The cohort model keeps children and teachers together in consistent groups throughout the academic year. Each fall, a classroom is established with 8 or 12 children who will stay together for twelve months, then often moving up to the next room with little change. The classroom cohorts at EBJ are designed to provide optimal continuity and stability for children, who see the same teachers and friends every day. Cohorts allow children to develop deep friendships with each other, as well as important relationships with their teachers, who can supervise and encourage their development in the long term. They also allow EBJ families to form lasting relationships with each other.