For parents

For parents

HOW do we learn in our school (both children and adults)

At our school, people take charge of their learning, choosing their own approaches and methods. We create an environment that offers plenty of inspiration, support, and expertise, allowing each individual to explore at their own pace. We believe that a child’s direct experience and free play are the most effective ways to connect with the world and learn.

Our learning process is interactive. We engage in deep conversations, share knowledge, and learn from each other. A key aspect of our approach is the value of mixed-age groups, where everyone—regardless of age—contributes to each other’s growth.

Learning extends beyond the classroom. Our field trips, held at least once a week, offer hands-on experiences that contribute to both personal growth and collective development.

We are building a dedicated team of enthusiasts, experts, and parents who are all committed to this journey. We recognize that many of us were raised and educated in non-democratic systems, so we understand that we will make mistakes along the way. However, we embrace these opportunities to learn and grow. By acknowledging our mistakes and offering sincere apologies, we set a positive example for children. Our goal is to improve together, alongside them—and with you too 😉

Learning Outcome

In our school, the essence of free education fosters the development of key social skills, emotional growth, and a strong sense of responsibility for oneself and the surrounding environment. We encourage each child’s unique path, allowing them to explore and shape their identity based on their gifts and interests.

While we value cognitive development, it occurs at each child’s individual pace, taking into account their abilities and emotional readiness. We understand that not all children will align with standardized benchmarks or the expectations of traditional primary schools.

Our responsibility is to offer a variety of teaching methods that support the acquisition of necessary knowledge, all while nurturing intrinsic motivation and keeping their passion for learning alive. The true outcome of education, we believe, is the development of a confident, self-aware young person with a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Non Slovak speakers

At our school, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where all children, regardless of their language background, can feel at home. While the primary language of communication is Slovak, we are proud to offer support in several languages to ensure that language is not a barrier to education. If your family or child does not speak Slovak, we are happy to communicate in English, with some staff and students also fluent in German, Ukrainian, Russian, and we will make every effort to accommodate other languages. We love learning together!

For more information, feel free to email us at info@slobodnaskola.sk or call us at +421 948 223 247

What children are welcome

We welcome all children of compulsory school age, and Slovak is not a requirement. Our school is also a safe, barrier-free space for children who may not „fit into the system,“ whether they have been rejected, stigmatized, or misunderstood in traditional educational settings.

We believe that the integration and inclusion of children with special educational needs enriches the entire community, benefiting both the children and their peers. Our approach fosters a truly supportive environment for everyone, regardless of their background or needs.

That being said, we recognize that self-directed education in a free or democratic school setting may not be suitable for all children or parents. Initial enthusiasm without a clear understanding and commitment to the values outlined in our „Inspiration“ section may not be enough to ensure a successful experience. If you’re considering an alternative to mainstream education, we encourage you to connect with us for a personal or online conversation. To gain a better understanding of how Freedom in Education works, we invite you to arrange a visit to our education group.

Enrolment Fee and Scholarships

We strongly believe that a family’s financial situation should not limit access to education, so we take this issue seriously. To ensure finances are not a barrier, we offer the possibility of a scholarship of up to 100% during the enrolment period (April 5-30) for the upcoming school year. To apply, please email us at info@slobodnaskola.sk with a brief description of your financial situation. Applications with justification are considered on an individual basis. The application form can be found [here].

For the 2024/2025 school year, the tuition fee for the first child in the family is EUR 340 per month (excluding meals) and is payable for 12 months. We offer discounts for additional children: 20% for the second child, and 30% for the third and each additional child. The one-off enrolment fee for full-time study is EUR 340. Additional fees such as for the school children’s club, the PTA, class fund, textbooks, entrance fees to cultural institutions, etc., are no longer required. If the school is completely closed due to health measures imposed by authorities, a maintenance fee of 50% will apply.

The tuition fee covers full-day care provided by guides (including the school children’s club), all textbooks and workbooks, teaching aids, consumables for activities, transportation and activities around the city, entrance fees to cultural institutions, and consultations with a psychologist or special educator. Meals (snacks, lunch, etc.) and accommodation-related activities (e.g., a week-long open air school, ski course) are not included. The choice of caterer will consider individual preferences and dietary limitations, with a focus on healthy, locally sourced foods and avoiding refined sugars.