Director’ s Message
In Falk’ s mission statement, we identify ourselves using three critical terms— progressive, demonstration, and experimental. It’ s these three words that define our teaching philosophy and set us apart from countless other schools nationwide. While every learning environment strives to educate students to become lifelong learners, experience success, and engage in society, Falk is unique for doing so with a deeply intentional commitment to inquiry, research, reflection, improvement, and— most importantly— educationally progressive practices.
Progressive education is a philosophical approach to teaching and learning that’ s rooted in authentic experiences. It emphasizes that learners understand and retain knowledge best when they engage with meaningful, relevant projects in real-life contexts. Rather than asking students to learn abstract concepts that may or may not become relevant in their lives, progressive education focuses on purpose-driven learning that is immediately applicable to and integrated with the world around them. It’ s about preparing students to engage thoughtfully and creatively with their surroundings— both today and in the future.
This approach draws insights from developmental psychology, the science of learning, and close observation of how people learn. It places strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and active engagement. Though its name may sound modern, progressive education has deep historical roots dating back to the late 1800s and the work of Francis Parker, founding president of the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, and John Dewey, founder of The Laboratory School at the University of Chicago. Their visionary influences helped shape the values we uphold today.
At Falk, we believe in educating the whole child— academically, socially, emotionally, and ethically. Our classrooms are dynamic spaces where students engage with real problems, ask big questions, and develop the confidence and skills to make meaningful contributions. When alumni visit, they often recall the way teachers valued their voices, how actively involved they were in their learning, and the many skills they developed through signature Falk projects like mapping the city of Pittsburgh with 3D buildings, exploring simple machines with marble roller coasters, and investigating history and ethics with mock trials.
In this issue of En Avant, I am thrilled to introduce Falk’ s Progressive Education Tenets. Just as the 21 Wishes for Our Children capture our hopes for children as they grow and learn here, our Progressive Education Tenets articulate the educational philosophy and beliefs we have held since Falk’ s founding in 1931— and that continue to guide our decision-making in the classroom and beyond.
“ While every learning environment strives to educate students to become lifelong learners, experience success, and engage in society, Falk is unique for doing so with a deeply intentional commitment to inquiry, research, reflection, improvement, and— most importantly— educationally progressive practices.”
From inclusive learning frameworks and thoughtful academic and behavioral support systems to a student-led spring musical and an innovative fitness program for Intermediate( grades 3 – 5) students, the stories in this magazine reflect the progressive practices deeply ingrained in our school culture. I hope it fills you with joy to know that children at Falk are continuing to receive a stellar, formative education nearly 100 years after the school was chartered. We invite you to visit and encourage you to share your stories with us, too.
Jill Sarada, EdD Director, Falk Laboratory School
FALK LABORATORY SCHOOL | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 2