Online Philosophy Classes
General Information
PLATO is offering online philosophy classes for middle school students (ages 11-14) each quarter in the 2026-27 school year. This year, the classes are all related to PLATO’s Yearlong Initiative on the Purposes of Education.
Fall 2026: Why Go to School?
Winter 2027: Personal Identity and Education
Spring 2026: What is Worth Learning?
Each class will meet weekly for six weeks on Zoom. We welcome students from around the world.
At the end of the class, students who have completed the class will be provided with Certificates of Achievement.
Instructor: Grace Lee will be teaching all of the 2026-27 online middle school classes. Grace is a PhD candidate in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University, with an MA in Sociology of Education from UCL, UK. She has worked with young people across diverse learning spaces, teaching social justice, critical thinking and writing, and parliamentary debate.
Class Descriptions
Fall 2026: Why Go to School?
Tuesdays – October 6, 13, 20, 27, and November 3 and 10
4-5:15 pm Pacific Time
Why go to school? What is most important to you to learn? What is valuable about education? Where are spaces where learning occurs outside the classroom? What are the best places and ways to learn? What does it mean to be smart?
Winter 2027: Personal Identity and Education
Tuesdays – January 26 and February 2, 9, 23, and March 2 and 9 (no class February 16)
4-5:15 pm Pacific Time
If you were not worried about what anyone would think of you, how would you plan the next ten years of your life? Would you continue on your current path and stay in school? Is there some project or activity you are passionate about that you would prefer to spend time training for and specializing in? Is the education system set up in a way that meets your needs as an individual? Where do you and your values come into conflict or agreement with the goals of education?
Spring 2027: What is Worth Learning?
Tuesdays – April 6, 13, 27 and May 4, 11, and 18 (no class April 20)
All classes 4-5:15pm Pacific Time
What are students currently learning in school? What is beneficial/problematic about that focus? What values are important that do not seem to be covered in education? What makes a topic worth learning? Is it only worth learning the subjects that will lead to financial or societal position? What value do the arts have in education? Students will spend time putting together an education program of their own and working through the questions that arise from thinking about what is worth learning.
Class Structure
These classes will be interactive and collaborative, requiring attention and participation of all students. Students should have their cameras on during class, as visual presence both enhances a sense of community and increases accessibility for all participants.
Barring unforeseen circumstances and illness, we expect students to attend all six sessions in a series. Consistent attendance is important for building community and deepening our discussions over the weeks we meet.
Philosophical conversations involve topics about which reasonable people can disagree. All participants are expected to arrive prepared to listen carefully, thoughtfully engage with others’ ideas, and bravely share their own thoughts.
Session facilitators will ensure we maintain a respectful and intellectually safe community of inquiry. Students will experience the joys of thinking together about the ethical and other philosophical questions on our minds.
Registration and Payment
The cost for a six-week class is $100 for non-members, or $75 for PLATO members (become a member here).
Please use the form to the right (or below on mobile) to register for the fall, winter, and/or spring classes.
Please register and make payment by the following deadlines:
Fall Class: October 1, 2026
Winter Class: January 20, 2027
Spring Class: March 31, 2027
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is not complete until payment is made. No refunds will be given after the registration deadline.
PLATO offers generous financial assistance for students. If you require a full or partial scholarship, please send an email to info@plato-philosophy.org before you register and indicate your reason(s) for the request and the extent of financial assistance you need.
Questions? Please contact us at info@plato-philosophy.org.
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