OUR STORY
Education Designed Around Students
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Paradigm Learning Microschools was founded on the belief that every student deserves a personalized education, meaningful relationships, and the opportunity to grow at their own pace.
WHY WE EXIST
A Different Approach to Education
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We started Paradigm because we believe education should be built around students—not the other way around. Too often, students are expected to fit into a system that wasn't designed for their unique strengths, interests, and learning needs.
Paradigm was created to offer families a more personalized approach where students can grow academically, socially, and personally in a supportive community.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
The Paradigm Difference
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Personalized Learning
Every student follows a personalized learning path tailored to their strengths, needs, and goals.
Meaningful Relationships
Meaningful relationships with educators and peers help students feel known, supported, and connected.
Competency-Based Growth
Students progress by demonstrating mastery, building confidence and deep understanding along the way.
Community Connection
Students experience the close-knit support of a microschool while remaining connected to the larger Paradigm community.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Meet Jody Cordova
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Educator, founder, and lifelong advocate for personalized learning.
Why I Started Paradigm
Education has always been about more than academics for me. It's about helping students discover who they are, what they are capable of, and how to become lifelong learners.
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business Management, a Master's degree in Elementary Education, and am completing a Doctorate focused on Personalized and Competency-Based Learning. Before founding Paradigm, I spent nearly a decade teaching 6th grade in Gilbert Public Schools, where I was honored to receive Teacher of the Year and served on my grade-level leadership team.
The Problem I Couldn't Ignore
Throughout my career, I became increasingly concerned by how many students who were naturally curious began to believe they didn't enjoy learning.
Too often, students are expected to move at the same pace, learn in the same way, and demonstrate understanding through the same methods. When learning gaps accumulate over time, students can lose confidence, motivation, and ownership of their education.
While pursuing doctoral studies, I was introduced to personalized and competency-based learning models being implemented across the country. The research was clear: when students are given ownership of their learning and allowed to progress through mastery, they become more engaged, motivated, and confident learners.
My Vision for Paradigm
I founded Paradigm Learning Microschools because I believe education should be built around students—not the other way around.
Our goal is not simply to help students complete assignments or earn grades. We want students to become thinkers, problem-solvers, self-advocates, and lifelong learners who understand their strengths, recognize their growth areas, and know how to pursue their goals.
Just as importantly, I believe families deserve a school community that genuinely cares. We strive to create an environment where students feel known, families feel supported, and every child is treated with patience, respect, and encouragement.
Because every student is capable of growth. Sometimes they simply need the right environment, the right support, and someone who believes in them until they are ready to believe in themselves.
WHAT FAMILIES CAN EXPECT
A Learning Environment Built Around the Whole Child
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At Paradigm, families can expect a learning community where students are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow with confidence.
Known & Supported
Students are seen as individuals and supported academically, socially, and personally.
Meaningful Relationships
Students build meaningful relationships with peers and educators in a supportive learning environment.
Growth at Their Pace
Students build confidence as they progress through mastery rather than being rushed forward.
Lifelong Learning
Students learn how to think, solve problems, take ownership, and continue growing beyond school.