The Freedom School
About The Freedom School
The Freedom School is a private Christian school committed to a racially and culturally diverse educational environment where both Christian and non-Christian young people from a diversity of backgrounds can obtain a quality education together under the grace of Jesus Christ and the authority of the Scriptures. The Freedom School opened in September of 1997, and gives individualized instruction to students preschool to sixth grade.
Our name symbolizes the school’s vision: God’s provision of responsible, redemptive, and creative education for his children, and of reconciliation and hope for our community through the truth of the Gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ. The name also honors a wonderful history of the pursuit of justice and freedom for children in St. Louis. Ex-slave John Berry Meacham founded the original Freedom School in 1847.
The school is located on the campus of New City Fellowship. (see directions to the New City campus). As an educational ministry of Restore St. Louis, the school’s board of trustees is under the authority of the New City Fellowship session (elders). New City Fellowship generously provides, at no charge, their buildings/facilities and utilities (heating, lighting, etc.). See this chart to illustrate the relationship of Restore St.Louis to New City Fellowship.
Mission
Our mission is to nurture the God-given potential of children so that they will love to learn and want to serve their community as followers of Christ. We do this through a challenging, Christ-centered elementary education. We welcome students from all backgrounds, as we intentionally partner with the urban poor, immigrants, and refugees.
The Freedom School is located in University City, Missouri, a racially, ethnically, and socio-economically diverse community situated near the center of the St. Louis metropolitan area.
The Philosophy Of Teaching
Class sizes are small, with a ratio of 12:1. This allows us the flexibility to adapt curriculum to meet individual ability levels and learning styles. Our teachers and team leader are Christians with a strong commitment to the school’s mission. They are professionally qualified men and women representing many years of experience.
Teachers at The Freedom School work together as a team to teach an integrated hands-on curriculum, seeking to provide opportunities for a variety of learning styles. A scope and sequence has been developed for each grade level. Small classes allow for much individualized instruction.
In addition to the core curriculum, our students enjoy classes in music, physical education, and art. A worship chapel time is also held each week.
How Can You Help
Many volunteers help our teachers give the attention necessary for this program to be most effective. There are many ways to participate on different levels. For instance, in the past, volunteers have lent their expertise and talents in music, art, and other areas - volunteering individually or as groups, including various Westminster Christian Academy students, and a group of retirees serving as Friday Readers.
We can also always use classroom and office supplies. Local churches and other friends of the Freedom School have been very helpful in organizing drives to collect such items.
Because many of our families cannot afford to pay the full cost of tuition, The Freedom School depends on the generosity of individuals, foundations, churches, and corporations to provide scholarships. Donations can be one-time or on a consistent, monthly basis.
Contact: Odetta Fields, Principal, (314) 432-7396
For additional information, see The Freedom School website
