Paradigm Schools

I just learned that my google account was hacked and the previous review (seen by 505 people) was a sad joke. I deleted it but would like to add a real review. My older children made it through the public school system but I knew my youngest son would thrive in a more unconventional atmosphere. Where he previously only tolerated school, he now loves it. Paradigm has opened his eyes to so many new ways of learning and thinking and he has really blossomed as a student. The administration and mentors have supported his growth and helped him to feel confident in developing his own skills and gifts. It's not the school for everyone, but if a child is struggling in public school, this is a great alternative. We love it! Disclosure: Paradigm has consistently been ranked low in the state testing because the majority of kids have opted out of the SAGE testing and the ones who took it didn't take it seriously. I hope that situation will turn around this year, after this was discussed with the students by student council members. Rather than teaching to the SAGE test, Paradigm focuses more on helping the kids pass the ACT test to prepare them to enter college. As a parent, I appreciate that focus.

This is the most amazing school I've ever been to, and I've been to A LOT of schools. I learn more here in a few weeks than I do in a whole year at my district school. Not only that, you are given freedom, you aren't treated like babies and like a previous review said, the mentors are not babysitters. Not only is the learning experience superb, but the students are great too! I think it's a great place to go for anyone who is a little strange, you aren't put under harsh scrutiny like at a public school. You're free to be yourself!

This is coming from two former students who went there last year. Paradigm at first rocked and we learned a couple things. But once we started to grow up and realized that in life you need to know more then basic knowledge we realized how much Paradigm was lacking in teaching. There were a couple teacher who we still think are good. But some of the teachers who could teach well sadly left, which made a big difference at the school. The last year though was tough to like, and we both had a horrible time/experience. The math program should be more focused on rather than core classes. Some teachers even let the students create their own math program when math should be in more of a straightforward planned out way. In English and the Writing classes it was more okay with students planning but in math its hard when its not organized and more structure. Then in some core classes teachers don't control the class and it turns into a two period free for all, when the time being wasted could be used for math, science, and foreign languages, etc. The counselors don't really help with your future, or creating goals to get farther into future career plans. If anything this school doesn't promote the idea of a good hard working education. We are enjoying our time at new schools where we get a solid foundation that promotes hard working. They help us plan our future and getting ready for college. The energy at paradigm is great. Loving students and good memories but educational wise it lacked in a lot of areas. The idea of the school has potential but currently it is lacking behind.

If you choose to get a good and rewarding education here, you will far exceed expectations. If you're a trouble maker and are only there to have a good time and be lazy, then you'll do that. The teachers are not baby sitters. It's as simple as that. You can choose to become an adult through your education at Paradigm, or you can skimp by. Either way, you're the one who gets to deal with your decisions. The mentors are amazing! Nothing was more valuable to me than the relationships with the staff that I gained and the inspiration they gave me throughout my high school experience.

This school is pretty nice. There are some places for improvement. The teachers/mentors are pretty nice and students are chill.