Hardin Valley Elementary School

ESK is hands-down one of the greatest finds in Knoxville. My child has had a great experience here and has grown so much confidence in her abilities as a student and just as a person in general over the last 3 years. She started off extremely shy and was afraid she wouldn't be able to make friends, but soon found that everyone is of value, including herself. She is constantly academically challenged and I love that she's in an environment where all backgrounds are included (religious and otherwise). Additionally, there campus security is top notch, which is extremely important to us this day in age. As a parent, I couldn't feel more comfortable having this staff nurture my child and I feel so involved as a parent. It's a big community feel where family engagement is encouraged. Overall, my husband, my child, and I couldn't be happier.

I graduated from Paideia a few years ago. I attended from fourth grade to graduation, and my feelings about this school are mixed. I love learning, reading, writing, rhetoric, logic, and the humanities. The classical way of teaching is fantastic, and I recommend all parents send their children to classical schools because it provides a well-rounded education and confidence in one's ability to analyze and think critically. I have found myself head and shoulders ahead of others when it comes to college readiness. However, I do not recommend that Paideia Academy of Knoxville be that classical school. Teachers become overly emotionally involved in the student's lives, which, in my experience, lead to favoritism and general discomfort in the student body. Women are not allowed on the board of this school. I'm no feminist, but a mom's understanding of children is necessary for a school's administration. I was also told by the college guidance counselor that I could not attend a public university and maintain a strong Christian faith. I have found the opposite to be true, but I still receive judgment from the Paideia faculty about my college choice. Lastly, the majority of teachers and I believe all of the board lack any kind of degree in education, child development, child psychology, etc. This may not be entirely true for the lower school, but it was very clear to me in middle in high school that the math and science teachers did not know how to help people learn, rather they regurgitated information. In short, do send your children to classical school! It's great! Don't send your children to Paideia Academy.

I have all four of my kids here both in elementary and high school. The staff has been great, the principal is great, you really feel like a family not just a number. My kids have had a great year here.