About Us
Mission and Philosophy

Progressive Education

A Short History & Overview

In the mid-19th century, traditional curricula often centered on classical Greek and Latin texts and preparation for universities – which were both hierarchical and exclusive by design. In response, progressive education began to emerge in the late 1800s, championed by educational reformers from John Dewey to Caroline Pratt. In progressive schools, learning could be active and hands-on, collaborative and student-driven – and deeply engaged with contemporary society.

In the 21st century, progressive education "engages students as active participants in their learning and in society [...] responds to contemporary issues from a progressive educational perspective [and] promotes diversity, equity, and justice" (Progressive Education Network).

  • American University School of Education

    "One of the benefits of progressive education is that teachers recognize and honor the creativity and passions of individual students. Educators do not simply teach students information and expect them to memorize it [...] Instead, they have their students engage in active hands-on learning through projects, experiments, and collaboration with peers. In this way, students can pursue topics and subjects they are passionate about."

    - Traditional vs. Progressive Education: Benefits and Challenges (June 2020)

  • The Children's School

    "... the focus is on raising critical thinkers and inquirers who are active rather than passive learners. The teacher's job is to nurture and support children's innate curiosity and desire to learn."

    - The Children's School in Oak Park, IL (2021)

  • The Miquon School

    "Every Progressive educator starts that answer with the child ... with child-centered and inquiry-led education [...] foremost, we respect and trust children to learn, to make and follow rules, and to act, not only in their own self interests, but for the good of the group."

    - The Miquon School in Conshohocken, PA (2019)

  • University of Vermont

    "During most of the twentieth century, the term "progressive education" has been used to describe ideas and practices that aim to make schools more effective agencies of a democratic society. Although there are numerous differences of style and emphasis among progressive educators, they share the conviction that democracy means active participation by all citizens in social, political and economic decisions that will affect their lives."

    - A Brief Overview of Progressive Education, The John Dewey Project (January 2002)

  • UPenn Graduate School of Education

    “... progressive pedagogy [is] a practice that dispenses with the teacher-as-single-authority model in the classroom. Part of becoming a progressive educator is [...] becoming comfortable with allowing our students to take risks, and we are confident that our students will emerge from the consequences of these risks with a better understanding of their world."

    - One Teacher's Path to Progressive Pedagogy by Mathangi Subramanian (2006)

Resources & Writing

Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008    |    Phone: 202-362-8882    |    Fax: 202-362-1914