A totally new way to go to school

Prisma is the world's most engaging virtual school that combines a fun, real-world curriculum with powerful mentorship from experienced coaches and a supportive peer community.
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My daughter is thriving in an environment that allows her to control her own destiny. I don't want to go back to the days of my daughter complaining about teachers and curriculum that she felt were negatively affecting her love of learning.

Brad White  Parent of Prisma learner
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It has been a true joy for us to listen in on his conversations and hear how he's working with others and excited to get the work done. One of his initial concerns was that because it was digital he wouldn't make any friends. His favorite thing at dinner the other day was that "I made two friends already!”

Tara Stand  Parent of Prisma learner
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The attention and care for the kids is so clear and just exudes from the screen. It is so clear that there is a connection being formed—a bond between the kids and the coaches.

John Anderson  Parent of Prisma learner
What is Prisma?

A full-time, comprehensive program for kids in grades 4-12 to learn when, where, and how they want

I have made a lot of new friends, and I'm learning new things that I usually wouldn't learn in my regular school.

Gabby W.
Prisma learner

It's much more welcoming, and I feel much more comfortable and happy with Prisma than with a public school.

Emma M.
Prisma learner

The kids mold the curriculum as much as the coaches.

Toby M.
Prisma learner

I️ like the independence. In elementary school, they are basically telling you how to think. I️ also love the flexibility and how you can grow.

Soren B.
Prisma learner

I like Prisma more than other schools because it lets me shape my curriculum.

Ezra S.
Prisma learner

Prisma has pushed me to learn things I would never learn in public school.

Ben B.
Prisma Learner

Prisma is the most supportive learning program I’ve ever been in. The teachers are the most kind teachers I’ve ever met!

Zoe S.
Prisma learner

Prisma is a family. It is a safe space where no one is left out or judged.

Grace B.
Prisma learner

Prisma is WAY better than all of my other options, and WAY more fun.

Soren B.
Prisma learner

Prisma is a fun place to learn because I can learn at my own pace and we have fun meetings.

Deren M.
Prisma learner

This is the best school I have attended!

Sophia R.
Prisma learner

I love Prisma. It’s where I feel free to be me!

Gwendy C.
Prisma learner
How is Prisma different?

Connected learning for our connected age

Prisma is pioneering the reinvention of education for tomorrow's world by making it more globally, technologically and personally connected.

Traditional school

  • Kids are told what to learn; pace determined by age, not ability
  • Focus is on gaining knowledge rather than skills
  • Information delivered via lectures, textbooks and worksheets
  • Teacher is lecturer, grader and disciplinarian
  • Kids are motivated by grades and multiple-choice tests
  • Peer group limited by zip code
  • Rigid schedule and fixed geography
  • Kids choose what to learn, at the pace best for them
  • Focus on critical life skills in addition to foundational academics
  • Kids discover content through making hands-on projects inspired by real-world themes
  • Coach’s role is to mentor, inspire and provide rich feedback
  • Kids are motivated by the joy of learning
  • A close-knit peer cohort within a diverse, global network
  • Kids learn when and where they want

Online school

  • Kids have some control over pace of learning but not content
  • Focus is on traditional academics
  • Lectures and textbooks, delivered online
  • Teachers are lecturers and graders, sometimes for hundreds of kids
  • Kids are motivated by grades and multiple-choice tests
  • Limited socialization and collaboration opportunities
  • Kids learn when and where they want
  • Kids choose what to learn, at the pace best for them
  • Focus on critical life skills in addition to foundational academics
  • Kids discover content through making hands-on projects inspired by real world themes
  • Coach’s role is to mentor, inspire and provide rich feedback
  • Kids are motivated by the joy of learning
  • A close-knit peer cohort within a diverse, global network
  • Kids learn when and where they want

Traditional school

  • Kids are told what to learn; pace determined by age, not ability
  • Focus is on gaining knowledge rather than skills
  • Information delivered via lectures, textbooks and worksheets
  • Teacher is lecturer, grader and disciplinarian
  • Kids are motivated by grades and multiple-choice tests
  • Peer group limited by zip code
  • Rigid schedule and fixed geography

Online school

  • Kids have some control over pace of learning, but not content
  • Focus is on traditional academics
  • Lectures and textbooks, delivered online
  • Teachers are lecturers and graders, sometimes for hundreds of kids
  • Kids are motivated by grades and multiple-choice tests
  • Limited socialization and collaboration opportunities
  • Kids learn when and where they want
How does Prisma work?

