Maeser Prep Academy is implementing a classical curriculum focused on integrating diverse subjects to foster unified thinking among students. Rather than treating history, English, fine arts, and mathematics as separate silos of knowledge, the academy presents these topics as one connected story of human endeavor.
Educational goals beyond rote memorization
This approach seeks to move beyond the simple regurgitation of facts for exams, aiming instead to provide an education that serves as an interconnection of human experience and wisdom.
Connecting subjects through Great Books
The curriculum encourages students to read primary texts and engage with the Great Books to discover universal truths applicable to history, society, and daily life. By tying the study of different grades together, the school connects history with literature, art, philosophy, and mathematics.
Interdisciplinary study of human culture
In this model, history focuses on what happened, while literature explores the people and culture of that era. Art serves as the expression of that culture. Through this integration of language arts, music, government, and sciences, students are taught to grasp the interdependencies of human existence and the world around them.
Developing character and moral virtues
Through these studies, students learn to discern principles of Truth, Honor, and Virtue, helping them develop qualities such as bravery, patience, and wisdom.
Fostering independent thought and discussion
Small class sizes at Maeser Prep Academy facilitate deep discussions where teachers encourage students to explain and defend their own ideas while listening to the arguments of others. This environment is designed to build independent thinking, logic, and moral development.
Academic success and honor code
The academy also maintains an honor code to ensure a respectful classroom atmosphere. The effectiveness of this approach is reflected in graduates who have attended various colleges and universities with high GPAs and SAT scores, such as 4.0 and 1330 respectively.
