Bethlehem Childrens School vs. The Free School
Should you attend Bethlehem Childrens School or The Free School? Visitors to our site frequently compare these two schools. Compare their rankings, scores, reviews and more to help you determine which school is the best choice for you.
School Overview
Overview
Bethlehem Children's School is an independent K-8 school established in 1995 to provide a positive learning experience for children.
In our program, children learn cooperatively, working together and helping each other, rather than competing against each other.
The pace of learning is determined by each child's own developmental readiness, rather than a standardized timetable determined by age.
The motivation for learning is the child's innate curiosity, rather than the external influences of examinations and grades.
The school provides a low student to teacher ratio, where teachers can create an environment that draws out natural curiosity and fosters the development of a genuine, life-long interest in learning.
We strive to implement our mission and to instill a life-long love of learning through curiosity, independence and cooperation, flexibility, critical thinking, individualized instruction, emotional growth, emotional security, and social responsibility.
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.
Grades Offered
PK-1
PK-8
Blue Ribbon School
No
No
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
n/a
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
n/a
Year Founded
1995
1969
Students Body
Total Students
121 students
28 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
61%
Students by Grade
Students by Grade
Pre-K Students
91
-
Kindergarten Students
10
2
Grade 1 Students
7
3
Grade 2 Students
-
1
Grade 3 Students
-
3
Grade 4 Students
-
4
Grade 5 Students
9
4
Grade 6 Students
-
3
Grade 7 Students
-
4
Grade 8 Students
4
4
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
4 teachers
% Faculty with Advance Degree
80%
50%
Average Class Size
12
8
Student-Teacher Ratio
40:1
7:1
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Casual
(Comfortable clothes that can get a little dirty.)
(Comfortable clothes that can get a little dirty.)
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
None / Rolling
Tuition Cost
$9,000
$7,500
Tuition Notes
Sliding scale tuition, and income dependent tuition exchange program and financial aid available
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
n/a
60%
Average Financial Aid Grant
n/a
$200
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
Admissions Director
n/a
Deirdre Kelly
Admissions Associate
n/a
Christine Berghala