Program Overview

Prisma is a place where kids learn the skills to solve the world’s greatest problems. Every aspect of our program is carefully designed to make learning enjoyable and to develop the skills that will be essential to success in the 21st century. Learners gain Foundational Knowledge in math, science, literacy, social studies and coding; master Powers like creativity, communication and critical thinking through project-based learning, team challenges and socratic discussions; and develop Personal mindsets like emotional intelligence, perseverance, independence and adaptability through daily reflection and frequent personalized feedback.
Personalized learning routines
To ensure every learner starts at the appropriate level and moves at the pace that is right for them, we develop individualized learning plans for each child based on assessment of their academic strengths and weaknesses, as well as child and family goals and interests. Each child has their own customized schedule and set of goals— for example, a 6th grade learner who struggles in math but excels in reading may catch up on 4th grade math standards using adaptive technology, while also being challenged to read novels at a high school reading level. Learning plans are adjusted during a conference with the learner, parent, and coach every six weeks.
What kids say about Prisma
  • Live workshops
  • Live workshops
  • Personalized learning routines
  • Themes & badges
  • Socialization
  • Coaching & assessment
Live workshops
There is no such thing as a lecture at Prisma. Our live workshops are optimized for engagement, critical thinking, teamwork and discussion. On any given day, learners may engage in team challenges, where kids work in teams to solve real-world problems; debate & discuss, where kids articulate their views on important societal issues; strategy simulations, where kids hone their problem solving and collaboration skills via strategy games; and writing workshops, where kids learn to write for different audiences, formats and purposes with real-world relevance.
Themes & badges
Each five-week learning cycle at Prisma is organized around an exciting, kid-friendly theme. Each theme is designed to be interdisciplinary (because the real world isn't divided into school subjects), future-focused, and rich with opportunities for hands-on learning through projects and synchronous workshops. Themes include Cities of the Future, Cyber Citizens, Hidden Histories, and Inventor's Studio. Prisma kids earn badges when they have demonstrated mastery of an academic concept, life skill, or leadership challenge. Badges are the building blocks of a rich portfolio that learners can use to apply to future schools, demonstrate their abilities, and show off their potential.

Socialization
Prisma learners form strong friendships, a robust culture and a deep sense of shared identity (they call themselves “Prismarians” and refer to Prisma as ‘Prisma Land’). Our program provides considerable opportunities for kids to form friendships, from our standups where kids meet daily with their coach to share their thoughts and have fun, to team challenges, small-group exercises and group projects. We also have learner-run clubs, from gaming and entrepreneurship to art and baking, and a highly engaged online learner forum.
Coaching & assessment
Our learners are supported by expert learning coaches who we carefully select for their ability to bring out the best in kids. Coaches facilitate our synchronous workshops, help learners to set and meet goals, provide 1-on-1 mentorship, and deliver rich feedback. We do not use grades, which have been shown to take away kids’ intrinsic motivation; instead coaches work closely with each child to help them achieve their best work, including academic and social-emotional evaluations and our own proprietary 21st Century Skills assessment
Who is Prisma for?

Kids who dream big

Prisma is for anyone wishing to fuel their child’s love of learning and prepare them for 21st-century life. It may be especially compelling for the following families:
Online schoolers
Though there are numerous online schools available, they all follow a very traditional lecture and grades-based approach to education and lack strong teacher and peer relationships. For online schoolers looking for a virtual option that’s more innovative, close-knit, engaging and learner-centric, Prisma stands alone.
Homeschoolers
For families who already homeschool or have always wished they could, we offer an easy approach that provides all the usual benefits (a flexible, self-paced, learner-centric education) while making it easy for parents and fun and social for kids.
Nomads & expats
For families looking to make the most of remote work flexibility, Prisma provides everything a child needs for a successful education— including a supportive peer group and a dedicated coach—without the usual geographic and schedule constraints.
Kids who say
“I hate school”
It is heartbreaking how many students are prevented from being their best selves in their current school environment. Whether your child is craving the chance to go deeper or faster, frustrated by a lack of relevance, crushed by an unsupportive social environment or stressed out by grades, homework and early mornings, we've designed Prisma to be a place that brings joy back into learning.
Calendar
Every year, we offer 6 x 6-week long learning cycles, a kickoff and a service learning cycle.
2022
Fall
Kickoff
Aug 22 - 26
Cycle 1 & 2
Aug 29 - Nov 18
2023
Winter
Cycle 3 & 4
Dec 1 - Mar 13
Spring
Cycle 5 & 6
Mar 28 - Jun 8
How to apply
Most families join Prisma in the Fall for the full academic year (Aug - Jun), but we onboard many families throughout the year at the start of each learning cycle. While we don't have an application deadline, due to high demand, we encourage you to apply early.

Questions? Email us

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