What is a real and valuable education in a time when the information that is available is endless and values are changing? At Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, we believe this is an education that builds the mind and encourages a spirit of learning and character development.

In these days when parents are seeking a school where their children will grow in values and be able to discern right and wrong and know right from wrong, the challenge lies in finding a school that not only excels academically but also instills a profound sense of purpose and integrity.

This is the focus of a classical charter school Utah, Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy. Our namesake says, “True education awakens the power within to do good,” and in our virtue based education, we offer the best education available in the classical liberal arts to each student in a classical setting by immersing students in the Great Books and primary source works and engaging them in an exploration of the human experience and how to best understand and respond to the human condition in the Socratic method where we discover, explore, think, and share thoughts and opinions. We believe in Truth, Honor, Virtue, and the pursuit of them at our classical school, where they are not just words to be spoken, but values to be lived daily at our classical school in Utah County.

Our classical charter school in Utah serves grades 7-12 and the education experience is rich, the classes are small, and students are known, heard, and challenged by passionate teachers and mentors who guide them through their studies and through the process of developing the intellectual virtues of a lifelong learner. Their study of history, literature, philosophy and art is integrated in meaningful ways, and students have the opportunity to engage in the study of Latin, the Capstone, and the Winterim program. Our school in Utah County is truly an authentic college prep school that is about more than just college but developing habits of life of the lifelong learner.

As Utah County Charter high school students, families and faculty are part of a vibrant community where the Honor Code is a vital part of our culture as a living document that is a commitment for each student to be true to himself and his own words and a school culture where each is committed to building an environment of trust and respect and mutual accountability. We are a community united in our commitment to build a culture of scholarship, service, and moral character, in a place where leadership and responsibility is celebrated and every individual is committed to his/her own contribution to the good. This community guarantees that the classroom is not the only place where kids learn and that all students graduate from Maeser ready to be strong, righteous leaders.

Evidence of Excellence and Preparation

Our rigorous curriculum and emphasis on character leads to outstanding results. Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy consistently ranks as a top educational institution, including being recognized as #1 in Utah by U.S. News & World Report. Our average SAT score is 1330, we have over a 95% graduation rate, and students go to prestigious universities all across the country and usually with significant scholarships!

Common Questions

1. How is classical education different from traditional education? Classical education is focused on the acquisition of wisdom and virtue and requires the study of the Great Books, of primary sources and in a logical, ordered way.
2. Why is the Socratic Method so important in learning? The Socratic method is an interactive process where the teacher will ask questions to help guide students’ critical thinking and to help them come to knowledge on their own.
3. Are all students able to do a classical education?
4. Is classical education only good for certain types of students? While our curriculum is rigorous, it is designed for any student with a curious mind and a willingness to engage deeply with ideas. We look for kids who have a desire to learn and grow in their characters in a positive community. We have a great faculty who are experienced in leading different types of kids through our curriculum.
5. How are students prepared for college? Students are not only well prepared for college because of our academic rigor but through our emphasis on critical thinking and strong persuasive writing and discussion. Our focus on character and leadership will give our students the advantage to succeed in life in a positive way. They graduate as well-rounded people that will be responsible citizens.
6. What role does the parents have in the Academy? Parents are an important part of our community and we have a lot of ways that parents can become involved at Maeser. It is our belief that education should be a joint effort. There are many opportunities for parents to serve in some capacity at school, to come to events, or to encourage the Academy’s values in the home.

Plan Your Campus Tour

See for yourself why you should consider Maeser! We invite you to contact us to set up a campus tour to see why we believe this to be an excellent education for your child!