What is the difference between the various MAXIMize programs?

There are four versions of MAXIMize:

  • MAXIMize the Moment (MTM) is designed for middle and high schools;
  • MAXIMize the Moment Junior (MAX Jr.) is intended for third to sixth grades;
  • MAXIMize Your Family Time (MAXFam) is for families with children in middle and high schools; and,
  • MAXIMize Your Family Time Junior (MAXFam Jr.) for families with children in third to sixth grades.

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How similar are the school and home-use versions?

School and home lessons coincide every week, so that school and home are addressing the same issues at the same time. One of the most dynamic features of the MAXIMize family of programs is its ability to create home-school partnerships. The home-se version does include additional questions as well as tips for effective communication with your children.

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Do the regular MAXIMize and Junior versions coincide?

Because students in different age groups experience different issues and we want make sure that MAXIMize is relevant, MTM and MAX Jr. lessons do not always address the same issues.

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Can I start my subscription mid-year?

Of course. No matter when you begin, your subscription will run for 36 weeks. If you do not use the full 36 lessons in a single school year, your remaining lessons will carry over into the next year.

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What if I want to pay now and begin my subscription next Fall? Can I do that?

Absolutely. On your order form, be sure to note that you are placing an order for a subscription for the next academic year. We will process your order now, then send your password and UserID in August. You will begin receiving MAXIMize lessons when our next publication year starts in August.

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What is the cost of a subscription to MAXIMize?

Subscription rates vary depending on the type of program.

  • For $149, schools have access to the online version of the lessons.
  • For $25, families have access to lessons online.

Due to generous donations to the Combined Federal Campaign, a limited number of scholarships for MAXIMize are available. To find out more about CFC-funded scholarships, go to (include link). To request a scholarship application, please contact Rielle at 202-872-4767 or send an email to maximize@ethics.org.

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How will I receive new lessons?

Subscribers receive new lessons every Thursday. Web-based users receive weekly reminder emails containing links to the secured MAXIMize website. All subscribers have unique User ID's and passwords that give them access to the site. Alternately, schools can choose to receive the lessons by fax every Thursday. (There is a small handling fee for fax delivery).

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What exactly is a MAXIMize lesson? What will I receive each week?

Each MAXIMize lesson contains the same basic elements:

  • A story based on current events and everyday issues students face;
  • A maxim;
  • Information about related character traits;
  • Discussion questions and journal starters; and,
  • Links to websites about the maxim's author and/or that week's issue.

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Do all of the versions of MAXIMize have the same format?

Basically, yes, but some versions of MAXIMize do feature additional resources. MAX Jr. includes a suggested activity called "Extending the Conversation." In addition to the information found in the school lessons, MAXFam and MAXFam Jr. subscribers receive tips for creating effective dialogue within the home and an additional set of discussion questions.

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How do schools actually implement MAXIMize?

Schools are currently using MAXIMize in a variety of ways:

  • As part of daily announcements;
  • For journal writing exercises;
  • During homeroom discussion and class meeting times;
  • In Special Education and ROTC courses;
  • To create dialogue between peer leaders and younger students; and,
  • By tying MAXIMize messages to current events, history, and other parts of the existing curriculum.

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Do schools and students really like MAXIMize?

Schools cite the relevant stories, useful maxims, helpful character trait information, and meaningful discussion questions as reasons they like the program. They also feel the program is user-friendly because MAXIMize is versatile and can be adapted to many different teaching situations. To read comments from our subscribers, click here (include link)

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Can I suggest a topic for a MAXIMize or tell someone about a maxim I really like?

We welcome suggestions! If something happens at your school and you are looking for a good excuse to bring the issue up, let us know. Because MAXIMize is current, we can make sure that it gets addressed almost right away. To contact us, call Katie at 202-872-4767 or send us an email to maximize@ethics.org (include a link) Your input helps make MAXIMize meaningful and relevant. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Is there a way I can get special lessons to deal with particular issues or events that are happening at my school? Can I substitute?

Sure. We want MAXIMize to work for you so, with your subscription, you can access a limited number of archived lessons on a broad variety of topics. For more information, please contact Rielle at 202-872-4767 or send us an email to maximize@ethics.org.

After you've selected the archived lesson you want, let us know and we'll send it out to you. If you don't have time to go through the archives or are having trouble finding what you are looking for, give us a call and we can help you select the exact MAXIMize to fit your needs.

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