What if learning went beyond textbooks, tests, and traditional classrooms? In this episode of Celebrating Us, we explore three inspiring approaches to education: Chelsea Addison’s Savannah’s Savings Jar, which introduces children to financial literacy and entrepreneurship; St. Louis Sudbury School, where students direct their own learning without required curriculum, homework, tests, or grades; and The Sparkle Effect, where students with and without disabilities build confidence, teamwork, and inclusion together through cheerleading. These stories show how curiosity, real-world experiences, independence, and community can transform the way we learn.

Teaching Children Financial Literacy with “Savannah’s Savings Jar”
Former St. Louis teacher Chelsea Addison is doing her part to teach financial literacy to young students. “Savannah’s Savings Jar” is the first of six books.

Sudbury School; Self Directed Education
Saint Louis Sudbury School is based on the principle that we are born curious and learn best when we initiate our own learning.

Sparkle Effect Team
The Sparkle Effect is a program that creates high school cheer squads that include students with and without disabilities on the same team.