What the Para-Parents and Para-Alumni are saying:

 

I snuck in the back of the parent presentation yesterday and I was just thinking how much I appreciated the insight into the world of 12 year old boys and how fortunate we were to have Grant at Paragon under your leadership...

....and then I became even more appreciative when I picked up my grinning son today who was totally covered in mud! This is the same boy who stayed up late last night studying for a World Cultures test and drafting ideas for his short story, and then insisted on getting up early to study for a potential science pop quiz.... What a fabulous school which inspires him to push himself intellectually and academically, and to then totally relax and blow off steam and enjoy being a crazy kid in the mud!!!!

Just had to say thanks again, Cathy McHorse

 

Academically, Paragon helped our seventh grader score an 1150 on his first
SAT exam. But more importantly, Paragon helped him live the learning best
expressed by Mark Twain: “I have never let my schooling interfere with my
education."       Many many thanks,  Jessica Forrest

   

Now in her fourth year at Paragon, Kate still can't wait to get to school each morning.  The rigorous college-prep courses provide the educational challenges she seeks.  But it's the dedicated and caring faculty and staff  who make Paragon the special and unique place that it is.  Thank you, Paragon!    Rani Clasquin & Eric Harslem 

     

Paragon Prep prepared me for high school because the teachers at Paragon hold the students to very high standards.  These standards translate to the students having high standards for themselves, which makes the transition to high school, where a lot is expected of students, a lot easier.    Katie Fitzpatrick  Class of 2002     

Paragon creatively concocts the perfect recipe for bright adolescents: begin with a classically driven curriculum seasoned with open-minded innovation, high moral expectations with a good dose of humor and a hilarious pinch of irreverence.  Then add competitive spirit on the field and in the classroom, blended with genuine care so that each student and athlete feels a valued part of the school. But their secret and unique ingredient: the total focus is on the middle schoolers’ needs with the aim to provide the best preparation possible for high school. We as ourselves how is it possible that all this takes place in such a modest building with no aggressive fundraising or fancy bells and whistles. How do they turn out kids with a disciplined work ethic and a passion for learning?  Now we know. Our son, Caleb, comes home everyday with stories of friendship, teamwork, and a mind brimming full of new thoughts. Paragon Prep is one of the smartest decisions we have ever made.        Camille and Sandy Kress   (Parents of Caleb Kress, Class of 2008)

 Having had two children attend Paragon (one still there), we have been so impressed with the education and nurturing environment that Paragon offers.  In addition to the excellence in academics, there has been a valued emphasis on the development of skills towards their future academic success that is often missed by teaching institutions.  My wife joins me in congratulating Paragon in achieving these difficult and rewarding educational goals.            Adele and Victor C. Yi

My wife and I have been exceptionally pleased with Paragon Prep.  It's amazing how much kids can learn when they are provided outstanding teachers armed with a strong curriculum and high expectations.      Mike  Brown   

 

Honestly, I am at a loss for words to appropriately express how pleased we are with our experience, and most importantly, Alec's experience at Paragon.  He finally feels like he fits in. He comes home everyday with only positive things to say and approaches each school day with enthusiasm.  We, as parents, believe this is one of the best decisions we have ever made in the upbringing of our child.           Mary  Brown   
 


We sent a fifth grader to Paragon Prep who, as he often said, would "rather eat worms" than go to school.  Paragon gave us back a child who loves to learn and actually wants to go to school.  Our son's experiences at Paragon have changed his life in such positive, constructive, and concrete ways that we can't say enough to express our happiness and gratitude (and relief!) to the faculty and staff.           Julie and Lee Parsley    

 

