I have been offering pre-Step 1, Step 1 up to Step 4 offline for 5 years now. Step 1 is in fact the most popular class. The new online Step 1 will follow the 3-session model: Step 1, Step 1 extra, and Step 1 plus. A big early concern was that the Step 1 students usually play slowly, so they can't finish their games in class. But we changed our online class format. They will not play in class anymore. They will play before the class. The coach will review their game records. This is one big advantage of online classes over the offline classes.
Let's wish the new Step 1 class could be successful!