Prisma Revolutionizes Education for Traveling Families

About the Guest(s):

Kristen
Kristen is the CEO of Prisma, a cutting-edge virtual learning community that has been transforming traditional education models. With a rich background as a teacher and charter school founder, Kristen joined Prisma as a curriculum designer and has been instrumental in its innovative approach to education. She is dedicated to enhancing personalized learning experiences and is actively involved in creating a flexible, project-based curriculum that adapts to students' interests and real-world needs.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the "Our Offbeat Life Podcast," host David Cole sits down with Kristen, the CEO of Prisma, to discuss how Prisma is revolutionizing education by providing a flexible, personalized learning solution for students around the world. With a focus on building real-world skills and nurturing a love for learning, Prisma acts as a bridge for families seeking a non-traditional educational path that supports travel and exploration without sacrificing academic rigor.

The conversation gives insight into Prisma's unique approach to education, which includes a dynamic, project-based curriculum that allows students to earn competencies and badges. Kristen elaborates on Prisma's diverse community of learners, ranging from homeschool families to geo-flexible world travelers, and highlights how Prisma supports socialization and community building through robust virtual interactions and periodic in-person meetups. The episode also delves into how Prisma coaches play a crucial role in personalizing student learning and ensuring academic growth through individualized mentorship and feedback, thereby preparing students for an unpredictable future work landscape influenced by technology and AI.

Key Takeaways:

• Personalized Learning Experience: Prisma provides a tailored education approach, allowing students to explore their interests through thematic, project-based learning.
• Community Engagement: Students from diverse backgrounds can build friendships and collaborate through virtual cohorts and in-person meetups, fostering a global online community.
• Emphasis on Skills for the Future: Prisma prepares students with critical soft skills and an innovator's mindset, empowering them to thrive in an AI-influenced future.
• Parental Involvement and Flexibility: Parents can select different involvement levels through Prisma's programs, with options for financial aid and a parent-coach model.
• Accreditation and Success Metrics: Prisma's accredited programs ensure that students are well-prepared for college, with a strong track record of graduates receiving university acceptances and scholarships.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We really want kids to love learning and prepare them with the skills that they need to thrive in the future." - Kristen
2. "Our learners grow 206% of their expected growth in math and 176% of their expected growth in reading." - Kristen
3. "It is such a beautiful community. We have the best kids, the best families. They do make real friendships." - Kristen
4. "We're not scared of AI. We teach learners how to use AI safely and appropriately." - Kristen
5. "Learning should be hard, fun." - Kristen, quoting Seymour Papert.

Resources:

• Prisma Website: joinprisma.org
• Seymour Papert on Educational Philosophy
• Our Offbeat Life Podcast: More episodes on world schooling and alternative education.

To gain a deeper understanding of how Prisma is transforming the educational landscape and to hear more illuminating conversations, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more content from the "Our Offbeat Life Podcast."