Prisma is different.
Not just in the ideas and frameworks they are teaching, but also in the concept of being a 100% online school. As with anything that’s new and radical, it takes time for people to get on the bandwagon. Based on the innovation adoption lifecycle, it’s still in the innovator’s section. This is in part due to the program being so small still and trying to refine its messaging and technique. There are plenty of early adopters who will gladly jump on board once access expands as word spreads and the school can successfully meet the required demands.
What will really set Prisma apart is if they can differentiate themselves from their competition. The number one way they can do this is by answering the question, “Who’s going to watch my kid while I’m at work?”
Kids can’t take care of themselves, therefore their parents assume that role. In order to provide food and shelter, money needs to be made. Money is typically made in exchange for time — that’s what work is. Work allows parents to earn to provide. However, while parents are working, it’s difficult and most times not feasible, to have their children with them.
This is where traditional school comes in. For the 48.1 million students that were enrolled in the public K-12 system in the US in the fall of 2020, it also served as free childcare for their parents.
Prisma costs $8898 per year. While less than the average cost of K-12 private school tuition($12,350) in the US, it’s still a considerable amount of money.
If parents did want to send their kids to Prisma, someone would have to watch them. The average cost of childcare in the US per year is $8355 per kid! Combining the average cost of childcare and one year of Prisma would come out to be $17,000! That’s a steep fee for only one child.
3 solutions for Prisma:
Local schools — allow students the opportunity to come in and socialize, but be in their own room with a room monitor. They would work independently on their own projects.
Afterschool care centers — for places like the Boys and Girls Club and the like, provide the option to pay a little bit more in monthly fees so that students can come to the facility for the duration of the day.
Neighborhood pods — find others in the area who are homeschooling or doing forms of alternative schooling and group together to pay one teacher. Can be hosted in the same location each time, someone’s house, or it can rotate! Lots of options here.
The future is bright.