The Children's School of Oak Park, IL
- Grades
-
K–8
- Progressive
- Day
Who we are
What is progressive education?
Progressive education goes by a variety of names and descriptions, but at its heart, it is education for democratic citizenship. In a time when our civic institutions are increasingly fractious, the traditions of progressive education remind us how to foster dialogue across differences, consider the needs of others, and speak and act for the common good.
Why learn through projects?
Projects begin with a wondering, a question to answer, a problem to be solved.
When school experiences are rooted in curiosity and inquiry, they have meaning and purpose for students. Learning is exciting to them, and their innate drive toward mastery leads to real accomplishments rather than a grade or a check mark. Inquiry-based projects foster both academic skills and life skills as students collaborate and communicate with others to carry forward their own purposes.
How we engage students
At The Children’s School, curriculum is a fluid, responsive entity. Within a framework of important skills and ideas at each developmental level, teachers enjoy the freedom to mold the specifics of their curriculum to meet the needs of the unique group of children before them.
Students get a say
The progressive approach to education is rooted in the belief that the best way to educate young people for democratic citizenship is for them to participate in democratic decision-making within a cooperative community. We intentionally build structured opportunities for students to bring forward their concerns and ideas about their school at every grade level.
Can education make the world a better place?
Curiosity about the world often uncovers situations of injustice and unfair treatment of others along with a concurrent desire to solve these inequities. We incorporate key concepts in our curriculum and group process that develop an understanding of social justice. Many of our student projects and institutional activities incorporate civic engagement and community work with social justice goals.