The Paideia model is designed to prepare each student to earn a living, be a good citizen, and pursue life-long learning. Paideia expects high academic achievement from all students and believes that it is society's duty to provide them with the opportunity to learn. A fundamental belief is that universal, high quality education is essential to democracy. Teaching combines direct instruction with learning through projects. A highlight of this model is the use of the student seminar. The NationalPaideiaCenter is housed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and serves more than 80 schools in 12 states.

Essential Elements of a Paideia Classroom

1. A Paideia classroom is a student-centered classroom.

2. A Paideia classroom is dedicated to the learning of all students.

3. The Paideia teacher uses Paideia seminars as a central teaching/learning device.

4. The Paideia teacher uses coached project learning for the majority of the instructional program.

5. The Paideia teacher uses relatively little didactic instruction and that which the teacher does use is of very high quality.

6. In a Paideia classroom, assessment of students and teacher is individualized rather than standardized - emphasizing individual growth.

7. A Paideia classroom is dedicated to the intellectual development of both children and adults.

8. The Paideia teacher is a model lifelong learner.

9. A Paideia classroom is part of a larger (school) community dedicated to lifelong learning.

Learn more about Paideia by clicking the links below!

National Paideia Center

3 Columns of Instruction

Paideia Principals

Paideia Philosophy