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Program

Philly Free School

Also called: Philadelphia Free School, Philadelphia School of Democracy

A school where students learn at their own pace and help govern it through a direct democracy, with tuition and open houses for families.

  • Paid
  • Newcomers welcome
  • Kids OK

Saved in this browser only.

What they do

Families can fill out the interest form, come to an Open House, or book a virtual Q and A to learn about admissions. The school also rents its space and takes gifts to its annual appeal.

Who it is for

Who can join
Open to anyone
Who is there
Kids

When and where

School hours are 8:30 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, and the school enrolls students all year. Extended care before or after school may be offered for an extra fee.

Days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Times
Morning, Daytime

School

Address
4950 Springfield Ave
Part of the city
University Southwest

Your first visit

Feeling unsure the first time is normal. Most groups are glad when someone new walks in.

First step: Fill out the interest form on phillyfreeschool.org, then come to an Open House (children are welcome) or book a virtual Q and A..

You need to sign up first.

What to expect

The first conversation is an informal talk with the parents or guardians and the prospective student, not a typical school interview. It is followed by a full trial week at the school so both sides can check the fit. The school day runs 8:30 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, and tuition is set on a sliding scale by family finances.

Tips for your first visit

  • Bring your child to the Open House, since children are welcome there.
  • If you cannot visit in person, ask about a virtual Q and A session.
  • Apply for tuition help through FACTS, since the scale depends on family finances.
  • Plan transport for the 8:30 am to 4 pm school day, and ask about extended care if you need it.

Newcomer welcome

Welcoming to newcomers (4 out of 5). Why we say this: The site lays out the steps for new families: an interest form, an Open House, an application with a $50 fee, a conversation with the family, and a trial week at the school..

Cost and commitment

Cost
Paid. Tuition is a sliding scale set through a third party called FACTS. For 2025 to 2026 the range was $1,800 to $17,800 a year, and a $50 application fee applies. The school says scholarships and programs help families for whom the lower end is still hard to pay.

Access and languages

Wheelchair access
We do not know yet. Ask the group before you go.
Languages spoken
We do not know yet which languages are spoken.
Access notes
The school says outside organizations that offer special needs support can deliver those services at the school.

Requirements

  • Children can take part with a parent.

How to reach them

We copy contact details as the group or a public source published them. Each one shows where it came from.

Sources and last check

Checked by our research team on October 8, 2026. This was a closer look, including what a first visit is like.

Last checked by our team
October 8, 2026
Status
Probably active
Our confidence in this listing
Medium

We think this group is probably still active, but the newest sign we found is more than a year old.

Help us keep this right

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