A Dream Becomes Reality

We had been dreaming about
opening a free public school
focused on social justice
and environmental sustainability
since 2000.

We dreamed of a school
where every student was known well,
where differences were honored and celebrated,
and where learning
was deep, powerful and transformative.

On August 23, 2005
our dream became a reality
and Paulo Freire Freedom School
opened its doors
to twenty-two students and their families.

By the end of the year we had grown
to forty-six students
and
although our numbers were lower
than we had expected
(we were staffed for 50-60 students in the first year)
the smaller numbers
allowed us to create very quickly -
a powerful community of learners.

These
photo sets
from our first school year
and this article from the
Arizona Daily Star
(9/8/2005)
provide a glimpse into this amazing
little learning community.

We have begun all subsequent years at Paulo Freire
at or near our capacity of 75 students.