The Whole Child in the Age of Specialists
Today’s generation of students are asked to specialize so early; they are so often asked to view their education in terms of how it might aid them in achieving a specific goal, rather than how it might transform them from within. Many parents, particularly in the context of a Utah County college prep school, wish for something more of an education than one which focuses on training for a particular career or major; they want an environment in which young people’s minds, bodies and spirits are trained to be critical, compassionate, and moral agents in the world. How do we provide a child with an experience of learning that is simultaneously intellectually exciting and morally formative?
Education for Virtue and Intellect
At Maeser, the classical liberal arts education provides an answer to this question, as it has for generations. As such, it is not only an academic framework for imparting content knowledge to our students, but also a character-building framework for developing virtuous young people. Our students engage the Great Books and engage in deep, critical reading of primary source texts. Through the Socratic Method they wrestle with the fundamental questions of the human condition and seek to think, read, and reason more clearly. In short, classical liberal arts education provides an excellent way to prepare a child for a college education by engaging their mind, but also an excellent way to form their character by engaging their heart. As students engage the ideas, struggles, triumphs, and moral dilemmas of historical and contemporary figures and of classic literature, they begin to think through their own thoughts, develop their empathy for others, acquire an intellectual humility, and become more comfortable with the complexities of the human soul in their own pursuit of Truth, Honor, and Virtue.
A Unique School Experience
Classically informed students study history not simply to learn when and what happened, but to understand the virtues and vices of key people that were alive and shaping the course of history. Literature is discussed not solely in terms of plot development and literary devices, but rather in terms of moral choice, responsibility, and consequence. As they interact with these historical and contemporary characters, students at our classical charter school in Utah are developing their character and intellect in tandem, all the while knowing their teachers and being known by them as individuals within a small community. In fact, at Maeser, students are known. All the interactions of the daily and yearly events in our community—classes, assemblies, athletic events, performances—are governed by the Maeser Honor Code. Our Winterim experiential learning classes and our student-led Capstone presentations offer additional opportunities for students to develop and exercise their habits of Truth, Honor, and Virtue in real-life settings. The Maeser community has come together to provide an unparalleled learning experience that nurtures the students of today as well as our future leaders.
Together in the Pursuit of Truth, Honor, and Virtue
The Maeser community, students, parents, teachers and all who are a part of our family, are united in our pursuit of Truth, Honor, and Virtue. Together, parents, faculty, and students come together to serve one common purpose: to prepare our students to be intellectually curious, virtuous citizens. Our community fosters an atmosphere of safety, encouraging our students to think big, take risks, and grow through failure. And the combination of primary source engagement and discussion-based pedagogy equips them with a respect for differing points of view, the ability to speak civically, and the capacity to serve and thrive as a responsible citizen of a free society.
A Testament to Success: Our Graduates Ready for College and Life The fruits of our unique educational model are clear in the academic achievement of our students. Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy has been ranked #1 in Utah by U.S. News & World Report, we boast an average SAT score of 1330, and our 4-year graduation rate is 95% and above. Yet even beyond those metrics, our alumni speak of how Maeser prepared them to be lifelong learners and virtuous citizens. Through our unique curriculum, our rigorous expectations, and the encouragement of a loving and respectful community, Maeser alumni go on to attend some of the best colleges in the nation and succeed in their professional pursuits and in their lives of service.
Commonly Asked Questions
What does virtue-based education actually mean at Maeser? At Maeser, it means that virtue is an explicit part of everything we do: our curriculum, our classroom discussions, our community, and of course, our Honor Code. We are intentionally developing a virtue of truth, honor, and virtue in every one of our students.
How does the Socratic Method help develop virtue in our students? It encourages intellectual courage, critical thinking, and the humility necessary to listen respectfully to differing opinions. Through Socratic questioning and rigorous discourse, our students are learning to defend their ideas, acknowledge the truth when they find it, and be intellectually disciplined enough to pursue the truth at all costs.
Is classical education actually good prep for the real world? Can they get into college? Yes! By engaging with primary sources, discussing the truth of what they read, practicing persuasive speaking, and learning how to defend their ideas with reasoned logic, our students are incredibly well prepared for university-level studies and are accepted into some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation.
What is the role of parents at Maeser? We strive to build a community, and parents are a huge part of that community. Our school is stronger for the involvement of families who desire a virtuous environment.
Are our students prepared for life outside of school, or just school? We strive to prepare our students for all facets of their lives and we do so through many things: our curriculum and Honor Code, our community of service and leadership, and through a small, supportive school environment where every student is known by name and by their unique challenges. We also have unique programs, such as Winterim, where our students get involved with service and ministry in our local area to build life skills.
Experience the Difference of a Life-Giving Education
If you’re seeking a rigorous, meaningful, and life-empowering academic education for your children, we encourage you to visit Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy. Schedule a Campus Tour today!