PLATO Online Philosophy Classes for High School Students
by PLATO - Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization
Certificate of Achievement
Live six-week online philosophy seminars from PLATO for high school students, open to students in any country.
Mode
Online
Fee
$100
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Six weekly sessions per quarterly class
Time needed
One Zoom class a week for 6 weeks
Eligibility
Open to high school students. PLATO states that students from around the world are welcome, so Indian students may enrol. PLATO publishes no age band or grade range for this track, unlike its middle school track. Sessions run in the late afternoon Pacific Time, which falls in the early hours of the following morning in India.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 10
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Certificate of Achievement
Students who complete a six-week class are given a Certificate of Achievement issued by PLATO. No external accrediting body is named.
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Upcoming
- Registration opens
- 29 Dec 2026
- Registration closes
- 20 Jan 2027
- Dates
- 27 Jan 2027 to 10 Mar 2027
Online · Zoom
Upcoming
- Registration opens
- 15 Jan 2027
- Registration closes
- 31 Mar 2027
- Dates
- 7 Apr 2027 to 19 May 2027
Online · Zoom
Happening now
- Registration opened
- 1 Sept 2026
- Registration closed
- 1 Oct 2026
- Dates
- 7 Oct 2026 to 11 Nov 2026
Financial Assistance Request Deadline
Students should email PLATO to request financial assistance before completing their registration for the Fall 2026 class.
Registration Deadline for Fall Class
The final date to register and submit payment for the 'Power, Knowledge, and the Purpose of Education' class.
First Class Session
The inaugural live online session for the 'Power, Knowledge, and the Purpose of Education' class.
Second Class Session
The second live online session.
Third Class Session
The third live online session.
Fourth Class Session
The fourth live online session.
Fifth Class Session
The fifth live online session.
Final Class Session
The concluding live online session for the Fall 2026 class.
Online · Zoom
How to apply
- 1Choose the fall, winter or spring class
- 2Complete the registration form on the high school class page
- 3Pay the class fee before that quarter's deadline
- 4Email PLATO before registering if financial assistance is needed
Rules and guidelines
- Attend all six sessions of the series
- Keep cameras on during class
- Engage thoughtfully with opposing views
- Registration is complete only after payment
Technology requirements
- Zoom video conferencing
- Device with a working camera
- Reliable internet connection
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A six-week class costs 100 US dollars for non-members and 75 US dollars for PLATO members; membership is taken through PLATO's individual giving page. The fee covers all six live sessions of that quarter's class. Each quarter is paid for separately, and a place is held only once payment is received.
Refund policy
No refunds are given after the registration deadline for that class.
About this opportunity
PLATO runs live online philosophy classes for high school students in each quarter of the school year. Every class meets weekly for six weeks on Zoom, and students from any country may enrol.
All high school classes sit under PLATO's Yearlong Initiative on the Purposes of Education. Power, Knowledge, and the Purpose of Education runs in the fall, Becoming Someone: Selfhood, Status, and Life After High School in the winter, and Thinking, Learning, and Authenticity in the Age of AI in the spring. Each quarter is registered for separately.
Sessions are discussion seminars rather than lectures, meeting on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:45 pm Pacific Time. Classes examine grading, testing and college pathways, identity and life after school, and the ethics of artificial intelligence in learning. Dr. Jordan Sherry-Wagner, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washington, teaches all three classes. Students who complete a class receive a Certificate of Achievement, and PLATO offers financial assistance to families who request it by email before registering.
What your child will do
- Weekly Zoom discussion seminars
- Debating the purpose of grading, testing and college pathways
- Examining the ethics of artificial intelligence in learning
Course details
Trainers
Dr. Jordan Sherry-Wagner teaches all three 2026-27 high school classes. He is a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washington and was a Graduate Student Fellow with the Center for Philosophy for Children from 2017 to 2019, where he earned a Certificate of Mastery.
Academic details
Difficulty: Introductory
What's covered
Six weekly discussion seminars per quarter, built around PLATO's Yearlong Initiative on the Purposes of Education.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key learning outcomes for students completing this philosophy course?
Students completing the course will develop critical thinking, reasoned argument, and active listening skills. They will engage with complex philosophical concepts related to selfhood, status, and life after high school, enhancing their ability to analyze and articulate diverse perspectives.
What is the expected time commitment for participants each week, beyond the live sessions?
Beyond the 75-minute weekly live session, students should anticipate dedicating additional time for reading assigned materials and reflecting on discussion topics. The exact time commitment varies by individual, but consistent engagement with course content is encouraged for optimal learning.
Are there any prerequisite philosophy knowledge or skills required for students to enroll?
This course is designed for high school students with an introductory difficulty level, meaning no prior philosophy knowledge is strictly required. A willingness to engage in thoughtful discussion and critical inquiry is beneficial for all participants.
How does the Certificate of Achievement benefit students in their academic or future endeavors?
The Certificate of Achievement from PLATO signifies a student's successful completion of a rigorous philosophy seminar. It can be a valuable addition to academic portfolios, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, critical thinking abilities, and a commitment to advanced studies in humanities.
What are the long-term career relevance or academic pathways associated with studying philosophy at this level?
Studying philosophy cultivates highly transferable skills such as analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and persuasive communication, which are valuable in diverse fields like law, journalism, education, and technology. It also provides a strong foundation for further academic pursuits in humanities and social sciences.
How can students best manage their time to balance this course with other academic commitments, especially considering the time zone difference for Indian students?
Effective time management involves planning dedicated study slots for readings and reflection. Students in India should note that live sessions occur early mornings on Thursdays (6:00-7:15 AM IST). Integrating course preparation into existing academic routines, with special attention to the time difference, ensures consistent engagement without overwhelming schedules.
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