a16z Just Launched a School

The Horowitz Andreessen Academy launches as a residential, unaccredited post-high school program in San Francisco designed to cultivate AI-native builders. By prioritizing project-based learning and proof-of-work over traditional academic credits, the institution bridges the gap between high school and professional success in the technology sector. Founding partners, including Anthropic, Meta, and NVIDIA, provide curricular support and direct access to industry leaders, enabling students to gain real-world experience. Gagan Biyani, the program's founder, emphasizes that the academy seeks to foster high agency and a positive-sum culture, offering a viable alternative to the traditional four-year university path. With $40 million in funding, the academy focuses on long-term career readiness, encouraging students to develop the skills necessary to navigate the evolving AI landscape while building lifelong peer networks and professional connections.