I knew Paragon Prep was a different type of middle school from the first time I walked in the front door. A student, on her way out, stepped back, opened the door for me, looked me in the eye, smiled and said, “Hello!” Whoever that girl was she forever imprinted on me the Paragon difference. Besides being smart, Paragon kids are happy to be a part of the Paragon family and that attitude spills over into everything they do.       For Maria the past three years have been invaluable. Thanks to Paragon’s outstanding faculty and nurturing environment, she has developed tremendously on all levels—academics, self-confidence, maturity, character, critical thinking—you name it. She’s also had tons of fun, and has loved every minute of her middle school years. Paragon’s unique environment gave Maria a safe place to thrive and blossom, and taught her how to achieve and do her best.   Thank you, Paragon Prep!       Anne and David Sterrett     

 

What if we could get rid of all the politicians, bureaucrats, and administrators and just let the teachers do what they love to do? Well, at Paragon Prep they did just that. At Paragon, it's all about the educational experience and it's great. Maren, our sixth grader couldn't be happier, we couldn't be happier, and these teachers are having so much fun we're almost envious.               Ben and Pamela Stone   

 

Paragon has been for me not only a school, but also a family, a challenge, an aspiration, and a foundation.  I have been prepared for a life of knowing myself fully and loving myself wholly at Paragon, while learning how to become confident and successful in whatever I do.  I guess it is true what they say; middle school does make a difference. It did for me.   
Laura Benold, Class of 2000   

The founders of Paragon understand two things very well--how middle school aged children think and what they need in order to prosper, and, that a very key ingredient in education is hiring outstanding teachers who possess a passion for their subject and a joy in sharing that knowledge with their students. Paragon is a gem in middle school education.                              Bob & Denise Fletcher     

Whenever anyone asks Niki how she likes Paragon , she says, "I love it!!!".When they ask what she loves about it, Niki says "The teachers are so nice; they make learning fun and it feels like a big family".          Val and Jeff Newberg    
 


Paragon is a happy place.  
The kids work hard and play hard.  
Our son is working harder and doesn't even realize it.  
He wants to succeed for himself and his teachers.
He is much happier and looks forward to going to school.  
He thinks Paragon is much more relaxed than his previous school.    
Mr. Cash is the best!  
Keep  up the good work!              Rich Lampert    

If you could create a place where the teachers loved to teach, where they enthusiastically embraced  the unruly, awkward, emotionally evolving age group of 10-14; and a place where the students clamored to go, loved to be day in and day out, and longed to find again once they had left, you would have created Paragon.  If you could arm every child with the strength of purpose to follow their path, the resolve to do their best, and the compassion to embrace the talents and differences of others, you would have replicated the effect Paragon has on each and every one of its students.  It is a remarkable place of extraordinary people.      
Melissa and Scott Greenwell

     

Paragon was like an oasis to Olivia after moving from California to Texas. She felt like she was back in a dynamic, challenging and stimulating educational environment after attending (serving?) one year in the AISD.   She is thriving!   Paragon is not just a fantastic school with great teachers and administration, yet it is a culture which embraces the middle school emotional challenges facing parents today. It's reassuring getting the support parents deserve as we develop
character, as well as a love for higher learning in our children.      Katherine Berkeley    

Paragon completely changed Katy's academic performance and boosted her self confidence. She thrives in an atmosphere that challenges her to think and reason beyond  standard textbook information.  It's rare for her to miss a day of school because she looks forward to every day.      Kim & Jimmy Martens    

The simplest way I can describe Paragon is they (the kids AND teachers) work really hard and play really hard.  Somehow that dynamic is extremely motivating and nurturing to middle school students.      Diane and Leonard Dougal   

Brian and I had no doubts as to whether we would send our son to Paragon after our daughter had attended there all four years.  We know our children are getting and have gotten an extraordinary education at Paragon. We know they are safe and that they ALWAYS have a good time.  My son, who has been there since 9/05, so eloquently put it "I have the best teachers and go to the best school in the world!".  I couldn't have said it better myself.              
Brian and Tracy Brown   parents of Samantha Brown (2004 Paragon graduate) and Will Brown (2009 Paragon graduate)