FAQs
What does your school offer that makes it different from other schools?
Paradigm Development Center (PDC) offers an affordable educational setting. At PDC, each student receives an academic education that includes Social-Emotional Development classes, Nature Education classes, Vocation & Independent Life (VIL), Fitness & Well-Being classes, and a Technology: Computer Applications class.
[Click here to learn more about PDC's programs.]
What opportunities do you offer students outside the classroom?
Extra-curricular opportunities include: Social-emotional wellness classes, a Lego workshop, daily living skills online workshop, social groups, and community field trips.
What is Paradigm Development Center's (PDC's) discrimination policy?
We are committed to equal opportunity for all students and all staff.
It is the school policy that no one shall be treated differently, separately, or have any action directly affecting him or her taken on the basis of race, religion, national origin, marital status, sex, or disability where a person is otherwise qualified or could be with reasonable accommodation. The immediate remedy for any act of discrimination shall be to end it, treat the individual equally, and, as much as practically possible, to eradicate any effects of discrimination. Discipline should be imposed where appropriate.
How do you measure student learning?
Student learning is measured through quizzes and end-of-year exams.
Will you fill in learning gaps and missing skills?
Yes. Most students with disabilities present with learning gaps. We administer a nonclinical educational survey to better understand academic gaps and possible learning disabilities. Once gaps are identified, PDC teachers work on target skills, individually & in group sessions, to assist students fill in gaps toward mastery of subject knowledge.
Is homework given?
Yes. Homework is given weekly. Parents have access to their student's homework logs online.
How do you discipline students?
We have a zero tolerance policy for offenses involving substance abuse, cheating, bullying, stealing, and violent or aggressive verbal or physical behaviors. We use positive behavior supports to increase student awareness of his or her behaviors, increase awareness of appropriate behaviors, and to increase awareness of teacher expectations. A behavior intervention plan (BIP) will be provided for students who may benefit. Parents will be notified if student behavior becomes violent or not conducive for an educational environment.
How do students get to school? When is drop-off and pick-up?
Parents transport their student to school.
Monday – Friday, drop-off time is 8:30 am and pick-up time is 3:00 pm.
Will my child take the STAAR exam?
As a Texas private school, PDC is not required to administer the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).
Will my child be able to transition back to public school?
PDC uses the Foundation High School Diploma requirements as a guide for our students that may transition to a public school and for our students enrolling in a college or trade school.
Students are required to complete 22 credits in Math, English, Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts, languages other than English, Physical Education, as well as electives.
Does PDC offer tuition scholarships?
Limited scholarship funds are available for qualifying family households.
What curriculum will you be using?
Online educational platforms in addition to hands-on manipulatives, worksheets, and textbooks are used to progress student knowledge, understanding, and application of English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science.
Will grades be sent home?
Yes. Progress reports and grades are emailed to parents. Parents have access to their student's weekly grades online.
Will my student need to bring a lunch everyday?
Yes.
Does my child need to be vaccinated to attend PDC?
If you decide not to vaccinate, you must obtain a vaccination exemption letter from the State of Texas.
Paradigm Development Center (PDC) offers an affordable educational setting. At PDC, each student receives an academic education that includes Social-Emotional Development classes, Nature Education classes, Vocation & Independent Life (VIL), Fitness & Well-Being classes, and a Technology: Computer Applications class.
[Click here to learn more about PDC's programs.]
What opportunities do you offer students outside the classroom?
Extra-curricular opportunities include: Social-emotional wellness classes, a Lego workshop, daily living skills online workshop, social groups, and community field trips.
What is Paradigm Development Center's (PDC's) discrimination policy?
We are committed to equal opportunity for all students and all staff.
It is the school policy that no one shall be treated differently, separately, or have any action directly affecting him or her taken on the basis of race, religion, national origin, marital status, sex, or disability where a person is otherwise qualified or could be with reasonable accommodation. The immediate remedy for any act of discrimination shall be to end it, treat the individual equally, and, as much as practically possible, to eradicate any effects of discrimination. Discipline should be imposed where appropriate.
How do you measure student learning?
Student learning is measured through quizzes and end-of-year exams.
Will you fill in learning gaps and missing skills?
Yes. Most students with disabilities present with learning gaps. We administer a nonclinical educational survey to better understand academic gaps and possible learning disabilities. Once gaps are identified, PDC teachers work on target skills, individually & in group sessions, to assist students fill in gaps toward mastery of subject knowledge.
Is homework given?
Yes. Homework is given weekly. Parents have access to their student's homework logs online.
How do you discipline students?
We have a zero tolerance policy for offenses involving substance abuse, cheating, bullying, stealing, and violent or aggressive verbal or physical behaviors. We use positive behavior supports to increase student awareness of his or her behaviors, increase awareness of appropriate behaviors, and to increase awareness of teacher expectations. A behavior intervention plan (BIP) will be provided for students who may benefit. Parents will be notified if student behavior becomes violent or not conducive for an educational environment.
How do students get to school? When is drop-off and pick-up?
Parents transport their student to school.
Monday – Friday, drop-off time is 8:30 am and pick-up time is 3:00 pm.
Will my child take the STAAR exam?
As a Texas private school, PDC is not required to administer the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).
Will my child be able to transition back to public school?
PDC uses the Foundation High School Diploma requirements as a guide for our students that may transition to a public school and for our students enrolling in a college or trade school.
Students are required to complete 22 credits in Math, English, Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts, languages other than English, Physical Education, as well as electives.
Does PDC offer tuition scholarships?
Limited scholarship funds are available for qualifying family households.
What curriculum will you be using?
Online educational platforms in addition to hands-on manipulatives, worksheets, and textbooks are used to progress student knowledge, understanding, and application of English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science.
Will grades be sent home?
Yes. Progress reports and grades are emailed to parents. Parents have access to their student's weekly grades online.
Will my student need to bring a lunch everyday?
Yes.
Does my child need to be vaccinated to attend PDC?
If you decide not to vaccinate, you must obtain a vaccination exemption letter from the State of Texas.