Paul Bianchi, Founding Head of The Paideia School, Passes Away

News Summary

Paul Bianchi, the founding head of The Paideia School in Atlanta, has passed away at the age of 79. He dedicated over five decades to transforming the school from a small institution into a thriving K-12 educational environment. Bianchi is remembered for his commitment to education, his nurturing approach, and the legacy he leaves behind in the community. Funeral arrangements have been set, and tributes highlight his significant impact on generations of students and families.

Atlanta – Paul Bianchi, the founding head of The Paideia School in Atlanta, passed away peacefully at his home on May 10, 2025, at the age of 79. Bianchi, who led the school from its inception in 1971 until his retirement in 2023, leaves behind a significant legacy in the field of education.

Bianchi is survived by his wife, Barbara Dunbar, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage, their three daughters, Melissa, Sarah, and Emily, and eight grandchildren. His family, friends, and colleagues remember him as a beloved educator, described as a guiding light to generations of students and families at Paideia.

Under Bianchi’s leadership, The Paideia School evolved from a modest start with 145 students to a thriving K-12 institution now serving over 1,000 students. When Bianchi was offered the position as head at the age of 25, the school was devoid of buildings, faculty, students, or funding, but his vision and commitment transformed it into a respected educational establishment.

Even after retiring, Bianchi continued to contribute to The Paideia School, teaching and fostering an academic environment that emphasized the values of curiosity, compassion, and community. His approach was rooted in an educational philosophy that prioritized the role of teachers and a nurturing community over the physical infrastructure of the school.

Tributes and Memorial Plans

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, a 2005 graduate of Paideia, recognized Bianchi’s impactful contributions, labeling him as one of Georgia’s most beloved and influential educational leaders. The Paideia School is planning to unveil a new sculpture that will memorialize the “eraser toss” tradition, which Bianchi started, at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. A plaque on the sculpture will feature an inspiring quote by Bianchi that encapsulates the school’s culture of optimism and joy.

Melba Hughes, a retired board member at Paideia, praised Bianchi’s brilliance and his ability to create a strong community. In lieu of flowers, the Bianchi family has requested donations be made to the school’s financial aid program, emphasizing their commitment to the values that Bianchi instilled during his tenure.

Funeral Arrangements and Background

Funeral services for Paul Bianchi are set for Friday, May 16, at 1 p.m. at Symphony Hall, located within the Woodruff Arts Center. Bianchi overcame significant challenges early in life, including battling polio at the age of five, and eventually pursued academic excellence at Harvard University. He later became a devoted family man, raising his daughters at Paideia and creating a nurturing home filled with encouragement.

Bianchi frequently wrote letters to his grandchildren, imparting wisdom that urged them to take their academic efforts seriously while also stressing the importance of not taking themselves too seriously. His vibrant personality and unwavering dedication to progressive education have left an indelible mark on the school community and beyond.

As the community mourns the loss of Paul Bianchi, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire educators and students alike for years to come. His vision for education, rooted in kindness and curiosity, has helped shape a generation and established The Paideia School as a unique and impactful institution within the Atlanta area.

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Additional Resources

• Rough Draft Atlanta
• Wikipedia: Education in the United States
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Search: Paul Bianchi
• Atlanta News First
• Google Scholar: Paul Bianchi
• 11Alive
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• WSBTV
• Google News: Paideia School