Paulo Freire Freedom School

The students and teachers know one another intimately. They meet several times each week in their little advisory families, and they know that they always have a teacher on their side. They go on about ten field trips each year and spend an additional two weeks on intersessions like backpacking, photography, political theatre, and loads of other brilliant ideas. Some classes are arranged so fourteen or fewer students get to work with one teacher. Many times you will see students working on projects or fun activities, and some teachers almost never use desks. From talking with other parents, I've learned that several of the other students have learning challenges, too, but you would never know it. The special education teacher is brilliant, and there's no stigma among the students about having a disability. The IEP kids aren't pulled out of class, either, unless they ask for one-on-one help. Otherwise, the SPED and regular teachers just work with all the kids in class. My child went from FBB on the AIMS to meeting and exceeding. This school is compassionate, creative, fun, challenging, and works hard for social justice and environmentalism. We are so lucky to have gotten in.
—Submitted by a parent

Paulo Freire is a small (est. 70 students) cozy school based in the basement of the old YMCA building (small facilities). Assets include: 1. Caring young teachers and staff, that makes a huge difference especially for middle schoolers. 2. The Leader of the school brings a calm to the school social climate. The kids are well behaved which is remarkable tribute to the staff. 3. The field trips are very interesting. The school is very engaged with the real world. Overall, the leadership and staff are what this school is about and they make it an above average even a very special school. Needs: The school needs a few things to be more balanced and strong. One, consistency with safety when on outings. The staff is not consistent with safety, a little to loose with boundaries. Two, the school is lacking in diversity. Let's give others a chance, especially in a social about social justice. Third, a little too pushy with homosexual and lesbian dogma. Back off, everyone is not gay and everyone does not approve of that lifestyle. Fourth, there's virtually no extracurricular activities. This is not acceptable at all. Parents need to express what we want to see here.
—Submitted by a parent

I like this school because we get to learn a lot of stuff I did not know, and when we learn some of that stuff we sometimes go on an expedition Our last expedition we went to a farm. The classes are great Because we have Humanities, Math, Science, Spanish, Electives and more! I <3 this school! I am a sixth grader and am having fun. The teachers are the best because they help you with everything and...Most of them give you part of there lunch but not a big part but its cool, Because they are coolio!
—Submitted by a student

I *love* Paulo Freire Freedom School because it gives students an opportunity to discover themselves, explore their passions around social justice and environmental sustainability, and teach them to have a voice in their communities and world at large!
—Submitted by a parent

Small classes, focus on community and environment, and great staff!
—Submitted by a teacher

Poorly run, badly organized, mediocre academics, no music program, no cafeteria, arbitrary discipline tactics.
—Submitted by a parent

Made the biggest difference in my son's education. He finished all three years at Paulo Freire and is now an active participant in his own eduction, clearly sees his relationship to his community, and is active in creating social change. Thanks Paulo Freire!
—Submitted by a parent

In my daughters last school, she was struggling. Paulo Freire has been wonderful for her. All her grades are up and she is so much happier. The size of the school and the wonderful caring teachers and staff are the reason why she is now succeeding.
—Submitted by a parent