What is Paideia?

Paideia is a dynamic approach to restructuring schools to foster more active learning and a better use of teacher and student time. Paideia educators focus on a significant curriculum and three types of teaching and learning for all students. The goals of Paideia are to prepare students to be able to:
  • Earn a living,
  • Be citizens, and
  • Be lifelong learners.

The curriculum stresses key ideas and basic skills with primary sources used for seminars and text books for references. The stress is on active learning for both students and teachers. The three type of teaching and learning are:
  • Socratic teaching for understanding,
  • Coaching for the development of skills (e.g., reading, writing, listening, analyzing, computing, and problem-solving), and
  • Didactic instruction for recall of important facts.

Results have indicated improvements in school climate, attendance, communication skills and student behavior. In addition, students are reading and writing more with discussions linked to improvement to comprehension.

What is the history of Paideia?


Paideia is a Greek word that means the upbringing of a child. The Paideia Group was a group of educators chaired by Mortimer Adler who met over a period of several years to discuss education reform. The Paideia Group members published three books: Paideia Proposal (1982), Paideia Problems and Possibilities (1983), and The Paideia Program (1984). In response to many requests for training, Dr. Adler formed the Paideia Associates to design and conduct the training programs in 1985. In 1991 members of the original Paideia Group and Associates for the Paideia Group Inc. (PGI).
PGI is a national non-profit organization with national and international members. Mortimer Adler is the Honorary Chairman. Its purpose is to monitor and guide Paideia development, foster networking and sharing of information. In 1992, PGI instituted the stages of development and the essential elements for a Paideia school. In 1993, the board issued the certification process for trainers. PGI conducts regional workshops, an annual national conference and onsite Paideia training programs.