Prisma's thematic model allows learners to experience the ways in which history, science, literacy, and applied math all work together in tandem. Our curriculum is expertly designed to meet all university admission guidelines while allowing you the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into projects that cultivate vital skills through a highly customizable lens of your own individual interests.
At the end of each theme, learners present their projects to peers, parents, and guests in a celebratory Expo Day. Beyond developing key skills valued by universities, workplaces, and society, our themes get teens excited about learning in a real-world, personalized way.
96% of learners agree that Prisma themes are 'hard fun'.
Instead of having dozens of teachers who each have hundreds of students, Prisma high schoolers are matched with a cohort of 20-25 peers, a small set of expert specialist teachers, and one mentor coach who they build a relationship with over multiple years.
Specialist academic coaches in Math, Science, and the Humanities facilitate workshops aligned to the theme and give individualized feedback on learner projects.
Mentor coaches meet 1:1 with each learner in their cohort and facilitate engaging daily standup workshops that build community.
100% of Prisma parents are happy with their learner's mentor coach. We receive 100-500 applicants for any one coach we hire, so we select educators who are exceptionally talented at building motivating relationships with kids. And, 100% of coaches came back this year, which means cohort and mentor bonds are stronger than ever!
How do you build positive relationships with young people and what do those relationships mean to you?
"Without a doubt, the best thing about being an educator is that my students make me a better person. They invite me into their lives and we form a family with a mutual commitment to support one another on our learning journey. The core of these positive relationships is mutual respect. Not a day goes by that young people do not prove to me how immensely talented they are and how brilliantly they exceed my own abilities. My life is immeasurably enriched by knowing them, and it is my honor to have many precious relationships which have extended far beyond their time in my classroom."
What’s the difference between being a Math Learning Coach at Prisma and teaching math at a more traditional school?
"So much! For starters, it’s the amount of thought and care we put into designing meaningful and practical lessons to engage all learners. In a traditional school, where test scores rule the world, the priority is boosting a school’s ranking on standardized tests rather than engaging learners. While tests are important for learners seeking higher education, it actually is possible to focus on practicality and future skills while simultaneously building skills to score well on tests. A second difference is how well I get to know Prisma learners. The amount of support and check-ins our learners have at Prisma is unparalleled compared to anywhere else I’ve ever worked."
If you could pick one skill that all kids should master to prepare for the world of the future, what would it be and why?
"Developing a growth mindset: In a rapidly-evolving world, the ability to adapt to new situations, technologies, and challenges is INVALUABLE. The key to developing this adaptability is a growth mindset (the belief that intelligence and abilities are not fixed, but rather things that can be developed through effort and persistence). With a growth mindset, kids recognize setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities for learning and development. They gain the resilience and flexibility needed to confront the uncertainties of tomorrow's world."
You have a special background in developing leadership skills in young people. How have these experiences influenced your approach to Prisma coaching?
"My coaching style is heavily influenced by my experiences prior to Prisma, specifically becoming an Eagle Scout, going to college at The Citadel, and volunteering at a leadership program called American Legion Jersey Boys State. I know first-hand that people are usually surprised by what they’re capable of when they’re pushed to do their absolute best by someone who cares deeply about them. Leadership is a skill set (like creativity or organization), and everyone is capable of learning the component skills through experience and reflection."
What sets Prisma’s approach to math apart from traditional schools?
"At Prisma, learners understand how math is useful and applicable to their lives. Instead of emphasizing “tricks” or test-taking strategies, learners dig into math in deeper and more meaningful ways. During a recent 1:1, a learner was all smiles as she told me how she can see how everything we’ve been doing in math connects. It was those patterns and discoveries that were motivating her – not a grade or a looming test. Prisma encourages and supports that same discovery for every math learner!"
In addition to LaunchPad, you also design our High School standup workshops that bring learners together in community each day. What’s your approach to building bonds between learners?
"Our standup workshops build community through team-building activities, peer support systems, and regular group discussions. During standup, we dive into topics aligned with preparing learners for the real world. Learners develop and build their Prisma portfolios, have open discussions through table topics, and even trade off planning and leading their own activities to build their own facilitation skills. This inclusive environment allows learners to connect, learn from one another, and grow both academically and personally."
What would be most helpful right now?
“I like having a clear purpose for what I’m learning, instead of just being told ‘do this thing,'" says Aaron, 10th grader at Prisma.
Some of Aaron’s favorite projects include the model of a green roof planter he made to earn his 9th grade Biology credit, and the poem he wrote about the challenges of the ballet industry and turned into an audio/visual video for his English credit.
“Instead of making videos or building models being what I do when I take a break from school, I did those things for my project. It’s really fun to be able to showcase the unique talents I have in a way that also gets me school credit.”
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Every teen and family is different and has unique routines, schedules and priorities. Our schedule allows ample opportunities for learners to interact with and socialize with their peers, while maintaining flexibility.
Some workshops (like standup) happen every day, and others once per week. What's listed here is a sample of what a day might look like.
Please note: exact times vary by time zone and cohort placement. Chat with us 1-on-1 to look at how Prisma could work with your family's schedule.
We believe high school should be a time where teens prepare for adult life, but most high schools spend little or no time teaching kids how to navigate the day-to-day challenges of adulthood. All Prisma 9th and 10th graders participate in our weekly Life Skills workshop, where they learn practical skills for future success through group discussions, expert guest visits, and hands-on challenges.
Topics covered include: finding one's personal strengths, financial literacy, cooking & nutrition, habit formation using Atomic Habits, recognizing cognitive biases, job interviews, managing stress, building friendships, negotiation, planning a trip, and more.
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From late August through early June, Prisma learners experience three Sessions (Fall, Winter and Spring), with breaks to recharge in between. Each session centers around an interdisciplinary theme that awards credit in multiple subjects required for graduation. The last week of each session is dedicated to revision, reflection, and parent-coach-learner conferences.
A comprehensive 4-year curriculum scope, including course options and routes for customization
A deep dive into mastery-based assessment, grades, transcripts, and post-secondary outcomes
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