Freie Schule Leipzig e.V

Opened in 1990, the Freie Schule Leipzig stands as a testament to progressive education. This was the first and only free alternative school in East Germany before reunification. The Freie Schule Leipzig isn’t just a school. It’s a living experiment in democracy, where students from grades 1 to 10, aged 6 to 18, participate in shaping their educational experience. Around 180 students call this unique institution their academic home. The Freie Schule Leipzig operates on four core principles: respect, trust, communication, and freedom. Respect is paramount. Every student is welcomed and accepted for who they are. The rules of the school community aren’t imposed from above. They are developed and agreed upon by everyone together. Trust is another cornerstone. The school believes in each student’s ability to navigate their own learning journey. This trust, however, is also a challenge. It demands intellectual and emotional engagement to actively shape one’s learning. Communication forms the heart of this community. The Freie Schule Leipzig understands that we are social beings. Communication is a key skill, and the school supports each student in recognizing and expressing their needs. This creates a space for everyone to develop their personal expression. Finally, freedom. The Freie Schule Leipzig fosters self-motivation and the ability to take responsibility. Learning is most enjoyable and effective when it is self-directed. Each student decides how they spend their time and what, when, and how they learn. Democracy underpins every aspect of life at the Freie Schule Leipzig. The principle is simple. Everyone affected by a decision should be involved in making it. Weekly school assemblies, open to all students and staff, are the forum for democratic decision-making. Anyone can suggest topics for the agenda. The school assembly determines the rules for school life, operating on the principle of one person, one vote. The Freie Schule Leipzig strives to be a truly inclusive school for all. Recognizing the diverse facets of its students, the school offers both pedagogical and special educational support across different learning and life areas. They’re part of an evaluation network with three other free schools, constantly reflecting on and improving their work. They’re also active in the Federal Association of Free Alternative Schools, the Freinet Cooperative, and are founding members of the European Democratic Education Community (EUDEC). The Freie Schule Leipzig actively shares its unique educational model through presentations both in Germany and internationally. Every year, students and teachers from other schools and universities visit to observe and gain new insights.