When Curiosity Meets the Classroom
When Sarah first visited the Antioch School, one of the nation’s oldest alternative schools, located in the vibrant village of Yellow Springs, she had one pressing question: “Is this real school?”
With its open classrooms, laughter echoing through the halls, and children engaged in projects instead of lectures, it didn’t look like the education she remembered. As she walked through the bright and inviting corridors, she noticed the large windows that flooded the space with natural light.
Every classroom had doors that opened directly onto green spaces, and she saw tables and couches instead of rows of desks. The children she encountered were surprisingly confident and expressive, and they were eager to talk to her about what they were working on.
By the end of her visit, she had an answer: not only was it real, it was exactly the kind of education she wanted for her child.
Morning — Setting the Tone for the Day
The day begins with students gathering in a circle for a morning meeting. This time is used to set intentions for the day, share announcements, and encourage open dialogue. Each child is given the chance to speak, fostering a sense of community and respect from the moment they arrive.
The school day has a cadence that children can rely on, such as folder work, music lessons, project time, free time, and group read-alouds.
This structure balances guidance with freedom, allowing students to take ownership of their learning while still benefiting from the teacher’s expertise.
Midday — Hands-On Learning in Action
By mid-morning, the classrooms are alive with activity.
In one room, students are working together to paint a backdrop for an upcoming class performance, blending creative expression with collaboration. Nearby, students work in a small group with their teacher on math concepts tailored to their learning pace.
Outside, a few children are collecting eggs from the school’s chickens, turning an everyday chore into a lesson in responsibility and biology. Academic rigor is ever-present, but it’s woven seamlessly into projects that engage critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.
Afternoon — Exploration and Emotional Growth
The latter part of the day emphasizes time in the outdoors and social-emotional development.
Lunch is enjoyed in a communal space where children eat with their friends at their own pace. Once finished, they transition into free time, playing and exploring the wooded campus.
A bell calls them back indoors for a group read-aloud, where they gather on comfy couches to listen to a story. Discussions often follow, helping children learn to see things from multiple perspectives.
Next, students move on to their end-of-day “jobs.” These are rotating responsibilities that help ensure their classroom and campus remain safe and welcoming for the next day.
Is Alternative Education Right for Your Child?
Start by asking yourself these questions or visit antiochschool.org/guide to download our full guide!
– Does my child thrive in hands-on, experiential learning environments?
– Am I looking for a school that emphasizes emotional intelligence as much as academics?
– Is it important that my child can learn at their own pace?
Come See for Yourself
At the Antioch School, we’ve been educating children for over 100 years! Visit our website or schedule a tour today, www.antiochschool.org.
Our Kids Love It!
Antioch School is located at 1160 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387