Karl G. Maer Preparatory Academy is implementing a curriculum centered on the disciplined study of primary texts to foster intellectual freedom and responsible citizenship. By moving beyond secondary accounts like textbooks, the academy aims to prepare students to engage deeply with the core principles that have shaped society.
The academy's approach involves students directly reading and analyzing original works from figures such as Socrates, Lincoln, Shakespeare, and Euclid. Rather than relying on summaries, students engage in activities like Socratic Seminars to participate in continuous conversations regarding ideas and values.
In history classes, students may debate original transcripts of Lincoln's speeches, while literature classes involve reading Homer and analyzing The Odyssey. This method is applied across disciplines, including translating Latin and analyzing founding documents in Capstone classes, to teach students how to differentiate arguments and understand historical context.
The focus on primary source work influences the school's community atmosphere, encouraging open debate and respectful discussion. This educational model seeks to produce graduates who are articulate and prepared for leadership roles.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy is ranked as the number one charter high school in Utah. The school reports a graduation rate greater than 95% and an average SAT score of 1330.
The academy defines primary sources as original documents or objects, such as diaries, letters, speeches, or scientific observations, created during the period being studied. Through this integrated curriculum, the school aims to provide a broad study that reveals connections between various subjects while equipping students with transferable analytical and communication skills.
