Progressive Education
Progressive education is more than a method; it is a philosophy that reshapes the purpose of schooling to focus on the holistic development of students. At Lynnhaven School, our roots are anchored in this philosophy, actualized through experiential learning and a commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Inspired by the foundational work of John Dewey and other progressive educators, we believe that learning is an active, dynamic process where students engage with real-world experiences, develop critical thinking skills, and become informed, responsible members of their communities.
John Dewey, often regarded as the father of progressive education, argued that education should not be confined to rote memorization or passive absorption of information. Instead, he emphasized learning through experience, stating, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” His vision positioned schools as spaces where students actively construct knowledge through inquiry, reflection, and hands-on engagement with their surroundings. Dewey’s philosophy was revolutionary in challenging the rigid, standardized models of traditional education and advocating for a system that nurtures intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and emotional growth.
At Lynnhaven School, we bring Dewey’s vision into the modern era by structuring education around meaningful experiences. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to connect learning with lived experiences, allowing students to explore complex concepts through interdisciplinary studies, field-based learning, and civic engagement. Experiential learning, as conceptualized by David Kolb, further reinforces our approach. Kolb’s experiential learning cycle—concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation—mirrors the way we guide students through discovery, analysis, and application. This framework ensures that students are not only absorbing information but also learning how to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and solve problems in a real-world context.
The progressive education movement has evolved over time, but its core tenets remain deeply relevant at Lynnhaven. We embrace a decolonized curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives and challenges the limitations of traditional education. Progressive educators such as Paulo Freire and bell hooks have emphasized the need for an inclusive, student-centered approach that empowers learners to take an active role in their education. Freire’s concept of education as a practice of freedom underscores our mission—to create an environment where students are not passive recipients of knowledge but engaged participants in their learning journey.
At the same time, we recognize and embrace the traditional aspects of learning that are essential to a well-rounded education. Our students engage in the academic study of American History, English, Sciences, and Math, gaining a strong foundation in core subjects that are critical to their intellectual development. We believe that progressive education and academic rigor are not mutually exclusive—rather, they complement one another, creating a learning environment where students develop both the knowledge and the skills to navigate an increasingly complex world.
By integrating these progressive ideals with traditional academic study, Lynnhaven provides students with the opportunity to engage deeply with their learning, develop a strong sense of self, and cultivate the skills necessary for success in an ever-changing world. Our school is not just a place where students prepare for their future; it is a space where they actively shape it. Through experiential learning, collaboration, and inquiry, we ensure that education at Lynnhaven is meaningful, relevant, and transformative—true to the spirit of progressive education.
John Dewey, often regarded as the father of progressive education, argued that education should not be confined to rote memorization or passive absorption of information. Instead, he emphasized learning through experience, stating, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” His vision positioned schools as spaces where students actively construct knowledge through inquiry, reflection, and hands-on engagement with their surroundings. Dewey’s philosophy was revolutionary in challenging the rigid, standardized models of traditional education and advocating for a system that nurtures intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and emotional growth.
At Lynnhaven School, we bring Dewey’s vision into the modern era by structuring education around meaningful experiences. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to connect learning with lived experiences, allowing students to explore complex concepts through interdisciplinary studies, field-based learning, and civic engagement. Experiential learning, as conceptualized by David Kolb, further reinforces our approach. Kolb’s experiential learning cycle—concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation—mirrors the way we guide students through discovery, analysis, and application. This framework ensures that students are not only absorbing information but also learning how to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and solve problems in a real-world context.
The progressive education movement has evolved over time, but its core tenets remain deeply relevant at Lynnhaven. We embrace a decolonized curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives and challenges the limitations of traditional education. Progressive educators such as Paulo Freire and bell hooks have emphasized the need for an inclusive, student-centered approach that empowers learners to take an active role in their education. Freire’s concept of education as a practice of freedom underscores our mission—to create an environment where students are not passive recipients of knowledge but engaged participants in their learning journey.
At the same time, we recognize and embrace the traditional aspects of learning that are essential to a well-rounded education. Our students engage in the academic study of American History, English, Sciences, and Math, gaining a strong foundation in core subjects that are critical to their intellectual development. We believe that progressive education and academic rigor are not mutually exclusive—rather, they complement one another, creating a learning environment where students develop both the knowledge and the skills to navigate an increasingly complex world.
By integrating these progressive ideals with traditional academic study, Lynnhaven provides students with the opportunity to engage deeply with their learning, develop a strong sense of self, and cultivate the skills necessary for success in an ever-changing world. Our school is not just a place where students prepare for their future; it is a space where they actively shape it. Through experiential learning, collaboration, and inquiry, we ensure that education at Lynnhaven is meaningful, relevant, and transformative—true to the spirit of progressive education.
