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A Stress-Free Switch to Learning From Home this Fall
Over the past week, as millions of parents have realized that traditional in-person schooling may not be safe or available come September, a new twist on an old phenomenon has emerged. The continued spread of COVID-19 and resulting shutdowns have led to the rise of “homeschooling pods,” where small groups of parents join together and arrange to hire a teacher or private tutor to educate their children at home.
Although the reason behind the explosion of interest in these pods is new, the educational model is not. Micro schools and homeschool co-ops have been around for generations in various forms. Parents who are looking to form COVID-related homeschooling pods and families who have been using micro schools and co-ops have many shared educational priorities: beneficial socialization opportunities, guidance from trusted educators, and connection to a community.
At Prisma, we have created an approach to homeschooling that provides all of these benefits and more. As a locally-rooted, globally-connected learning network, we are able to provide our 4-8th grade learners with connections to local peers and a local Learning coach, while also providing world-class curriculum resources and opportunities to learn with other Prisma families across the country.
What’s the difference between a Prisma cohort and a homeschool pod?
Prisma cohorts and homeschool pods both involve small groups of families learning at home while connected to a local educator and peers. But Prisma includes several features that many homeschooling pods will not:
Can my homeschool pod use Prisma’s curriculum?
We have currently only announced five founding cohort hubs: Chicago, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco Bay Area, and Tampa. If your homeschooling pod is based in or near one of these areas, we encourage each of you to apply and mention in your application that you are part of a pod.
If we have not yet announced a launch in your area, we encourage you to request that we do using the “request a new location” button on our cohorts page. You can also contact us directly at info@joinprisma.com if you know that you have 10+ families interested in your area already. If we have significant interest in an area we are not currently serving, we may consider launching there in time for Fall 2020.
How can I learn more?
Join us over the next two weeks for Live Q&A sessions to meet our founders and our Learning coaches. You can also check out our “Introducing Prisma” video or read our FAQs.
Want to learn more about how Prisma can empower your child to thrive?
Talk with usTalk with usMiddle School Curriculum Designer Lizzie uses her diverse experiences: studying Literature at Harvard, leading outdoor adventure expeditions, and teaching high school English, to help Prisma learners find their voices.
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