Twenty-first-century contemporary life bears little resemblance to that of the industrial revolution. Despite that, the traditional style of teaching developed at that time is still the prevailing method across the country. It’s a model that educator Bryce Carlisle says has outlived its effectiveness. Carlisle left a longtime position with a highly regarded private school to develop and promote an innovative alternative. Drawing influence from ancient practices as well as modern modalities, Waterloo School in Austin, Texas is breaking all the rules of old-fashioned education.

As we continue to go into the 21st-century economy and the work, the workplace is changing and the needs for education are rapidly changing.

The Waterloo School approach is intentionally multidimensional, pulling students out of the classroom and sending them into the city of Austin to be mentored by professionals. This modern apprenticeship-style program complements classroom learning and coaching. Named for the pioneers who founded the town of Waterloo, now Austin, Carlisle says, “This amazing city is full of innovators, and that network allows impactful relationships of mentorship where young people experience firsthand how to be valued contributors and serve the needs of a going concern.” Bryce Carlisle is not alone in believing that education is failing the next generation. The Waterloo School curriculum is an emerging concept that is gaining speed in higher education as well. In an unprecedented era of globalization and technology, merging the best of traditions with the most of modern technology is the only way to prepare young people for the world they will have to navigate.

Waterloo School motto — “Learn to be future-ready now.”