The Manhattan Free School

Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times

From left, Sekai Hurdle, 16, Paige Smith, 15, and Leelah Holmes, 18, looking over the morning’s agenda in the library.

The Manhattan Free School in East Harlem is not free, but the principal there practically is. Now in her third year, Pat Werner, a 57-year-old former literacy coach who logged 18 years in New York City public schools, accepted all of $3,000 in salary last year.

Freaking out because your tot didn’t make it into your school of choice for this fall? Then hear this: The Manhattan Free School has just announced that it has openings for the 2009-2010 academic year. But don’t be fooled by the private institution’s name: This place is far from free, though they do offer sliding-scale tuition rates based on income (typically between $3,000 and $15,000 annually, a fair amount lower than many private schools).

It’s 1 p.m. on a sunny afternoon at Manhattan Free School and only half the 22 students are present, reading, playing video games, talking with friends or idling away time on the couch. The rest have gone downstairs to enjoy the beginning of spring in New York City.

For parents who think conventional approaches to classroom education are too stifling, the Manhattan Free School (MFS) offers children ages 5 through 18 a chance to learn on their own terms. A self-described democratic school, it opens its very alternative doors this fall, occupying the third floor of St. George’s School in the East Village. At the school’s philosophical heart is the idea that each student has the right and the need to participate in decision-making activities in a non-coercive educational environment.

The new private schools mentioned in this week’s Times article about growing demand for private school kindergarten spots all sounded like pretty traditional places, where regardless of how progressive their curriculum may be, the goal is preparing for admission to competitive colleges. But another new school opening this fall in Manhattan is anything but traditional.

We are very excited to see the stack of applications growing. Each child coming to us is bringing a unique perspective and set of experiences that will enrich our first year together as a school community!

There is still time to find out about the school community in person. We will be holding another information session on Thursday, August 7. Our recent open house was a fantastic experience, and we look forward to meeting new faces—as well as seeing friends we already met last time—this coming Monday!

Last Tuesday’s Open House was a smashing success! Around 50 visitors got a first-hand look at our space, and met many of the folks involved in setting up the school. Kids interested in attending met one another and played together in one of the rooms. And quite a few applications were turned in that very evening! All of us are very excited about the momentum that the school has. There will be another information session held at the Campos Community Center on Monday, July 21.