Real education goes beyond knowledge, and instead focuses on the soul, the mind and character. As Karl G. Maeser described, it is “the awakening of ‘the power within to do good.'” It is this concept at the core of everything at Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, an elite classical charter school in Utah.
Preparing for an unknown future
Many parents ask today: in our ever-changing, increasingly complex world, how do we prepare our children, not just to go to college, work and have a job, but for a life of purpose, resilience and integrity? In a society where schools and parents focus on standardized tests and work skills, students can struggle with a lack of moral clarity, judgment, and identity. This can leave students ill-prepared with the philosophy to resolve dilemmas and the mindsets to think, learn, discuss and understand great ideas. This leaves them without a foundation to lead a virtuous life, contribute meaningfully and have a sense of purpose in the world.
How we do it – classical liberal arts education
At Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy we do it through a classical liberal arts education grounded in the pursuit of Truth, Honor and Virtue. Our goal is not only academic knowledge, but the development of wise and virtuous men and women in a strong, rigorous, yet loving, and encouraging environment. Our integrated curriculum connects history, literature, art, philosophy and many others in order to better provide an understanding of the world we live in. In our integrated classes, each subject is not treated as its own entity but is rather seen as a discipline that shares a common thread with others and can shed light on timeless ideas and principles. Students read the primary source works and The Great Books of Western civilization instead of reading abridged or secondary sources of those foundational works. This allows students to come to know these great books directly themselves, and in turn better develop critical thinking and reasoning, and an appreciation for eternal truths and ideas. The Socratic method, in particular is a fundamental piece of our philosophy where students are encouraged through questioning and dialogue to think, learn, reason, communicate, explain, justify and defend. Students are not just recipients of information, they are active participants of their own learning journey, and teachers are their coaches, who guide them along the way.
The Maeser experience
Maeser students thrive in a community of caring mentors, small classes, and high expectations. In a school where class sizes are smaller, every student is known and seen and heard, which allows for students to feel a sense of belonging in their classroom and school. In our small classrooms, students and staff are able to build meaningful connections which allow for teachers to challenge and inspire students. In addition, our Honor Code fosters a culture of trust, integrity and respect with teachers and students alike, encouraging all to follow an example of honor and virtue. Winterim, a week long period in the school year when we are not on regular schedule allows for students to explore a passion through experiential learning and service learning to help others in the community. These experiences give students a chance to put what they learn into action and build virtues in practice as they develop their leadership and service. Whether the discussion in a Socratic Seminar is about Plato or a group project for a student’s Capstone requirement, Maeser students are developed as lifelong students who are ready to be good leaders.
Community Impact: A Community Seeking to Excel together
Parents, faculty, and students all play a part in creating a robust and cohesive community at the Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, dedicated to pursuing excellence together. The community supports the classroom teaching so the virtues students learn at the school are carried into their lives outside. Through this emphasis on community, students have a safe place where they are allowed to push themselves to be the best. As with the students’ individual excellence, this emphasis on community at Maeser is one more way to prepare the students for life.
Student Excellence: Maeser Graduates and College
The quality of teaching and commitment to students at the Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy show in the results. We are ranked #1 in the state of Utah by U.S. News & World Report. Maeser graduates receive a mean SAT score of 1330. Students have a 95%+ high school graduation rate and are accepted into the best colleges and universities with scholarships across the country. We prepare our students for college. We also prepare them for life. Our graduates are strong in knowledge and character so they are able to be excellent contributors.
- What do you mean by classical liberal arts? Classical liberal arts education at Maeser emphasizes the ideas and works known as the Great Books and that education is designed to make one a person with virtue and knowledge. In a Maeser education, students engage in thinking, curiosity and integrated knowledge across disciplines including history, literature, philosophy and mathematics.
- What are Socratic Seminars? How are they beneficial to a student’s education? In Maeser education, students do not “sit and get;” they are active participants in learning. The Socratic method is designed to encourage students to ask the right questions, analyze and apply ideas and write and speak persuasively. All students learn to participate in facilitated dialogue which will help them be more confident and independent thinkers.
- What is the honor code? What is it for? In order for students to truly learn what they come to Maeser to learn, there is a community of trust built among students, parents and teachers on the principles of the Honor Code. This means we are truthful, honest and virtuous in what we say and do, and that we expect the students to do the same.
- How does Maeser Prepare Students for College and Life? Students come to Maeser with good minds and come out ready for whatever college they enter because they have strong writing and analytical skills. The focus is on primary sources, the classical disciplines, Socratic seminars, and critical thinking. Our excellent teaching staff, small classes and emphasis on the development of character and virtue make students well-prepared academically and personally.
To learn about enrollment please visit: Learn more about how Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy can help prepare your child for purpose.