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.
The small setting at PDC ensures students are seen, heard, and understood everyday. PDC assists students learn more about themselves, develop emotional & behavioral control strategies that work for them. PDC provides time & space for students to think about how they think (meta-cognition). PDC understands the management of anxiety is equally as important as an academic education for our students. PDC provides weekly field trips, fitness, hikes, and community outings.
[Click here to learn more about PDC's programs.]
What opportunities do you offer students outside the classroom?
Extra-curricular opportunities include: 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. PDC administers a non-clinical educational survey to better understand academic gaps, possible learning disabilities, and learning styles. Once gaps are identified, PDC teachers work on academic goals, individually & in group sessions, to assist students fill in gaps toward mastery of subject knowledge.
Is homework given?
Yes. Homework may be given weekly. Parents have access to their student's assignment 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?
Textbooks, online educational platforms in addition to hands-on manipulatives, and aligned worksheets are used to progress student knowledge, understanding, and application of English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. PDC students go through six-weeks of Intensive Grammar & Math lessons during the first and second semester [12-weeks total].
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.
The small setting at PDC ensures students are seen, heard, and understood everyday. PDC assists students learn more about themselves, develop emotional & behavioral control strategies that work for them. PDC provides time & space for students to think about how they think (meta-cognition). PDC understands the management of anxiety is equally as important as an academic education for our students. PDC provides weekly field trips, fitness, hikes, and community outings.
[Click here to learn more about PDC's programs.]
What opportunities do you offer students outside the classroom?
Extra-curricular opportunities include: 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. PDC administers a non-clinical educational survey to better understand academic gaps, possible learning disabilities, and learning styles. Once gaps are identified, PDC teachers work on academic goals, individually & in group sessions, to assist students fill in gaps toward mastery of subject knowledge.
Is homework given?
Yes. Homework may be given weekly. Parents have access to their student's assignment 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?
Textbooks, online educational platforms in addition to hands-on manipulatives, and aligned worksheets are used to progress student knowledge, understanding, and application of English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. PDC students go through six-weeks of Intensive Grammar & Math lessons during the first and second semester [12-weeks total].
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.
Click here to schedule a tour!
The in-person or virtual tours are typically 30 to 45 minutes.
During the tour, your guide will answer all of your questions about the school, the campus, teachers, curricula, and the day-to-day school schedule. Your guide will also answer any other questions you have.
We look forward to meeting you and scheduling a tour time that is convenient for you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule by phone, please contact the school at (281) 755-6631 or houstonpdc@gmail.com.
The in-person or virtual tours are typically 30 to 45 minutes.
During the tour, your guide will answer all of your questions about the school, the campus, teachers, curricula, and the day-to-day school schedule. Your guide will also answer any other questions you have.
We look forward to meeting you and scheduling a tour time that is convenient for you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule by phone, please contact the school at (281) 755-6631 or houstonpdc@gmail.com.