Maybe it’s in the car, or the grocery store, or even at home with your kids—but as parents, we’ve all experienced those moments where we’ve imagined what our ideal school would be. For some, it’s simply an environment where students are held to high standards and treated respectfully. Others envision a place where teachers enthusiastically embrace their role, and celebrate individual progress. Still others see a day filled with music, art, languages and lessons in global citizenship.

Local parents Amy Monson and Tona Dove found their minds drifting to this place so often, they decided to do something about it. The more they talked, the more they realized they were envisioning the same kind of school. They pictured a challenging environment that would nurture kids’ natural curiosity, and hold them accountable for individual goals. They saw smaller class sizes, and a year-round calendar to help kids retain the learning from grade to grade. They imagined a curriculum that integrated the arts as core subjects, and teachers who not only cared, but were truly excited to be there. They envisioned a place where you could literally sense the positive energy the minute you stepped inside.

What began as a few fleeting thoughts soon turned to lengthy conversations, and ultimately, a quest. Fueled by their passion for what could be, they pursued their vision, immersing themselves in research and planning in an effort to clearly articulate exactly what Paideia Academy would become. After securing funding, an authorizer in Friends of Education and approval from the the Minnesota Department of Education, Paideia Academy welcomed its first students in August, 2005, and is a unique, thriving place of learning today.

What makes Paideia Academy a special place?

Core Knowledge Sequence and Classical Education

 

Paideia Academy offers students an education centered on a consistent body of knowledge presented in a coherent and structured manner. We also ensure that each student has the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to provide a strong foundation for higher education, while fostering a desire for lifelong learning.

 

The Core Knowledge sequence is a scope and sequence developed by E.D. Hirsch, Jr., professor emeritus at the University of Virginia. This program provides a truly comprehensive education incorporating art, language and music as core subjects. Paideia uses proven, yet innovative education programs for grades K-8 based upon the ancient liberal arts tradition of the Trivium—Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric—to guide teaching methodology and to optimize student learning.

 

Art, Music and Languages

 

We believe an early introduction to the arts and music increases academic achievement, fosters the development of higher level thinking skills and contributes to the well-rounded nature of each student. Art, music and languages are core subjects at Paideia beginning in kindergarten. Spanish begins in kindergarten and formal Latin begins in fifth grade. Both languages are essential building blocks for a lifetime of learning. Art, music and languages complement the Core Knowledge sequence, and are all essential components in our greater vision.

 

Student-Centered  Learning

 

Paideia Academy is here to provide the best education for every student. We have created an environment that promotes accelerated achievement. In fact, we chose the school name “Paideia” because it connotes a combination of formal and informal learning that culminates in the conscious pursuit of each child’s intellectual, artistic and social education. It is based on the premise that the way we learn impacts how we relate to each other. In other words, community life thrives upon a culture and history of shared wisdom.

 

Character Development

 

Our Mission at Paideia Academy is based upon commitment—not only to academic excellence, but to a high standard of character as well. Our expectations are high, and we hold each other accountable. Together, we are fostering a community of students, teachers and parents that model and encourage character development and qualities of good citizenship.

 

In a few short years, we’ve seen Paideia Academy go from just an idea—mere words on paper—to a place full of life and learning. We have been thrilled to see such a positive response from families across the community, and we look forward to continuing to offer an exceptional educational option for K-8 students south of the river.