What makes a high school 'progressive'?

Can someone explain to me what criteria or qualities make a high school 'progressive'? I hear this term being used a lot and wanted to understand it better. Cheers!

The term 'progressive' when applied to a high school usually refers to the school's approach to education. Progressive schools often incorporate methodologies that actively engage students in their learning and development. Unlike traditional schools that are more lecture-based, progressive schools typically focus on individualized instruction and hands-on learning experiences.

Here are few aspects often found in progressive high schools:

1. Student-Centered Learning: Progressive education firstly puts a strong emphasis on the student's interests and needs. The curriculum is often flexible and adaptable, focusing on engaging students based on their own interests and encouraging them to participate actively in their education.

2. Learning through Experience: These schools value 'learning by doing'. This often means practical, hands-on assignments and projects that allow students to apply the concepts they've learned. The projects are usually interdisciplinary, combining knowledge from multiple subject areas.

3. Community Engagement: Progressive schools often believe in fostering civic engagement, encouraging students to participate in community service or other activities that highlight the importance of societal involvement.

4. Emphasis on Critical Thinking: Instead of rote memorization, progressive schools stress on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The idea is to equip students with skills they can apply throughout their lives.

5. Inclusive Education: Progressive schools often provide an inclusive environment, where all opinions and perspectives are respected. Equality, justice, and respect for diversity are key elements in such schools.

6. Cooperative learning: Progressive learning climates are typically less competitive, more collaborative. Students often work in groups or teams, learning to depend on one another and encouraging collective intelligence.

In sum, progressive high schools tend to provide a more personalized, experiential, and inclusive style of education. They aim to foster a love for lifelong learning and critical thought processes in their students. But as with any teaching methodology, what works best varies from student to student. Different students thrive in different educational environments.