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 (2025)
- 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
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 1, 2025
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.: 81%
Admissions Director
Deirdre Kelly
Admissions Associate
Christine Berghala
Application URL
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 higher than the national average of 74%.
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
Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.
For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.
2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
This article reviews the top SSAT prep courses, including Test Innovators, Enrollment Management Association (EMA), Princeton Review, Ivy Global, and Kaplan. Each course is evaluated based on its price, in-person and online services, officially licensed materials, instant normative scoring, and free trial options. We'll dive into the features and benefits of each course, helping you understand which one best fits your student's needs and learning style.
