Founded in 1920, BCDS was one of the nation’s first progressive schools and remains at the forefront of the movement almost a century later.

Progressive education is a combination of educational practice and philosophy that was originally based on the ideas of John Dewey and others. In the present era, progressive education is characterized by a student-centered approach to learning.

Progressive education is about using the knowledge of teaching and learning we have gained through research and experience to develop educational practices that challenge each student to succeed against high standards as we honor the unique capabilities and experiences of each student.

Characteristics of progressive education as we practice it at Beaver Country Day School include an emphasis on:

• Problem-solving
• Collaborative learning
• Learning in an interdisciplinary framework
• Learning in a culturally inclusive context
• Sensitivity to students' cognitive styles
• Maintaining high subject-matter standards in a college preparatory context

We don't see progressive education as either radical or rocket science--it's about teaching and learning that engages students, invests them in the process of their own education, and offers them the tools to become independent, reflective learners. Here's how we describe it:

Progressive education at BCDS puts the student at the center of teaching. We believe that every child can meet the highest standard. Responsive, pragmatic teaching honors and challenges the unique experience, creativity, and capacity of each student. We design the curriculum to deepen understanding and to inspire students, working individually and collaboratively, to make connections across disciplines, culture, and time.

Progressive education is, by nature, a work in progress. As we at BCDS engage in the ongoing work of implementing our ideas and ideals, we know that we must constantly be searching for even better ways to achieve our goals as educators and the mission of our school.

We welcome your inquiry into what it means to be a progressive school, and we hope that this page will provide a helpful starting point for your own exploration of progressive education.

Please contact Rob Connor, Assistant Head of School, for more information.

Our Standards of Effective Teaching

A BCDS teacher will:

• Maintain a learning environment in which individual learning styles and cognitive, emotional, and creative capacities are honored

• Maintain a learning environment in which the personal and cultural experience of each student is honored

• Set clear standards and expectations

• Maintain a disciplined and productive classroom culture

• Be committed to helping students see and understand issues from multiple perspectives

• Maintain a learning environment in which collaboration and purposeful effort are expected

• Be an expert and passionate participant in her or his subject area

• Be deeply committed to expanding her or his own knowledge and practice and to the growth and development of children

• Contribute in meaningful ways to the non-academic life of students and of the school