Paragon Prep Middle School

I am a graduate of this school, so I have first hand experience with it. I have been to only top-tier schools across the US and Europe for my education, and Paragon stands far above the rest. I say this because Paragon has several qualities which other institutions, despite their size and resources, simply lack. Paragon cares about its students. It's small, you get to know the teachers, and the students very personally. They are like family, nothing more and nothing less. Small class sizes also mean more individual attention, and can correct deficiencies much more quickly. Paragon is academically exceptional. Many of the teachers have Masters degrees in whatever subject they are teaching. They are among the best for the money. Paragon competes with schools in many competitions, and wins. For example, the school competes in the intrastate challenge called the PSIA and regularly ranks highly (3rd when I graduated). Considering the school size, and the size of Texas, the feat is nothing less than astonishing. Paragon is not just the best value for money, it is the best. I will send my children here if I end up in Austin, TX.

Our third grader is extremely happy here. Paragon is known for creating an atmosphere in which students thrive both academically and socially. We are certainly reaping the benefits of their approach. Our son looks forward to school each day. He is adequately challenged and excited about new subjects and topics on a daily basis. The teachers are the best. The passion that each educator, from administration to special areas, has about teaching shines through. Something magical is happening here, and we feel lucky to be involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Our son is doing so well and learning so much. The staff is the best we've ever seen
—Submitted by a parent

I love my school! I am challenged everyday and the teachers are awesome. It's like the whole school is one big family.

It is hard to put into words how much I love my school, but I'm going to try. Paragon offers an experience like no other. With its small, family-like environment, it is perfect for the changes that we go through during middle school. At Paragon, I have the best friends and teachers that are possible. I'm very thankful to be a part of this school.
—Submitted by a student

We currently have our 3rd child going through Paragon it 100% lives up to its promise to prepare students socially and academically for the rigors of high school. Our oldest went through Paragon and is now at AISD s magnet math/science academy. Whereas some of his 9th grade peers are stressed and tanking, he is making straight A s in all pre-AP classes. Paragon stretches its students, helps to instill a strong work ethic, and focuses on getting them organized and motivated to succeed and make the transition into high school very smooth. Its graduates get high school credit for Latin 1 and Algebra 1 (7th) and Latin 2 and Geometry (8TH) as well as extras such as health and speech. Extracurriculars include Certamen, Math Counts, AIPL sports and more. We couldn t be more thrilled with our experiences at Paragon. We are forever grateful--go Knights!
—Submitted by Nikki, a parent

Paragon is the best little school in Texas. Don't let the little fool you - that is what makes it BIG. Every teacher knows every student by name. It all begins in 5th grade with Mr. Cash - the best teacher in Texas. All the other teachers are very good too. The best part of Paragon is you get a great education with values and have some fun along the way. If you don't want to work - don't bother coming here - it is good -not easy. It is the best investment we have ever made.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school ever. There is the perfect balance between Working and playing. The teachers actually care about my education. It's Awesome.
—Submitted by a student

Paragon is an amazing school if you really want to push yourself to do your best. The teachers know what we are capable of even when we do not think so, they push us to be the best that we can be.And on top of that it is just plain fun, I mean PE the science Labs, colleges, MidKnight Madness, Bob Cash Day, Up day, Homecoming week, the dances, Fall Fest, Spring Fling and so much more. I really could not think of a better middle school to go to. We also have a hard curriculum but the teahcers help us to really understand and be prepared for high school and beyond.
—Submitted by a student

Paragon has an extremely challenging curriculum. It's not for everyone. My son is in fifth grade and has struggled, not with the content, but with the workload. It is an awful lot of work for a 10-year-old. But, despite this, he loves it. No more easy A's, but he is very, very happy.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current 6th grader at Paragon Prep and am ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT. All the teachers are nice, and the curriculum is fantastic. I also attended 5th grade at Paragon and had Bob Cash as my teacher. I learned more from him than I ever have from any teacher, and he really helped prepare me for 6th grade and my future. The sports programs and director, Bobby Swartz, are great and have helped my strength and agility incredibly. Deepak Swami, the science teacher, has been great, and has taught me so much about how the world works. Joseph Colletti, the 6th grade english and world cultures techer has been phenomenal, and our math teacher Mark Hathaway just has a way with kids. Other teachers for 7th and 8th grades are outstanding too, and Paragon has the perfect number of kids so that everyone knows eachother. I highly recomend this school.
—Submitted by a student

Paragon's academic standards are pretty much unequalled for Austin middle schools. The teachers are 100% committed to truly helping students achieve their academic and personal best and the school leadership, headmaster David McGrath and Co-founder Mark Hathaway, have the expertise to match their enthusiasm. While their has been some recent teacher turnover(one left to return to college, another is taking an extended maternity leave), the new teachers have really impressed me, and more importantly, my daughter. She will start Austin's toughest magnet high school in the fall and be way ahead of the game, thanks to Paragon.
—Submitted by a parent

Paragon used to be an outstanding school, but it has lost, or reassigned, many of the teaching professionals that made it a great institution, and it is questionable that the good ones that remain will stay on in the long term. In recent years, the school appears to have lowered its high academic standards and is now accepting a quality of student that requires greater micro-management of disciplinary issues. To an outsider never having attended the school, it may appear to be a good academic institution, especially when compared to some of the public Austin middle schools, but to many of those of us who have experienced Paragon during its peak years, it is quite a disappointment now. A known drawback of the school is its complete lack of sports infrastructure, but despite this, Paragon makes effective use of public park facilities for PE during school hours.
—Submitted by a parent

Paragon is an outstanding environment for middle school kids. It is accademically excellant with great teacher - all of them. I believe it is the best education for middle school. What impresses me most is that it brings out the best in EACH student. Each Student is special.
—Submitted by a parent

School has been easy to deal with and accommodating. Excellent reputation for academic excellence. Graduating students accepted at top high schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is an eighth grader and we, like so many of the parents, wish Paragon went through high school. We never want to leave! Don't believe those who say that middle school is an impossible age. They work miracles at Paragon in getting kids motivated and caring about academics. Students work hard in challenging, stimulating classes. The social atmosphere is a dream. There are no cliques or outsiders. If you care a lot about giant gymnasiums and trendy courses, don't bother. If you're interested in a rock solid education with teachers who know and care about your child, check out Paragon.
—Submitted by Sarah Bird, a parent