The Alternative To Mainstream
Preshil shares many similarities to the Philosophies of influential educational thinkers including Rudolf Steiner, Maria Montessori, John Dewey, Friedrich Froebel and our founding Principal, Greta Lyttle, providing progressive educational models that form the basis of our approach to learning.
Preshil is not only Australia’s oldest progressive school, but was also influential in the development of progressive pedagogy at the local, national and international levels. Seminal educationalists such as Alexander Neill, Dorothy Howard, Jean Stirrat, Oscar Oeser, June Factor, Dorothy Ross, Henry Schoenheimer and Elizabeth Hanby were influenced by Preshil, and the school’s child-centred and play-based learning is today recognised in mainstream pedagogy.
Today
Preshil celebrates its 90th birthday in 2021, and today remains true to its two founding principles – engaging with each child as an individual, and building personal responsibility, self-esteem, resilience, initiative, creativity and courage.
Under the leadership of our Principal, Josh Brody, and with the support of the School Board, teachers and the Preshil community, the School is undertaking a range of investments and improvements to ensure it remains at the cutting edge of educational practice in the 21st century.
Our motto of courage continues to be a hallmark of Preshil graduates as they make their way in the world.