I am a current homeschooler and former university Master Lecturer with over 16 years experience teaching at the university level and over 20 years experience teaching classes in philosophy, including for kids and teens. 

Current Outschool, independent Zoom classes, and in-person (Hampton Roads area of Virginia) course offerings: 

• Philosophical Discussion Clubs for Beginners (for Middle and High Schoolers)
• Philosophy 101 Classes or Private 1:1 Philosophy 101 or Ethics 101 Tutoring for Kids and Teens (*individualized and private tutoring for kids as young as 6)  
• Individual tutoring for elementary, middle, and high school students as well as enrolled college students 

"Let no one delay to study philosophy when (they are) young..." ~Epicurus

Welcome! My name is Melissa Bristow and a little bit more about me in addition to the above, is that I am a full-time homeschooler, former university lecturer, and part-time teacher of philosophy classes for kids/teens. My specialty with my higher education classes had always been simplifying complex philosophical concepts to make the discipline of philosophy more accessible, relatable, and relevant, despite one’s academic background or interests. However, having my own children inspired me to explore bringing philosophy classes to kids! My very first young philosophy student (my son) started studying philosophy at age 4. 

I have over 16 years of experience teaching philosophy and ethics classes at the university level, where I held the position of Master Lecturer before I left to provide even more attention to my son's homeschooling journey and welcome my new baby girl. In addition, I have over 7 formal years teaching philosophy and ethics courses to kids, ages 6-16. I volunteered at both a local public high school as well as a private school alongside performing my teaching duties at a university. 

I believe the discipline of philosophy is invaluable to all people but incredibly useful if introduced at a young age. Children and adolescents are very capable of entering the realm of philosophy and incredibly capable of engaging in philosophical inquiries, investigations, and discussions. Currently, my focus is on ongoing discussion-based classes, where kids can learn about the discipline of philosophy by engaging in philosophical conversations and challenges. My 1:1 private Philosophy 101 courses for kids are for those looking for more formal academics and are adaptations of my college course curriculums, so kids will be getting an age-appropriate class that will equip them to engage in some surprisingly elevated philosophical discussions as children! 

In my classes we will practice acquiring and applying the many valuable tools that the discipline of philosophy has to offer. Together, we will explore our curiosity, sharpen our critical thinking skills, and practice seeing things from diverse points of views, while at the same time, gaining some core philosophical terms and vocabulary.

*It is very important to know that participation is central in all of my classes and cameras must be left on due to our discussion-based goals. The discipline of philosophy is commonly referred to as "The Great Conversation," so my lectures are always designed to be delivered in a conversation-style format.  All students are invited to be active participants in "The Great Conversation" and engage with the material as young philosophers themselves! I want kids to realize that they too can choose to engage philosophically in the world no matter their age and that a true philosopher can look like anyone! 

Join any time!