Founded in 1969 by Mary Leue, the Albany Free School is the oldest inner-city independent alternative school in the United States.
The school based on freedom and democratic principles that was equally, if not more accessible to children of the poor.
We are a community far more than a school providing a safe, nurturing, open space where kids ages three through fourteen learn.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 28 students
- Yearly Tuition: $7,500
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
28 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
61%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
8 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Comfortable clothes that can get a little dirty.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition is sliding scale based on income ranging from $2,500 - $7,500 annually. Tuition is broken up into 10 monthly payments.
% on Financial Aid
60%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$200
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Deirdre Kelly
Admissions Associate
Christine Berghala
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Free School cost?
The Free School's tuition is approximately $7,500 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Free School?
The acceptance rate of The Free School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 79%.
When is the application deadline for The Free School?
The application deadline for The Free School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is The Free School located?
The Free School is located in the Mansion Area neighborhood of Albany, NY.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The Free School also viewed these schools: Bethlehem Childrens School, Castle Island Bilingual Montessori, Albany Academies, St. Catherine's Center For Children R & E May School and Mater Christi School.
The nearest high school to The Free School is Bishop Maginn High School (0.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Castle Island Bilingual Montessori (0.6 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-1 | 121 students 6.4 miles 12 Fisher Boulevard
Slingerlands, NY 12159
(518) 478-0224
Slingerlands, NY 12159
(518) 478-0224
6.4
PK-1
121
Castle Island Bilingual Montessori![Castle Island Bilingual Montessori Photo - Joyful friends!]( "Castle Island Bilingual Montessori Photo - Joyful friends!")
All-boys | Montessori School
Grades: NS-6 | 48 students 0.6 miles 602 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 533-9838
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 533-9838
0.6
NS-6
48
Grades: PK-12 | 680 students 1.4 miles 135-140 Academy Road
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 429-2300
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 429-2300
1.4
PK-12
680
St. Catherine's Center For Children R & E May School
Special Education School
Grades: 1-6 | 40 students 2.1 miles 30 N Main Ave
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 453-6710
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 453-6710
2.1
1-6
40
Grades: PK-8 | 171 students 3 miles 35 Hurst Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 489-3111
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 489-3111
3
PK-8
171
School Reviews
Endorse The Free School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
