We serve Kindergarten through 12th grade with strong academics, clear classroom structure, and leadership development built into the school day.
Serving South Phoenix families near South Mountain since 2012

✔ Tuition-Free Public Charter School (Grades K–12)
✔ Structured Literacy & Singapore Math Foundations
✔ 7 Habits Leadership Model Across All Grade Levels
✔ Consistent Teacher-Student Relationships
✔ Schoolwide Family Communication Through ClassDojo
Families often begin in Kindergarten and stay through graduation.
Schedule a tour and experience Paideia Academy firsthand.
Since 2012, Paideia Academy has served South Phoenix families with a clear belief: academic success and character development go hand in hand.
In classrooms across Kindergarten through 12th grade, students experience:
We focus on developing confident learners who are prepared not just for exams, but for high school graduation, college, career, and life.
Paideia Academy serves Kindergarten through 12th grade with a structured academic model designed to develop confident learners and capable leaders.
Our Liberal Arts Academy (Grades 7–12) provides a college-preparatory environment where students strengthen reading, writing, analytical thinking, and leadership skills in a focused, relationship-driven setting.
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Middle School (2026), Paideia’s 7–12 program reflects our commitment to academic excellence and student growth.
Our program emphasizes:
• Rigorous core academics
• Leadership development through the 7 Habits
• Clear expectations and structured classrooms
• Opportunities to earn college credit during high school
• Intentional preparation for graduation and beyond
Families searching for a liberal arts charter middle or high school in South Phoenix will find a program built on academic discipline, character formation, and long-term student success.
“My daughter went from hating school to waking up excited. The teachers make her feel seen.”
– R. Rodriguez
“They supported my son’s IEP without me having to constantly chase anyone down.”
– M. Williams
“This school helped my child find their voice and confidence—finally.”
– A. Kim
Leadership development is not an add-on at Paideia Academy—it is built into the school day.
Through the 7 Habits framework and The Leader in Me model, students learn how to take responsibility, set goals, manage priorities, communicate respectfully, and work effectively with others. These habits are reinforced daily through classroom routines, campus expectations, and real-world application.
From Kindergarten through 12th grade, students grow not only academically, but also personally.
As students move into our Liberal Arts Academy (Grades 7–12), they deepen critical thinking skills, explore their strengths, and prepare intentionally for graduation. Many pursue opportunities at Arizona State University and other respected institutions.
Paideia Academy offers a structured, relationship-driven alternative to larger school systems—serving South Phoenix families who want strong academics, leadership development, and a personalized learning environment.
At Paideia Academy, we are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming school environment where every student and family feels seen, valued, and supported. As a K–12 public charter school in Phoenix, we believe that learning is strongest when it reflects the richness of our community—across differences in background, identity, and experience.
Our approach to whole-child education supports growth in body, mind, heart, and spirit. Families exploring public charter schools in Phoenix often look for a school that values both academic success and personal development, and we are proud to offer an environment rooted in respect, equity, and belonging.
👉 Learn more about how public charter schools in Phoenix support students and families.
Our Paideia Urban Forest, with over 200 trees, is a meaningful symbol of our diverse community growing and working together. Just as nature thrives through connection, we encourage students, staff, and families to learn from one another and grow together.
We also understand that conversations about race, identity, and adversity are important—and sometimes challenging. Our school social worker and scholar support specialist are available to support students and families with care, understanding, and access to helpful resources.
We continue to lead with kindness, patience, and respect, working together toward a stronger school community. At Paideia, our mission is to grow student leaders who succeed academically and carry values of empathy, inclusion, and purpose into the world.
— Mr. Gilmer & Ms. Johnson
At Paideia Academy in Phoenix South, we are dedicated to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student and family has equal access to educational and extracurricular opportunities.
We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in any of our programs or activities. Our goal is to ensure that every child and family feels supported, respected, and empowered—regardless of background or need.
To support this commitment, free language assistance, auxiliary aids, and accommodations are available upon request. We want every family to feel informed, involved, and connected to their child’s academic journey.
We also offer robust after school programs to help students stay engaged and supported outside regular classroom hours.
If you have any questions or need to request support services, please contact:
Ms. Raven Johnson – Principal Elementary Campus – 7777 S 15th Terrace Phoenix AZ, near Baseline Rd
We’re proud to share that Paideia Academies Inc. has earned systems accreditation from @CogniaOrg!
This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering a high-quality education to every student—and our dedication to continuous growth and improvement as a school network.
Paideia Academy is a tuition-free K–12 charter school serving South Phoenix families with strong academics, leadership development, and a structured learning environment.
Now enrolling for the upcoming school year. Serving South Phoenix families near South Mountain since 2012.
Tuition-Free K-12 Charter
Enrollment for the upcoming school year is now open.
Secure your child’s spot at Paideia today.
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