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.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: School with 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 Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1969
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 26, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
28 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
61%
State avg.: 39%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
% 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.: 82%
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 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.
Related Schools
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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
Quick Facts
12 Fisher Boulevard
Slingerlands, NY 12159
(518) 478-0224
Slingerlands, NY 12159
(518) 478-0224
6.4 miles
Gr: PK-1 | 121 students Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition listed
Castle Island Bilingual Montessori ![Castle Island Bilingual Montessori Photo - Joyful friends!]( "Castle Island Bilingual Montessori Photo - Joyful friends!")
All-boys | Montessori School
602 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 533-9838
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 533-9838
0.6 miles
Gr: NS-6 | 48 students Avg. class size: 21 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
135-140 Academy Road
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 429-2300
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 429-2300
1.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 680 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 18 Tuition listed
St. Catherine's Center For Children R & E May School
Special Education School
30 N Main Ave
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 453-6710
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 453-6710
2.1 miles
Gr: 1-6 | 40 students Avg. class size: 12 students
35 Hurst Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 489-3111
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 489-3111
3 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 171 students Avg. class size: 19 students Tuition listed
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