Parents today face no shortage of questions about education. How much structure is too much? What helps children become confident, resilient, and independent? And what role should curiosity play in learning?
Later this month, the La Grange community will have the opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading voices on those questions.
Tallgrass Sudbury School will host Dr. Peter Gray, renowned psychologist, researcher, and author of the bestselling book Free to Learn, for a special keynote presentation titled “What Is Self-Directed Education, and How Do We Know It Works?” The event is part of the 2026 Global Self-Directed Democratic School Conference being hosted right here in La Grange.
Dr. Gray, a Research Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College, has spent decades studying how children learn through play, exploration, and self-direction. His research examines an educational approach that encourages students to take ownership of their learning while adults serve as guides rather than directors.
Whether you’re a parent considering educational options, an educator interested in innovative teaching methods, a homeschool family, or simply curious about new ideas in child development, this presentation offers a chance to hear directly from one of the field’s most influential researchers.
Tallgrass Sudbury School, located in downtown La Grange, has been serving families with its self-directed educational model for years and welcomes students ages 5–18 from throughout the Chicago area.
Event Details
- What: What Is Self-Directed Education, and How Do We Know It Works?
- Speaker: Dr. Peter Gray
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
- Location: Tallgrass Sudbury School, 100 6th Avenue, La Grange
- Tickets: Suggested donation; advance registration requested.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there are different ways for children to learn and flourish, this promises to be an engaging evening of research, discussion, and fresh perspectives.
Learn more and reserve your spot here:
https://ticketstripe.com/self-directed-education-talk-with-Peter-Gray