for his pitch.

Hoi An Hub App
App Builder
Aanya

Building Hoi An Hub, an app that helps worldschooling families discover and sign up for local classes and activities.

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Primary Coaches
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Saurabh Saxena

For over 20 years, I’ve built edtech companies like Power Club and Vedantu, and global learning communities serving thousands of students and schools. At Manabi, I work closely with students as they explore ideas and build projects.

Saurabh Saxena
3× Entrepreneur | Community Builder | Coach
Vasavi Kandula

My work spans finance, education, and startups, but the common thread has been thoughtful design—whether shaping learning environments, building ventures, or planning our travels. At Manabi, I lead the learning design and student experience.

Vasavi Kandula
Ex-Investment Banker | Montessori Educator | Startup Founder
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The Application
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✦
The Application

Inviting driven kids and like-minded
families to the journey.

Unschoolers ✦ Worldschoolers ✦ Schoolers ✦ Homeschoolers
Available Cohorts
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Cohort I
—
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Cohort II
—
You can choose any of these cohorts
Membership and Program Fee
$50
per month · paid quarterly
Includes
  • Weekly practice sessions
  • 1-on-1 check-ins
  • Expert guest sessions
  • Asynchronous feedback and support
If affordability is a concern, please reach out — we want motivated students to be able to participate.
Apply Now
Step 1 of 3
About your family
Manabi runs just two small, close-knit cohorts. This short form helps us understand whether it might be a good fit for your kid.
Please enter your name
Please enter your kid's name
Please select your kid's age
Please select your country
Please enter a valid email
Step 2 of 3
About your kid
Help us get a sense of who they are and what lights them up.
Please tell us a little about your kid
Please share a little about why you're interested
Step 3 of 3
A couple of practicalities
Almost done — just two quick questions.
Cohort I —
Cohort II —
Either works for us
Yes, we're comfortable with the $500 fee
I'd like to discuss need-based flexibility
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Thank you for applying.

We keep Manabi intentionally small, so we review each application carefully. If it seems like a good fit, we'll invite your family for a short conversation.