Approaches
We are launching a new online introductory course on alternatives to conventional schooling in April 2026. Please join us at our free online launch event on 22-24th April.
Progressive Approaches to Education
If you are looking for alternatives to conventional methods in education, you will find a list of approaches below, which clicks through to further information about each one.
Just for clarity – as Progressive Education means different things to different people – we’re going with the dictionary definition, using the adjective “progressive” referring to change, transformation and looking to the future, as opposed to maintaining the status quo, as per this dictionary.com definition:
For us, it’s about moving away from a top-down authoritarian approach, and prioritising autonomy, agency, student voice, choice, mental health and wellbeing, as well as 21st century life skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.
Why Do We Need Progressive Alternatives to Conventional Education?
There are many reasons why progressive approaches are becoming more popular. Our website presents the concerns that people have with our state education system and fifteen changes that many are calling for.
Democratic and Self-Directed Education
Directory of Education Providers
Search our directory for progressive schools and learning communities near you.
In order to search, in some browsers you will need to click on “Filters”. From there you can search by keyword (e.g. location, school name), and you can filter by educational approach. In other browsers you will see these three icons at the bottom of the page:
You can click on the magnifying glass icon to get to the Filters option as per above. You can use the other icons to view education providers in a list (list icon) or on a map (flag icon). We aim to make the search functionality more sophisticated over time.
If you would like to add an education provider to our directory, please get in touch.
Books About Alternatives to Conventional Schooling
Alternative Approaches to Education: A Guide for Teachers and Parents, book by Fiona Carnie
The Unschooler’s Educational Dictionary: A Lighthearted Introduction to the World of Education and Curriculum-Free Alternatives, by Jonas Koblin
Other Education, the Journal of Educational Alternatives – This publication focuses on the theory, philosophy and practice of educational alternatives, such as home education, de-schooling, democratic schooling, Sudbury, Montessori, Steiner and alternative approaches within mainstream.