Prisma
School | Town | Address | Driving Time |
---|---|---|---|
Prisma | Online | n/a | 0 Minutes |
Prisma Online School, an accredited project-based virtual program, serves approximately 1,000 students in grades 4-12 across all 50 states and internationally. Founded by a team of educators, tech entrepreneurs, and parents, Prisma aims to prepare learners for a rapidly changing future through a skills-driven, personalized education that fosters intrinsic motivation and global collaboration. Its mission emphasizes shifting from traditional knowledge-driven models to real-world application, with 98% of parents reporting their child is happier at Prisma than in previous schools and 96% of kids agreeing the curriculum is ‘hard fun.’
Academics
The academic program at Prisma features an interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum inspired by MIT and Harvard research, mapping to comprehensive standards like NGSS, ISTE, Common Core, and CASEL. For grades 4-8, students engage in six annual themes such as Cities of the Future and Unsolved Mysteries, earning mastery badges in skills like data analysis and persuasive writing through personalized projects and daily collaborative workshops. High school students (grades 9-12) complete 12-week themes like The Future of Health and Build a Business, earning accredited course credits, with options for AP courses, dual enrollment, capstone projects, and internships. Each learner receives 1-on-1 mentorship from expert coaches, who provide iterative feedback and support tailored learning paths, resulting in strong preparation for college and careers.
Athletics
Prisma promotes physical activity and teamwork through extracurricular clubs and events, serving as equivalents to traditional athletics in its virtual format. Learner-led clubs include activities like outdoor adventures and sports-related enrichments, while parent-organized regional meetups and trips—such as skiing in Crested Butte or surfing in San Diego—encourage physical engagement and community building. These opportunities allow students to balance academics with active lifestyles, fostering skills like initiative and collaboration in real-world settings.
Arts
The arts program at Prisma integrates creativity into the curriculum and extracurriculars, nurturing self-expression through project-based learning and dedicated clubs. Students explore visual arts, music, theater, and digital media within themes, creating projects like sci-fi stories, podcasts, or audio/visual poems. Coach-led enrichments include songwriting and debate, while learner-led clubs such as Art, Photography, and D&D provide additional outlets. High schoolers can tailor arts-focused projects for portfolios, with virtual exhibits and performances enhancing cultural awareness and interdisciplinary skills.

ACADEMICS
Cost
Parent pays $0
Community pays $11,980