Is Progressive Education Right for Your Child?
6 Signs It Might Be
By Leanna Barrett, Head of Liberty Woodland School
More and more parents are asking: Is there a kind of education that brings out the best in my child—academically, emotionally and creatively?
At Liberty Woodland School, we often meet families who are looking for something deeper. They want their child to be challenged, not crammed. Supported, not squeezed. Inspired, not simply instructed.
Progressive education is sometimes misunderstood as “gentle” or less demanding. The reality is quite the opposite. When it’s done well, it’s more academically rigorous, more relevant, and more dynamic, because it’s rooted in how children actually learn, and what they’ll actually need.
Here are six signs that progressive education might be the right fit for your child:
1. Your child is curious—but disengaged
Many of the children who flourish here are full of questions, ideas, and energy—but they’ve switched off in traditional classrooms. That’s not a lack of ability. It’s a response to learning that feels irrelevant, disconnected, or purely focused on memorisation.
At Liberty Woodland School, learning is rooted in real-world relevance. Through interdisciplinary, project-based learning, children explore big ideas—like climate change, innovation, or history through marginalised voices—and work toward public presentations, exhibitions or campaigns that are shared with authentic audiences.
This approach not only makes learning more exciting and meaningful, it also mirrors the world of work: real problems, collaborative thinking, fixed deadlines, and communication that matters.
Compare that with a traditional model, where subjects are boxed up, knowledge is memorised for a test, and the audience is one teacher and one grade. Which one better prepares your child for life?
It’s no surprise that, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, the most in-demand skills in the coming decade will be critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability and self-management. That’s exactly what our curriculum is built to develop.
And when children understand why they’re learning—and know that their voice matters—they are intrinsically motivated to work harder, go deeper, and do better.
2. They need challenge that excites—not pressure that overwhelms
There’s a difference between rigour and pressure. Progressive education doesn’t lower the bar, it changes where it’s set.
Our students are constantly asked to think critically, solve problems, question assumptions, and communicate their thinking. The expectations are high, but they’re human.
We don’t pile on pressure through endless assessment. We stretch children through complex, connected, meaningful work. It’s more ambitious, and more sustainable.
3. They’re motivated by purpose, not points
Does your child come alive when learning has a “why”? Are they more engaged when there’s a real issue or problem to explore?
Progressive education places purpose at the centre. At Liberty Woodland, children aren’t working for stickers or scores. They’re building campaigns, designing products, writing books, running debates, and presenting them to people who are genuinely listening.
That sense of purpose is a game-changer. It builds pride, confidence, and a desire to keep learning, not because they have to, but because they want to. They feel empowered that their work matters.
4. They learn better through doing
Some children learn best when they’re active participants: making, testing, questioning, and reflecting. These are not “alternative learners”, they’re children who thrive when learning is experiential.
At Liberty Woodland, we use project-based learning, outdoor experiences, and hands-on exploration as core components of academic learning—not as enrichment or extras. It’s not about being less academic. It’s about making academics more real.
5. They need a rhythm that supports their wellbeing
The reality is that many children today are over-assessed, over-scheduled, and under-supported. We are seeing rising levels of anxiety, burnout, and disengagement—often in children who are labelled as “fine” because they’re compliant or high-achieving.
We believe that protecting children’s mental health is not a side task—it’s central to good education.
At Liberty Woodland, wellbeing is intentionally woven into everything we do: Morning Meetings, mindfulness, nature immersion, free play, and daily reflection. But it’s also part of what we explicitly teach:
- Self-management
- Communication
- Research and inquiry skills
- Social collaboration
- Emotional resilience
- Critical and creative thinking
These aren’t extras. They’re essential tools for life.
6. You want your child to know who they are—and where they’re going
Academic success matters. But what’s the point if your child doesn’t know who they are, what they love, or how to pursue it?
At Liberty Woodland, we take the time to help each child understand their strengths, passions, and emerging identity. We ask, “Who do you want to be? What impact do you want to have? What lights you up?”
From there, we begin supporting each child to develop a meaningful pathway—helping them build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to move toward their future with direction and purpose.
What Next?
Progressive education is not about opting out of challenge. It’s about opting into relevance, rigour, and joy. It’s for families who want more than just a narrow academic outcome—who want a school that prepares children for life, not just for exams.
I also know that choosing something different isn’t always easy. Breaking free from the herd can feel bold, even scary. It means doing something that might not be understood by everyone around you.
But for many of the families who join us, it turns out to be the most rewarding decision they’ve made. Because when you see your child thriving, not just surviving, you know you’ve chosen well.
If any of these signs sound familiar, come and visit Liberty Woodland School. See the way we learn. Feel the energy. Watch the way children carry themselves, with curiosity, confidence, and calm.
You’ll know if it’s the right fit. Many families do, the moment they walk through the gate.
