What is Agency School

This chapter documents teaching philosophies and practices from the perspective of agency schoolteachers working with in-risk students. Highlighted is the philosophy of holistic education, which emphasizes the whole growth of the learner, rather than only specific parts of student experience and capability. Students become more balanced in their outlook on life when they can value themselves and recognize their abilities concerning the world around them. This chapter draws on interview data that was collected from current agency schoolteachers in Southwestern Ontario. Holistic education is detailed, and this philosophy models a teaching approach that is ideal within all classrooms, especially those working with in-risk students.