PLATO Online Philosophy Classes for Middle School Students
by PLATO - Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization
Certificate of Achievement
Live six-week online philosophy seminars from PLATO for middle school students aged 11 to 14, 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 middle school students aged 11 to 14. PLATO states that students from around the world are welcome, so Indian students may enrol. Sessions run in the late afternoon Pacific Time, which falls in the early hours of the following morning in India.
- Age range
- 11 to 14 years
- 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
- 8 Dec 2026
- Registration closes
- 20 Jan 2027
- Dates
- 26 Jan 2027 to 9 Mar 2027
Online · Zoom
Upcoming
- Registration opens
- 1 Jan 2027
- Registration closes
- 31 Mar 2027
- Dates
- 6 Apr 2027 to 18 May 2027
Online · Zoom
Happening now
- Registration opened
- 1 Jul 2026
- Registration closed
- 1 Oct 2026
- Dates
- 6 Oct 2026 to 10 Nov 2026
Online · Zoom
How to apply
- 1Choose the fall, winter or spring class
- 2Complete the registration form on the middle 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 middle school students aged 11 to 14 in each quarter of the school year. Every class meets weekly for six weeks on Zoom, and students from any country may enrol.
All middle school classes sit under PLATO's Yearlong Initiative on the Purposes of Education. Why Go to School? runs in the fall, Personal Identity and Education in the winter, and What is Worth Learning? in the spring, when students also put together an education programme of their own. Each quarter is registered for separately.
Grace Lee, a PhD candidate in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University, 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
- Examining ethical questions as a group
- Designing an education programme of their own
Course details
Trainers
Grace Lee teaches all three 2026-27 middle school classes. She is a PhD candidate in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University with an MA in Sociology of Education from UCL, and has taught social justice, critical thinking and writing, and parliamentary debate.
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 primary learning outcomes for students participating in this philosophy course?
Students develop critical thinking, reasoned argument, active listening, and respectful disagreement skills through engaging discussions on complex philosophical topics. The course aims to enhance their ability to analyze and articulate their own perspectives.
What is the expected time commitment for students enrolled in this online course?
The course requires a commitment of one 75-minute live online session per week for six consecutive weeks. There is no additional homework involved, allowing students to focus on in-class discussions.
Are there any prerequisite skills or knowledge required for students to join this philosophy course?
No specific prior philosophical knowledge is required. The course is designed for middle school students aged 11-14 who are curious, enjoy questioning, and are willing to engage in thoughtful discussions.
How does participation in this philosophy course contribute to a student's broader educational or personal development?
The course nurtures essential skills such as empathy, creativity, civil dialogue, and open-mindedness, which are valuable for academic success and personal growth. It encourages students to explore life's big questions and develop their own judgments.
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