Thank you for your interest in Plato Academy Schools. Below you will find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about our schools and programs.
If you happen to have additional questions, please reach out to Enrollment and Recruitment Specialist or call us.
Phone: (727) 205-6360
That’s a great question! Plato Academy Schools offers a truly unique educational experience that sets us apart. We are deeply committed to a classical education model, which means we focus on a rigorous curriculum that includes subjects like history, literature, mathematics, and science, all taught with an emphasis on critical thinking and a deep understanding of foundational knowledge, without disregarding cutting edge technology skills that our students need to acquire as future citizens.
A distinctive feature of our schools is our focus on Greek language and culture. Students have the opportunity to learn the Greek language, which broadens their linguistic skills and connects them to the rich history and philosophy that underpins Western civilization.
This allows our dedicated teachers to offer more individualized attention to each student, ensuring they receive the support and challenge they need to thrive academically and personally. We believe this approach helps foster a strong sense of community and encourages every child to reach their full potential.
How’s the school going to help my child be successful? Plus neither my child nor anyone in our family speak Greek.
Those are excellent and very important questions, and we’re happy to address them! First, regarding how our approach helps your child be successful: Our classical education model is designed to build a very strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
By focusing on core subjects with depth and rigor, students develop critical thinking skills, strong analytical abilities, and excellent communication skills in reading, writing, and speaking. These academic skills are essential for success in any future career path, higher education, and navigating the complexities of the world.
Our curriculum helps children understand different perspectives, develop empathy, and learn from the past. We aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are academically proficient and also possess strong character and a sense of civic responsibility.
Now, regarding the Greek language, we completely understand your concern, and we want to reassure you: no prior knowledge of Greek is required at all! Many of our students and their families do not speak Greek when they join us, and that is perfectly normal. We teach Greek from the very beginning, starting with the basics, and it’s integrated into the curriculum in a way that is accessible and engaging for all students. The purpose of learning Greek at Plato Academy is not necessarily to become fluent, though some students certainly achieve a high level of proficiency.
Instead, it’s about several key benefits:
Cognitive Development: Learning a new language, especially one with a different alphabet and structure like Greek, significantly enhances cognitive skills such as problem-solving, memory, and logical thinking.
Vocabulary Building: A vast number of English words have Greek roots, so learning Greek helps students understand and expand their English vocabulary.
Cultural Connection: It provides a direct link to the rich history, philosophy, and literature of ancient Greece, which are foundational to Western civilization. It’s a way to connect with the origins of democracy, science, and art.
Enrichment: It’s an enriching experience that broadens a child’s horizons and exposes them to a different culture, fostering a global perspective. So, please don’t let the Greek language component be a concern. It’s an exciting opportunity for your child to learn something new and gain valuable skills, and our teachers are experts at guiding them through it from scratch.
Medical Terminology
A student studying biology encounters “cardiology” and recognizes the Greek root “cardio” (heart). This knowledge immediately unlocks dozens of related terms: cardiovascular, cardiac arrest, tachycardia, pericardium. The same student sees “dermatology” and connects it to “derma” (skin), instantly understanding dermatitis, epidermis, and hypodermic.
Scientific Language
When a chemistry student learns that “hydro” means water in Greek, suddenly hydrogen, hydration, hydraulic, and dehydration become transparent rather than opaque. Similarly, “thermo” (heat) reveals the logic behind thermometer, thermostat, thermal, and hypothermia. These aren’t random letter combinations anymore, they’re logical constructions.
Psychology and Philosophy
The word “psychology” itself breaks down into “psyche” (soul, mind) and “logos” (study). Students who grasp this pattern can decode psychoanalysis, psychosomatic, and psychotherapy without memorization. Philosophy (“philo” meaning love, “sophia” meaning wisdom) opens doors to philanthropist, bibliophile, and sophisticated.
Everyday Academic Vocabulary
Consider “sympathy” and “empathy.” With Greek knowledge, students recognize “sym/em” (with) and “pathos” (feeling, suffering). This same “pathos” appears in pathology, apathy, and pathetic. The prefix “anti” (against) in Greek makes antisocial, antibiotic, and antagonist self-explanatory.
Technical and Specialized Fields
An architecture student encounters “polygon,” “polyhedron,” and “polymer,” all sharing “poly” (many). A geology student sees “geography,” “geology,” and “geometry,” all containing “geo” (earth). These patterns transform vocabulary acquisition from rote memorization into logical deduction.
The advantage extends beyond mere recognition. Students who understand Greek roots can make educated guesses about unfamiliar words, parse complex technical language in standardized tests, and retain vocabulary more effectively because they understand the underlying structure rather than memorizing isolated terms.
