Purpose: The first known school concept in history is in Sumerians; the schools aimed to train clerks who would keep the records regarding the administration. Later, schools became cultural centers for many subjects. Reasons such as multiculturalism, rapidly advancing technology, and the opening of new business areas, social and individual competition arose the thought that schools could not fulfill their duties; this thought brought alternative schools to the agenda in the light of needs and deficiencies in countries such as the United States of America, Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia. This study was conducted in order to research Paideia Schools in detail. It was reached, it has been seen that paideia schools as an alternative school have not been examined in detail. With this study, it is aimed to contribute to the literature and to fill the gap in the literature about Paideia Schools.
Method: The research is a qualitative study based on a document analysis. This paper firstly focuses on the establishment, history, philosophy, and purpose of Paideia Schools; secondly it focuses on the lessons, classrooms, and curriculum of Paideia Schools and lastly it focuses on the management, school-environment relationship, financing, and prevalence of Paideia Schools. Findings: Paideia Schools are for all children aged 3-18 and their families. The school system is based on making students think. Students are given information, and they are made to remember and understand the information. "Socratic dialogue" is the method used to get the desired thinking. It is believed that the questions that teachers ask students will improve their understanding, logic, reasoning, and deep-thinking skills.
Implications for Research and Practice: In the upcoming studies, researchers can focus on other alternative schools such as Waldorf Schools, Charter Schools, Magnet Schools, Small Schools, Virtual Schools, Summer Hill Schools, Sudbury Valley Schools, Cyber Schools, Free Gestalt and Democratic Schools in detail. Researchers can also analyze alternative schools comparatively.