The PAIDEIA approach to learning
At CUPA, our educational philosophy is rooted in the classical ideal of Paideia—a holistic vision of education that nurtures not just the mind, but the character, creativity, and civic awareness of each student. We believe that education should prepare young people not only for academic success, but for a meaningful life of purpose and impact.
We combine this classical foundation with the spirit of Paidia—a belief that learning begins with curiosity, freedom, and joyful exploration. Our classrooms are spaces where questions are welcomed, individuality is celebrated, and students are encouraged to take intellectual risks.
By integrating rigorous academic pathways with student-driven inquiry, CUPA empowers learners to grow as thinkers, creators, and global citizens—guided not by conformity, but by conviction.
How We Teach
The Flipped Classroom
At CUPA, our teaching approach blends innovation with proven academic models to deliver a high-impact, globally minded education. We begin with the flipped classroom model, where students engage with course materials—including recorded lectures, curated readings, and pre-class assignments—before attending class. This allows live sessions to focus on higher-order thinking: solving problems, discussing cases, and applying key concepts in real-world contexts. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through analysis and inquiry. The flipped model helps students build autonomy, better retention, and deeper conceptual understanding—key skills for succeeding in both college and life.
Live Session Discussion
Our live-session discussions are at the heart of our academic model, designed to make learning active, personal, and intellectually engaging. CUPA offers small-group live classes where teachers lead students through discussions, critical thinking exercises, and real-time feedback. At the college level, students join live university seminars as part of their dual credit coursework, engaging directly with college-level peers. Whether in CUPA-led sessions or university-hosted classes, our students are encouraged to speak up, challenge ideas, and collaborate across cultures. These sessions go beyond lectures—they are designed as academic conversations that train students to listen closely, think deeply, and communicate with clarity and purpose.
Online Merge Offline
To further enrich learning, we implement an Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) model that combines the flexibility of online education with the human connection of face-to-face learning. Through our physical school, Oak Crest Academy in California, CUPA students have access to in-person academic advising, writing bootcamps, hybrid dual credit courses, and student-led research events. Our U.S. and international students may also participate in local offline components such as service projects, public exhibitions, or community-based learning. This integrated OMO model ensures that students benefit from both global reach and local grounding, making learning meaningful, connected, and dynamic.
Academic Scheduling
Fall And Spring Semesters
Most CUPA courses follow a semester-based system, with the academic year divided into fall and spring terms. This structure applies to both our regular high school curriculum and many of our dual-enrollment college courses, allowing students to engage in focused, rigorous learning across defined timeframes.
Twice a week for Live Session
Most classes meet twice per week, typically on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedules. The remaining days are intentionally left flexible, allowing students to manage their own time—whether for study, enrichment activities, or independent research.
Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters
We also offer select high school and dual-enrollment college courses on a quarter-based system. These accelerated classes move at a faster pace, providing a more intensive and challenging academic experience for motivated learners. allowing students to engage in focused and rigorous learning.
Attendance & Engagement
Regular attendance and active engagement are essential to student success at CUPA. We expect students to come to class prepared, contribute thoughtfully to discussions, and collaborate respectfully with peers. Failure to meet attendance and engagement expectations may negatively impact a student’s grade.
Intensive Learning for Summer Session
Our Summer Intensive term allows students to complete a semester-long high school course in 4–5 weeks, or a full-year course in just 8–10 weeks. University-level courses are typically completed in 3–6 weeks, making this term highly intensive and best suited for focused, motivated learners who like to challenge themselves.
Two Enrollment Optionals
CUPA offers two enrollment options to meet different student needs. Full-time students typically take five courses per semester and benefit from a cohesive academic experience. Students may also choose to enroll in a single course, allowing for greater flexibility or targeted enrichment alongside other academic commitments.