To assist students in meeting school and State learning goals, Paideia Academy structures its learning program around  several different curricula, programs and methodologies.  Paideia Academy will ensure that all students meet State Academic Learning Standards by: Providing all students with access to highly sequential curriculum that develops student knowledge and skills in a systematic manner. Using the Core Knowledge Sequence in all grade levels.  The Sequence is aligned with Minnesota's new State Academic Standards. Using Balanced Literacy, Singapore Math, FOSS Science, Shurley Grammar and 6+1 Writing Traits Program. Offering student enrichment activities and learning clubs to reinforce and extend classroom learning.

      Classical Education  

The Classical education provided by Paideia Academy assists students in developing the ability to think and articulate thoughts and ideas, along with the ability to support those thoughts based on a strong foundation of facts and knowledge.  A Classical education, based on the ‘Trivium’, develops the skills that are essential in higher education and throughout life: independent learning, critical thinking, logical analysis and a lifelong love for learning.  The Trivium is based on the three classical stages of development:  the Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric stages.  The
Trivium coincides with a child’s cognitive development and traces how children acquire facts, reason about them and relate them to a broader worldview.   In the Grammar Stage (Grades K-4), the child is ready to absorb knowledge, memorize and learn facts, the rules of phonics, spelling and vocabulary of other language.  It is at this time that the building blocks for later years of learning are laid. In the Dialectic or Logic Stage (Grades 5-8), the child is no longer interested in just learning facts, but wants to delve deeper into the subject.  At this stage, the child is able to put information and facts together into logical relationships by asking questions. By designing the educational program in alignment with the Classical phases of education (Trivium), students will learn in a manner that is consistent with the innate stages of development, building upon the student’s natural curiosities that exist within that stage.  This will fuel student excitement for learning and stimulate the creation of a rich intellectual environment of ideas and interests.

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      Core Knowledge

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a research-based program that is utilized in hundreds of school across the country and is “based on the premise that a grade-by-grade core of common learning is necessary to ensure a sound and fair elementary education.”  Core Knowledge was founded by  Dr. E. D. Hirsch, Jr. and is based on a large body of research in cognitive psychology, as well as a careful examination of several of the world's fairest and most effective school systems.  Dr. Hirsch has argued that, for the sake of academic excellence, greater fairness, and higher literacy, early schooling should provide a solid, specific, shared core curriculum in order to help children establish strong foundations of knowledge. www.coreknowledge.org.

The Core Knowledge Sequence maps out a complete program that provides the student with a broad-based education, free of significant gaps.  It clearly defines the knowledge and skills that each student must master at each grade level and creates high levels of academic expectations.  In addition, the Core Knowledge Sequence not only eliminates some of the gaps and repetition characterized in standard curriculums, but it also aids in delivering cultural literacy in a systematic manner while leaving room for creativity.

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      Singapore Math

This system is designed to build a foundation of arithmetic theory into students that will position them for more advanced math. The way Singapore does this is by first introducing students to a few key concepts with concrete examples and pictures. Then, the student is led progressively and logically to understand the abstract concept. (This  Asian model is a direct inverse to math educational practice in the U.S. where many concepts are taught during the early years progressing to just a few by the upper elementary and middle school levels.) Singapore Math is a pleasing balance between drill and creative problem solving. Those who have compared SM with other math curriculum report that Singapore math moves the students more quickly and rationally toward abstract concepts. There is an emphasis on homework and practice, and an effective mix of word problems, drills and mental calculation. Instruction is paced to the needs of each individual student.

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      Reading

Paideia Academy will implement Balanced Literacy as its reading, writing and language arts program.  All students will have meaningful, ongoing assessments to determine placement in the appropriate reading group.  All areas of reading development are covered including: phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and fluency.  Balanced Literacy is a research based and content-rich approach that provides high-interest, developmentally appropriate instruction for each student.  In addition, Paideia Academy utilizes the 6+1 Traits writing program, along with 4 Blocks phonics to create a holistic approach to language arts.  Such a program is critical in the early grades in order to avoid reading and learning problems later.  The program is aligned with Core Knowledge in that it focuses on building knowledge and greater understanding in a systematic, structured, cohesive and consistent manner.  The program also emphasizes fine literature and instills in the young reader a lifelong interest in reading and literature.

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      Grammar

Paideia Academy utilizes the Shurley Grammar program, a skills-based grammar program in which each part of speech is analyzed within the context of the entire sentence.  Each level of the program begins with the most basic concepts and builds upon each concept.  Once a concept is introduced, it is repeatedly applied in daily exercises.  Students will be able to understand the parts of speech, be able to diagram a sentence and demonstrate solid writing skills.  The program is designed around student-teacher interaction, where the teacher models the new step in the method and then students actively participate with the teacher as the steps are practiced.  Students are able to learn using not only visual, but auditory and kinesthetic learning styles as well.  Given the program’s emphasis on sequential skill building, it is aligned with the vision of the Classical tradition and the Core Knowledge model.

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      6+1 Traits Model and Writing Assessment

This research-based model is structured around common writing characteristics:  idea development, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.   These traits can be graduated developmentally and articulated into a grade-by-grade sequence of instruction.  Because it goes well beyond the standard five-paragraph essay structure, it allows for the evaluation of literary devices such as voice, style, and word choice creating an authentic method for teachers to grade student writing.  Each student will receive appropriate developmental direct instruction and modeling in writing.  This model is now used in virtually every state in the country, as well as in Europe and countries in the Middle East.

