At Paradigm, our “why” is to create true scholars through self-led education. We teach our scholars how to think, not what to think. We call our students scholars because the word scholar implies that they have a choice in their education. By the time our scholars graduate, the hope is that they will understand their role in the world.
We believe that standard schools have adopted educational systems which may manufacture mediocre intellects, devalue the inner life, and suppress students’ essential leadership skills and creativity. That is why we acknowledge the following in everything we teach:
Because we strongly believe in teaching scholars how to think, not what to think, we don’t use textbooks, we only use classic sources and original works. By applying the concepts learned through history to the present, scholars acquire the ability to shape the future and preserve freedom. Paradigm has prepared a strong classics-based curriculum in order to facilitate the great conversation at the school.
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel” -Socrates
To ensure we are staying true to our staff, families, and scholars, we have set both foundational pillars and fundamental principles that we follow daily. We want our scholars to benefit from our education and give them an even better educational experience.
Our curriculum is based on original sources, classic books, and learning by discovery and shared inquiry. The goal is not merely to transfer information, but to teach the students how to think. We focus on building logic and reasoning skills and tying them to real-world applications.
Virtue is voluntary obedience to truth and moral law. Paradigm Schools hold to a strict code of conduct, including ten specific values. Students, mentors, and administrators are expected to model principles of integrity.
Knowledge is of little use unless it can be applied. Each class is taught with an eye toward application and relevance to the student. Students are taught to develop their own individual mission, harness their talents and knowledge and use them to better their communities.
1) The end of education should not be only great test scores or even great careers, but rather free people – people who can
2) While data is valuable to show indicators of scholar progress, actual change toward greatness is not always discernible in data format. “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupery) Paradigm serves the soul of the scholar by facilitating its expansion through experiences with truth.
3) Every person has greatness within him or her
4) Education for freedom includes the quest to find and internalize truth: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (Bible; John 8:32)
5) Parents have the primary responsibility and privilege to educate their children, and the parents’ involvement and encouragement is critical to the success of the child.
6) People learn best in a safe and nurturing culture.
7) Core values are paramount to a learning culture.
8) The culture at Paradigm is one of constant growth; the school and the people in it are in a constant state of becoming.
9) A leadership education is obtained by the ennobling of the soul through experiences with truth. It is nurtured by shared inquiry and open dialogue (wisdom); common values (virtue); and human experience (relevance).
Do you think your scholar would thrive at Paradigm Schools? Apply to our lottery for the chance to be eligible for enrollment, or call our registrar at (801) 676-1018 to get information about transferring.
I love Paradigm. My children have never been happier, and have found a love of learning that was missing in their previous education!
Julia H.I went to Paradigm all through high school. Best experience ever. Not only did it help me focus on my strengths, but it also prepared me for college with its challenging curriculum that makes you think outside the box. The mentors there care about each of their students individually, and want nothing more than the students’ success.
Jennifer L.© 2022 Paradigm Schools. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy