Hi. My name is Mike Paxinos. I am the founder of Pax Academia, a private high school looking to open in August of 2025.
Goal
We aim to run a company focused on providing customers within the communities we serve with an exceptional range of educational opportunities rooted in the timeless wisdom of philosophical inquiry, fostering critical thinking skills and nurturing a passion for lifelong learning.
Mission Statement
We are on a mission to cultivate a dynamic educational
environment where students are inspired to explore the depths of knowledge, guided by the enduring principles of philosophy
and critical thinking.
Curriculum
At the heart of our pedagogical framework lies the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Their enduring methodologies, honed over two millennia, serve as a bedrock for intellectual inquiry and critical thought, principles which are indispensable in navigating the complexities of the modern world. By immersing our students in the study of philosophy, we aim to cultivate in them the art of thinking deeply and critically, thereby fostering a generation of adept thinkers poised to confront and engage with the challenges of their era.
Company Description
We aim to open and operate a private school in Las Vegas, NV, with a primary objective to instill in our students a profound appreciation for knowledge for its intrinsic value. Our educational approach is centered around elucidating the interconnections between philosophical principles and disciplines such as philosophy, logic, reasoning, science, and technology. Commencing with a cohort of twenty ninth-grade students, we plan to progressively expand our offerings to encompass higher grade levels, culminating in a comprehensive senior-level program. At the heart of our pedagogical framework lies the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Their enduring methodologies, honed over two millennia, serve as a bedrock for intellectual inquiry and critical thought, principles which are indispensable in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
By immersing our students in the study of philosophy, we aim to cultivate in them the art of thinking deeply and critically, thereby fostering a generation of adept thinkers poised to confront and engage with the challenges of their era. In addition to the philosophical and logical underpinnings of our curriculum, we remain committed to adhering to the academic standards mandated by the State of Nevada and accreditation bodies. Accordingly, our core curriculum encompasses a spectrum of subjects including mathematics, history, language arts, social studies, and an array of elective courses. Among the elective offerings we are excited to introduce are telescope making, computer engineering, computer programming, culinary arts, archery, and theater arts.
Revenue generation will primarily stem from tuition fees, which encompass the costs associated with instruction, course materials, provision of technology resources, facility usage, and provision of meals. By adhering to these principles and frameworks, we are poised to establish a dynamic educational institution that not only equips students with the requisite knowledge and skills but also nurtures in them a fervent curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning.
About the Founder
Our founder brings a wealth of experience as an educator, having taught across various grade levels in Clark County, Nevada, including 13 years at the college level and 4 years in K-12 education. Motivated by two critical issues plaguing the local education system, our founder embarked on the journey to establish our school.
- Issue #1: prioritizing tests over critical thinking: we address this issue through a deep understanding of Bloom's Taxonomy. While many institutions focus solely on the initial stages of learning, such as remembering facts and definitions, we believe true learning extends beyond mere memorization. Our approach involves guiding students through each stage of Bloom's Taxonomy, from remembering to creating, utilizing Socratic questioning to foster deep comprehension and critical thinking skills.
- Issue #2: discipline deficiency in classroom comportment: classrooms are tolerant toward inappropriate disruptions and behaviors that ultimately impede the learning experience. We tackle this issue through a balanced approach to discipline and enjoyment in the learning environment. Recognizing the importance of a harmonious blend of structure and fun, we have implemented a rigorous selection process to ensure students are poised to thrive within this balanced framework. Additionally, we emphasize the crucial role of parental involvement in fostering a supportive academic environment conducive to student success.
Our commitment to addressing these fundamental challenges underscores our dedication to providing a transformative educational experience that empowers students to excel academically, think critically, and contribute positively to their communities.
Company's Business Model
One prominent market trend within the private school industry is the increasing demand for specialized education and niche programs. The heart of our business addresses this trend by focusing on an untapped niche that no other private high school in Las Vegas addresses, the Socratic method to learning. Universities today still use the thinking methods of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle as a cornerstone to their methodology of how to critically think. . However, their methods are rarely, if it all, taught in the high schools in Las Vegas, NV. This is no small deficiency. Critical thinking is a skill that is learned. It requires a method to adhere to if we are going to engage in finding solutions to complex problems. At the heart of our curriculum lies a method over 2500 years old that is still widely used today in universities and in the industry, but rarely taught in high school.
As parents and students seek alternatives to traditional schooling models, there has been a rise in the popularity of schools offering specialized curricula focused on areas such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), arts, language immersion, and experiential learning. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of tailoring education to individual interests, talents, and career aspirations, driving schools to innovate and differentiate themselves in a competitive market landscape.
Another notable trend is the growing emphasis on holistic education and student well-being. In response to rising concerns about academic pressure, mental health, and social-emotional development, private schools are placing greater emphasis on fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment. This includes implementing comprehensive wellness programs, providing counseling and support services, and integrating mindfulness and character education into the curriculum. Schools are also investing in facilities and resources designed to promote physical health, creativity, and overall well-being, reflecting a broader shift towards prioritizing the holistic development of students beyond academic achievement alone. Additionally, the advent of technology is reshaping the landscape of private education, with schools leveraging digital tools and platforms to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes.
From interactive smart boards and online learning platforms to virtual reality simulations and artificial intelligence-powered tutoring programs, technology is revolutionizing how education is delivered and accessed. This trend is driving schools to adopt innovative instructional methods, expand access to online and hybrid learning opportunities, and invest in infrastructure and resources to support digital literacy and technological fluency among students and educators alike.
Our Customers
Our target customers encompass families seeking an enriching educational experience for their children. They value intellectual stimulation, critical thinking skills, and personal development. Additionally, we target educators and community influencers who share our passion for innovative teaching methodologies and philosophical inquiry. With a population of over 646,790 people in Las Vegas, NV, and around 16,169 people belonging to our target customer group, the TAM (total addressable market) for a community oriented private school is estimated to be around $242.53 million per year. About 2.50% of the Las Vegas, NV, population falls within our target customer group, which consists of women and men with a good spending power who are parents of boys and girls between 14 and 18 years old. This presents a significant opportunity to capture a loyal clientele that will benefit from our outstanding services on a constant basis. To estimate the minimum TAM (total addressable market) for a community oriented private school in Las Vegas, NV, we need to consider three core factors: - The Las Vegas, NV, area has a population of over 646,790 people, with most of them living within a reasonable driving distance away from any location in our area. Of these, 5.00% of them or around 32,339 individuals, are between 14 and 18 years old, which falls within our customer target age group. - Based on our services selection and prices, and using local income level data, we estimate that approximately 50.00% of these people may not be interested in our solutions due to personal preferences, economic constraints, requirements, personal conditions, or other factors. - Assuming an average spend of $15,000 per customer per year, the total addressable market for our community oriented private school in Las Vegas, NV, is estimated at around $242.53 million per year.
Conclusion
Pax Academia's approach to education underscores the transformative power of learning, not just as a means to an end but as a vital component of human development and societal progress. Our beliefs reflect a commitment to nurturing not only intellectual growth but also a broader understanding of the role of education in addressing social issues. Through our work and philosophy, our school embodies the ideal of the inspiring students to be a lifelong learners, that are passionately advocating for a more educated, thoughtful, and engaged society.
Thank you!
Mike Paxinos, CEO