Paideia School - why do people consider it so liberal?

[terimakasih12]

There are a few Paideia students and teachers in my neighborhood. The teachers and parents typically say that the school is liberal. Based on my conversations with them, I generally agree. They've told me that the classrooms have couches, there are no formal grades in elementary school, and there are entire courses focused on social justice and mitigating climate change. The school is definitely not a parochial school in Buckhead.

Still, Paideia is not a forest school or place where hippie children run free either (despite what some may tell you). The school has a good academic reputation and I have been impressed with my neighbor's kids. They are all well-spoken and think critically. Two or three of the kids who recently graduated are attending well-regarded public or liberal arts institutions outside of the SE.

I recommend checking out Paideia. Just be aware that the administration places a big emphasis on student and parent fit. I think there is even a parent-only interview with a volunteer Parent Coordinator (or similar staff person).

Good luck!

[bu2]

Originally Posted by terimakasih12

There are a few Paideia students and teachers in my neighborhood. The teachers and parents typically say that the school is liberal. Based on my conversations with them, I generally agree. They've told me that the classrooms have couches, there are no formal grades in elementary school, and there are entire courses focused on social justice and mitigating climate change. The school is definitely not a parochial school in Buckhead.

Still, Paideia is not a forest school or place where hippie children run free either (despite what some may tell you). The school has a good academic reputation and I have been impressed with my neighbor's kids. They are all well-spoken and think critically. Two or three of the kids who recently graduated are attending well-regarded public or liberal arts institutions outside of the SE.

I recommend checking out Paideia. Just be aware that the administration places a big emphasis on student and parent fit. I think there is even a parent-only interview with a volunteer Parent Coordinator (or similar staff person).

Good luck!

That is true. But I do know conservative kids and parents who have gone to Paideia. Its not a political interview, but a family fit just as they look for kids who fit.

Its been a number of years since we toured, but I remember seeing some rooms that looked a little more traditional and also seeing kids sitting on couches in a big open room with their laptops while kids from other open classrooms passing through.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by bu2

That is true. But I do know conservative kids and parents who have gone to Paideia. Its not a political interview, but a family fit just as they look for kids who fit.

Same here.

For what it's worth, Padeia thumped Westminster in High Q.

[letsgomets7]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Very helpful. Does anyone have knowledge of whether recommendation letters are needed? We don't really know anyone well that has kids there.

[cparker73]

Paideia was founded by teachers from The Galloway School at the request of Emory professors who didn't want to commute to Chastain. Both schools were founded with hippie-like values that weren't as much about exclusivity like the the traditional Buckhead privates, but at nearly $30K/year these days, they do exclude a lot of people. At least you don't have to spring for a uniform.

Paideia students are encouraged to address their teachers by first name. College recruiters note the students for their maturity and ease with talking to adults, which translates well in the college environment when dealing with professors.. The wide variety of schools where the graduates end up speaks to meeting each student where they are and not making them conform to a prep school stereotype. It's definitely not a feeder to the SEC schools (not that there's anything wrong with that).

I don't recall if recommendation letters are needed, and it may depend on what grade level, but a parent-only interview is definitely part of the process. They're usually observing your kid at that time as well; especially if it's for Lower School.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by letsgomets7

Thanks everyone for the replies. Very helpful. Does anyone have knowledge of whether recommendation letters are needed? We don't really know anyone well that has kids there.

There definitely was no requirement for rec letters from current parents. That would be very anti-hippie!
I don't recall any type of rec letter.