What Is Progressive Education?
Progressive education is rooted in the belief that learning should be meaningful, student-centered, and connected to real life. It is designed to support the development of the whole child: intellectually, emotionally, socially, and ethically. Instead of memorization and passive instruction, progressive education emphasizes inquiry, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
According to the Progressive Education Network, progressive educators share a commitment to:
Student voice, agency, and responsibility
Learning that is active, relevant, and rooted in real-world experience
Diversity, equity, and social justice in both curriculum and community
Building relationships as the foundation of learning
A Legacy of Ideas
Progressive education has deep roots in the work of thinkers and practitioners who believed that learning should prepare students not just for tests, but for life in a complex, interconnected world. Our school draws from a wide range of ideas, including the work of:
Tom Little, a modern advocate of progressive education and co-author of Loving Learning, who visited progressive schools around the country and helped define a contemporary vision for progressive education.
Josephine Duveneck, who emphasized nature-based, community-driven learning at Hidden Villa and helped pioneer inclusive, ethical education.
Gloria Ladson-Billings, whose groundbreaking work in culturally relevant pedagogy challenges schools to honor students' identities, lived experiences, and communities as essential components of meaningful learning.
John Dewey, who believed schools should be democratic communities and that learning through experience is essential to personal and social growth.
Linda Darling-Hammond, an education researcher and advocate for equitable, whole-child approaches to learning that bridge research and practice.
Schools That Inspire Us
At Sacramento Community School, we are part of a larger movement shaped by progressive schools across the country and especially by those here in California who are already bringing this approach to life. These schools offer powerful examples of what education can be when curiosity, creativity, and connection are at the center:
Brightworks School (San Francisco, CA)
Celebrated for its project-based "arcs" that foster deep inquiry, creative exploration, and real-world engagement.
Park Day School (Oakland, CA)
Combines strong academics with a commitment to social justice, sustainability, and integrated, hands-on learning.
Peninsula School (Menlo Park, CA)
A vibrant, child-centered community where play, artistic expression, and exploration are core to meaningful learning.
Puget Sound Community School (Seattle, WA)
A radical, relationship-driven middle and high school where students co-create their learning with staff and explore what it means to be ethical, independent thinkers.
Holden High School (Orinda, CA)
A small, inclusive high school designed for students who thrive in creative, personalized environments rooted in respect and emotional support.
Watershed School (Boulder, CO)
Emphasizes real-world challenges, interdisciplinary projects, and a strong sense of community, helping students grow into engaged citizens.
