This paper explores, from the perspective of political philosophy of education, the hypothesis that an explicit and assumed paradigm shift from a republican view of school to a more democratic, individualistic, liberal and morally minimalist conception of school may be necessary in the near future. First we refine this initial diagnosis by specifying the way in which society of individuals compels institutions to work on redefining their legitimacy and the conditions of possibility of their action (1). Then we present three concepts drawn from the liberal axiomatic and/or its contemporary deployments and reinvestment - the axiological neutrality of the state, negative freedom and prudence - which we deem to enable school to take up such a challenge (2). Finally, we test these proposals for intellectual resources by showing how they can help school clarifying its social and political role, to make itself capable of being inclusive and inspiring confidence (3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]