The founders postulated that the lessons of progressive education could be applied successfully in the crowded, ethnically diverse public schools of the nation's largest city.

It moved to a building on Bleecker Street provided at no cost by the First Presbyterian Church and began a new life as an independent school.

In June 2008, LREI announced the acquisition of additional space with the purchase of 42 Charlton Street, directly next door.

A separate building, the Thompson Street Gym, houses facilities for physical education and athletics.

Directors Current staff The Little Red School House's companion school from 1944 to 1971 was the Downtown Community School (DCS) on the Lower East Side, whose alumni include the writers Peter Manso, Ann Lauterbach, Peter Knobler and Richard Kostelanetz.