Atlanta, May 10 — The Paideia School announces with deep sadness the passing of Paul Bianchi, founding head of school, beloved educator, and guiding light to generations of students, families, and colleagues. Paul passed away on May 10, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, care, and commitment to progressive education.
Paul led The Paideia School from its founding in 1971 until his retirement in 2023, shaping its identity as a school that values curiosity, compassion, and community. What began as a dream shared by a small group of parents and a young educator became one of the nation’s most respected independent schools, due in large part to Paul’s vision, tenacity, and humanity.
In a reflection on school leadership he once wrote, Paul said, “A school is about people—students and faculty and families. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels they belong, where laughter matters, and where every child is known and loved.” His reflective writings and school events, including annual, “Why I Teach,” speeches offered opportunities to celebrate the joys and challenges of school life with wit, humility, and insight.
Current Head of School Tom Taylor reflected, “Paul was a model of what it means to lead with heart. His presence was felt in every hallway, in every conversation, in every act of care that built this community. He is woven into the very fabric of Paideia, and his memory will always be a part of who we are as a school.”
The family has prepared an obituary that can be read here.
As we mourn this loss, we also give thanks for the extraordinary life of a man who made school feel like home—and who believed, above all, in the power of people to learn, grow, and build something beautiful together.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Caroline Driebe, Director of Communications and Marketing
driebe.caroline@paideiaschool.org
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The Paideia School, 501(c)(3), is one of the nation’s leading progressive schools and one of just a few progressive schools in the Southeast. Founded in 1971, the school was named for the ancient Greek word signifying a child’s total education: intellectual, artistic and social. Located on 16 acres in in-town Atlanta, The Paideia School is grounded in a framework of values that include, among others, excellence and hard work, learning as a lifelong process, social responsibility and respect for diversity. Twenty-two percent of its 2021 class were National Merit honorees. The Paideia School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).