Paideia is the ancient Greek word for education and references both formal and informal learning, as well as the culture that is generated when such learning is held in common. The use of the name Paideia for Luther College's core academic program honors the conviction that life in community depends on centuries of shared wisdom.

Paideia at Luther includes three interdisciplinary courses: a common two-semester sequence for first-year students (Paideia I), and a series of one-semester courses for juniors and seniors (Paideia II). The program also incorporates performances and events, including an annual lecture series; library acquisitions; student writing services; a faculty development program that includes sabbatical grants and summer workshops; and a faculty journal Agora: Luther College in Conversation.

All these activities receive financial support from the Paideia Endowment, originally established through National Endowment for the Humanities grants matched by friends of Luther College.