The school opened in the fall of 2011 and offers a sliding scale tuition to students ages 4 to 19.

[2] Philadelphia Free School emphasizes critical thinking, personal responsibility, and democratic governance, rather than standardization and hierarchy.

[3] Every member of the school, student and staff alike, possesses an equal vote on all matters of substance.

[4] Co-founders of the school include: Robert and Michelle Loucas, Mark Filippone, Eric Marr, Suzy Eachus, Nancy Golumbia, Karen Wolfe, Joel Price, Amanda Lanham, Smith Jean, Lani Bevaquan and Darian Shiranni, who had a goal of bringing to Philadelphia a school similar to The Circle School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

[1] In July 2010, the Philadelphia Free School incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.