Reference

A.S. Neill, known for founding the Summerhill School, played a significant role in the American free school movement by pioneering the "free school" philosophy. His school, Summerhill, emphasized freedom and self-directed learning for children, where lessons were not mandatory, and students had a say in their education.

Neill's approach inspired many educators and institutions involved in the free school movement in America during the 1960s and onwards. His ideas on democratic and student-centered education challenged traditional schooling methods and emphasized the importance of respecting children as individuals capable of responsibility and self-regulation.

Summerhill became a model for similar educational experiments in the United States and contributed to the broader dialogue about progressive education.

For more information, you can read his biography on Wikipedia and check other resources like Britannica and Open Culture.