The Free School (2026-27 Profile)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

School Type: Special Program Emphasis
Grades: Prekindergarten-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 Facts

School Type

School with Special Program Emphasis

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Other special emphasis association(s)
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	The Free School
Kind	2
1	3
2	1
3	3
4	4
5	4
6	3
7	4
8	4

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Year Founded

1969

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

28 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

61%

State avg.: 39%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

4 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

7:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

50%

Average Class Size

8 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Comfortable clothes that can get a little dirty.

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$7,500

View national tuition avg.

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.: 82%

Admissions Director

Deirdre Kelly

Admissions Associate

Christine Berghala

School Notes

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 and community members can volunteer, educate and make use of the space for community offerings and special events.

Source: Verified school update

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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 76%.

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.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Albany, NY is $10,910 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Albany, NY is 83% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).