Paradise Education Center changes name

Opening a high school is only one of the new developments at Paradise Education Center, a charter school in Surprise.

The center recently partnered with University Public Schools, an affiliate of Arizona State University, to become one of two "New American Schools" in the state.

As a New American School, educational researchers will take a closer look at learning models practiced at Paradise Education Center. These innovations will be shared with other schools to improve academic achievement.

Paradise Education Center will receive financial and business services through this partnership.

High school students also will benefit. Paradise Honors High School students who pass AIMS by their sophomore year will have the opportunity to take dual-enrollment courses with ASU in their junior and senior years.

Patrick Schrader, the center's executive director, said this is a tremendous opportunity for the school. Schrader said the center being named a New American School is an accomplishment.

"It will really help us to be recognized in the community," Schrader said. "I'm excited about it, very excited, and I know our staff is, too."

The University Public Schools initiative was established two years ago. It links ASU with school, community and business leaders in Arizona to establish an innovative, research-based educational environment. Its vision is to increase student achievement through innovations in public schools.

Paradise Education Center and Horizon Community Learning Center, a charter school in Ahwatukee, are the first schools selected to be New American Schools.

Larry Pieratt, executive director of University Public Schools, said the success of the schools' educational programs was one of the reasons it was chosen.

Some of the learning models at Paradise Education Center include multi-age grouping, team teaching, individual learning plans, and a teacher-advancement program.

"They both have a proven record of educational performance and excellence," Pieratt said.

Teams will study the reforms at these schools. Once the research is done, the learning models will be promoted to other schools to help improve student academic achievement.

"They have adopted new innovations," Pieratt said. "We think it's very advantageous for us to do the research, understand why they're successful . . . and share those with other schools."