Phikids is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015. We work with the Toronto Metropolitan University Philosophy Department and philosophers in the York University cognitive science program to bring philosophical inquiry and critical thinking to schools and communities in the GTA.
We aim to promote access to education by bestowing the superpowers of philosophy, and modifying our program to make it accessible to children with special needs.
PhiKids promotes inclusion, diversity, anti-racism, and accessibility.
We teach transferable skills or global competencies, with a holistic approach that develops character, empathy, and social skills.
We also learn to think deeply about pivotal current issues such as climate change and the environment.

What we do

We teach critical thinking and transferable competencies to elementary and secondary school students.

We teach inquiry based critical pedagogy.

We place 4th year Toronto Metropolitan University Undergraduate students in primary and secondary classrooms.

We work with community centres and outreach programs in the GTA.

We develop online programs to help educators during the COVID 19 pandemic and beyond.

And we develop animations and multimedia content for teaching purposes in association with Toronto-based production companies.

Testimonials

“One of our improvements goals at Dundas, is to improve oral communication. Many of the
lessons that were delivered, challenged our students to articulate clearly, improve their
vocabulary and to explore higher levels of thinking.”

-Mr. States, Grade 1-2 teacher, Dundas Public School

“It was extremely gratifying to
see how interested and excited
the kids were to engage with
new ideas and BIG questions”
–John, TMU Philosophy
student teacher

“It was amazing to work with
grade 1 and 2 students who,
through their own inquisitive
nature, engaged in asking great
questions to dig deeper into the
material”
–Sunny, TMU philosophy
student teacher

“This is a great program that helps students practice thinking more deeply. It encourages student voice and provides great oral communication opportunities!” 
Keenan Bourke, Grade 7 virtual school, TDSB LC4

our team

Bradley Richards, Founder: Bradley teaches philosophy at TMU and Cognitive Science at York University. He was also an Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science at Beloit College. He writes scholarly articles on philosophy and cognitive science. He also contributes to books that aim to bring philosophy to a broad audience. He is passionate about education and outreach.

Karifa Magassouba, Mentor, Teacher, Consultant: Karifa is a second year law student at Mcgill University. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Philosophy degree, and has focused on the intersection between ethics, reason, and rights. Karifa is a PhiKids teacher-mentor, teacher, and consultant who aids in developing and implementing philosophy workshops. He also designs lessons about the law, tailored to teach high school adolescents critical thinking skills that will help them find solutions to problems both in and outside the classroom.

Jarick Vance, Phikids Teacher and Administrator. Jarick is completing his undergraduate degree at Toronto Metropolitan University where he is also a Senior Editor at the Student Philosophy Journal. Jarick is a gifted facilitator of philosophical inquiry that cultivates insight in his students.

Sepideh Khonsari, Mentor and Teacher. Sepideh is a Philosophy M.A. student at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is an experienced education facilitator for elementary learners. Sepideh fosters intellectual development through active collaboration and self-reflection to equip learners with transferable critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Amanda completed her undergraduate degree in Philosophy at Ryerson University. Currently she is completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is also a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) graduate. Amanda's favourite part about working with Phikids is meeting open-minded youth, who bring novel perspectives and opinions to philosophical concepts.