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      Science

Foss Kits and/or Delta Science Modules will be used for grades K-8. These “kits” provide a systematic approach to Scientific Theory, discovery, measurement and reason that is appropriate, challenging and of high-interest to students.  In addition, Paideia faculty supplement science lessons with plans and materials from area museums and universities that provide up-to-date, timely topics on a variety of science and technology issues.

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      History/Geography

The Core Knowledge Sequence will be used as the basis for the History and Geography content taught at Paideia Academy.  The Core Knowledge Sequence provides rich content in both World and American history at each grade level.  Paideia will also make use of “living book” resources that are available for implementing the Core Knowledge History and Geography content.  In addition, Paideia will implement the recently published Pearson Core Knowledge History series in grades K-6.  This program was specifically developed to support the Core Knowledge Sequence.  The Pearson texts are classical in approach and historical epochs serve as the framework for discussions of art, science, literature, philosophy and politics.  Key vocabulary is reinforced and students are encouraged to make connections across the disciplines using history as a starting point.  Students will be possess a solid base of knowledge of both American and World history, understand and be able to discuss the cause and effect of historical events, and demonstrate an understanding of how historical events have influenced the world.  The History and Geography content are aligned with the State Academic Standards.

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      Music

Children deserve an early introduction to music and fine arts.  Music and the arts are an essential complement to both the Academy’s greater vision and the Core Knowledge Sequence.  An early introduction to the arts provides many opportunities to sing, dance, listen and act in an atmosphere that encourages participation.  Arts instruction increases academic achievement, fosters the development of higher level thinking skills, and contributes to the well-rounded nature of each student.  The students of Paideia will learn and enjoy the elements of music through listening and understanding classical and traditional music and songs.  Music topics, where applicable, will also be tied into the History topics being studied.  Paideia students will be exposed to ideas from Carl Orff and his exploration of the connection between movement and music.  Additional supplemental techniques, including the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods, will be offered in order to make reading music fun and easy and in order to create a desire in the students to become involved in orchestra or band in the following years.   The Kodaly is a sequenced system of music education that breaks down music into a series of concepts and then applies a sequential learning process to each one.  Such a process follows the natural pattern a child uses in learning a language.  This combination of instructional methods will make learning music a stimulating and enjoyable experience for children while helping them appreciate music and become musically literate.  Students in grades 5-8 will choose from choir or an in-depth instrument study. An essential element of Paideia's mission is to establish music as a core subject in order to enhance children's artistic and intellectual development. Who better to take on that challenge than one of the most reputable music schools in the country? In order to fulfill that mission, Paideia has entered into a partnership with MacPhail Center for Music to provide not only the music programming for the school, but also to create a wonderful opportunity for the southern suburban community to experience MacPhail's music program in its own backyard.

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      Visual Arts

The visual arts program at Paideia Academy will follow the Core Knowledge Sequence, which emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to Art History, introducing students to key movements of each period.  Students are expected to gain an appreciation for the interpretation of art, issues and viewpoints about art, understand the styles, influences and themes in art, and the historical and cultural contexts in which the art was generated.   In addition to Art History, students will develop and gain increased understanding and skills in the visual elements of art making.  Studies have shown the connection between participation in art and music education and success in academics.  Paideia Academy wants its students to experience “success” on a broader scale.  Participation in music and art education during the formative school years brings countless benefits to each individual throughout life.

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      Second Language

A Classical education begins with the belief that early elementary education is best introduced by the study of language structures.  Paideia Academy students will receive instruction in English, Classical and Modern languages. Studies have shown that the study of a second language promotes a better understanding of other cultures and a unique perspective on the world.  Second language instruction has been shown to improve listening skills, enhance memory, and develop creativity, mental flexibility and higher order thinking.  In addition, students who learn a foreign language in elementary school demonstrate higher scores on standardized tests in language arts and math than those who do not.  Paideia will present second language education during critical developmental periods so that genuine and lasting learning will take place. Latin instruction will be introduced in first to fourth grade by introducing Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes to aid in vocabulary development, reading skills and spelling. Students in grades 5-8 will receive formal Latin instruction. Grades K-3 use a homework folder that promotes learning through reading, writing, art and games. Grades 4-7 are using the text "Realidades," which focuses on learning Spanish through real life connections while exploring a variety of cultures. Both Spanish and Latin instructors rely on the TPR (Total Physical Response) method which involves teaching through actions and movements. Instructional techniques in both languages will be age appropriate and will include visuals, manipulatives and dramatization.   Both the Latin and Spanish programs are content-rich and draw from the cultural influences, texts and history which shaped them.  Paideia Academy is pleased to have a contractual arrangement with the University Language Center to provide our students with an excellent foreign language program.

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      Character Development

Paideia Academy is not only committed to academic excellence, but moral excellence – including the core virtues of respect, compassion, courage, and responsibility.  In order to fulfill that commitment, Paideia Academy will utilize the Core Virtues program.  This program is based upon the theory that children, through great children’s literature, can effectively learn those core virtues so necessary in our society - respect, responsibility, diligence, honesty, generosity, perseverance, courage, faithfulness, and compassion.  Core Virtues is a literature-based, practical, non-sectarian approach to character education.  The goal of Core Virtues is the cultivation of character through the promotion of basic moral, civic, and intellectual virtues.    This program seeks to instill in the young the desire to cultivate a vocabulary of virtue, to strive towards discovering what is good and to become a person of high quality character.

Core Virtues gives children the opportunity to learn the importance of goodness, virtue and character through words and ideas that are not only understandable to them, but that light a fire in the young minds and create a desire to be good people.  Core Virtues is aligned with Core Knowledge in that it is solid, sequenced, shared and specific. 

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For more information please feel free to call the school at 952.953.6200,
 or email us your question at info@paideiaacademy.org.