Education should be about more than knowledge; it is about awakening power within us to know, honor, and do the good. It equips youth with the skills they need to serve others and the world as virtuous citizens.
In an ever-changing world, students are given knowledge but often lack the foundation of a coherent view of the truth needed to live wisely. A student can be trained to be skilled at memorizing information, performing complex operations, and applying techniques. However, they may fail to appreciate the connections that tie various disciplines together or be able to articulate the foundation upon which a life of moral integrity is built. They may find that the questions that really matter—”Why does any of this matter at all?” “How do I put all this into practice?” “What makes for a good life?”—remain unanswered.
Here at Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, a classical charter high school in Utah County, we offer a solution for parents who are searching for such a foundation. Inspired by the vision of Karl G. Maeser himself, our mission is to “awaken power within them, that they may be enabled to do good.” We achieve this by offering a classical education for virtue, where students do not merely study discrete subjects in isolation; they study a variety of subjects that together build a comprehensive and integrated system.
We take the subjects of history, literature, philosophy, science, mathematics, and Latin and weave them together so that they complement and inform each other. We don’t just learn about things; we read the primary sources about them – the Great Books themselves – and use them to stimulate our own thinking and imagination. This builds wisdom and teaches students not only how to think about things, but how to recognize the underlying and often recurring principles that govern them.
Students at Maeser spend their days thinking critically and asking questions in a way they are trained to do through the Socratic method. Teachers do not lecture as if they are holding the only source of truth or information; rather, they facilitate a conversation and help students to find their own voices through discussion and deep inquiry. With relatively small classes, a faculty committed to mentoring and guiding students, and classes that are discussion-based rather than lecture-based, each Maeser student is challenged to learn, create, and reflect from the basics of Latin through the Capstone project that marks the end of a Maeser student’s educational journey. They are challenged to do great things, like Winterim!
Truth, Honor, and Virtue are pursued not only in our curriculum, but in our community, too. At Maeser, we have a student body of students who take our Honor Code seriously; we value academic rigor, respect for others, and integrity. We believe that the foundation of a healthy and thriving school community is one in which students, parents, and teachers are all working in partnership with one another to achieve a shared goal. When our students come to Maeser they come to an academic institution; when they leave, they become better prepared to be virtuous citizens.
Evidence of Excellence: Preparation for College & Life
The results speak for themselves: We are #1 in Utah according to U.S. News. Every year. With students averaging 1330 on their SAT’s and graduating at over 95%, our students are ready for the most prestigious universities. They are prepared for college academically, and also for life intellectually and morally to live full lives and have an impact on the world.
See what the Maeser Difference is all about – if you are looking for a college prep school in Utah County that offers intellectual depth alongside character development, a school in which your child will be challenged to think, lead, and live virtuously, please take a closer look at Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy. Learn about our virtue based education Utah and find out how students learn and grow to be lifelong learners and virtuous citizens!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is classical education, and why is it important today? Classical education is an approach that emphasizes critical thinking and integrating content from various disciplines, the study of the “Great Books” (those writings that have had an enduring impact on human civilization), wisdom and virtue as opposed to training in particular job-specific skills. Its contemporary importance can be described in one word as relevance.
How does the Socratic method work? The Socratic Method is a cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals based upon asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions.
How does character formation factor in at Maeser? Maeser Academy strives for students who embody the values of Truth, Honor, and Virtue in all of our activities. This is a value that permeates throughout our curriculum, our community, and in our interactions.
What are the benefits of an integrated curriculum? Students learn in an integrated curriculum where everything is connected to something else. They will see the interconnectedness of all subject areas and develop a holistic view of learning that transcends isolated facts. They will be able to apply their knowledge of one subject to another. They are encouraged to think critically and to ask questions. This enables them to develop more complex reasoning skills and to understand and apply more complex solutions to real life problems. They will understand how history, politics, literature, science, math, and music can all combine to bring wisdom to students.
How do you prepare your students for college? We prepare your students to excel in college with our rigorous college prep curriculum, and by focusing on critical thinking, communication skills, and character. In addition to academic excellence, we aim to produce well-rounded individuals who are ready for whatever challenges await them once they leave the academy. They have an excellent foundation for a college education. Our graduates are prepared to be good citizens of the world, and to have a positive impact on our communities.
Schedule a tour of campus and see for yourself!