Lynnhaven Academy provides a progressive hands-on college preparatory curriculum that prepares students to take the next step beyond high school. Over 95% of graduates attend a four year university upon graduating. In most cases, students get into the college of their choice. Our students experience a significant increase in the amount of information that they retain when given the opportunity to practice what they are learning in the form of hands-on activities. Studies have shown that when students sit and listen intently, but passively, in a lecture-style environment, they retain 20 percent of the presented information. When they are given the opportunity to practice what they have just learned, that percentage increases to 75 percent. A Lynnhaven lesson often includes activities that are stimulating, active, and engaging. We have found their appetite for learning increases and they pay more attention to detail. Students also become more empowered in their own learning situation. Hands-on learning environments also develop critical thinking skills. We teach our students to make decisions on what to do next to receive the outcome they are striving to obtain. These critical thinking skills remain with a student as opposed to material that is simply memorized for a test. The goal is for a Lynnhaven graduate to have mastered the art of critical thinking so they can grow into productive citizens. The term "progressive education" has been used to describe ideas and practices that aim to make schools more effective agencies of a democratic society. Although there are numerous differences of style and emphasis among progressive educators, they share the conviction that democracy means active participation by all citizens in social, political, and economic decisions that will affect their lives.