Preparing Every Student to Build the Future

Student learning is at the heart of everything we do at Freire Charter School. We believe students learn best when they are actively engaged—asking questions, solving problems, working together, and thinking deeply about the world around them. Our teachers create classrooms where students take the lead in their learning, while teachers guide, support, and challenge them along the way.

Our approach is built on inquiry-driven, real-world learning. That means students tackle complex problems, think critically, and make connections between what they’re learning in class and the world outside of school. We believe in the power of productive struggle—students are encouraged to grapple with challenging ideas, make mistakes, and revise their thinking as they build deeper understanding. This process not only strengthens their academic skills, but also fosters resilience and a growth mindset. Teachers use strong instructional practices and meaningful data to support each student’s growth throughout this journey.

As a college preparatory school, we hold high expectations for all students—not just to prepare them for college, but to ensure they graduate with confidence, curiosity, and unlimited options for their future. At the same time, we provide the support students need to meet those expectations. Through strong relationships, high-quality instruction, and a culture of care, we ensure that every student is both challenged and uplifted throughout their high school journey.

Literacy Focus

At Freire, we believe that everyone in our community plays a role in helping students become confident, skilled readers. There are five pillars of skilled reading that students need to master in order to become proficient readers. In the 2025-2026 school year, our teachers will focus on two research-backed strategies: Effective Vocabulary Instruction and Reading for Gist. Effective vocabulary instruction plays a vital role in expanding students’ word knowledge, especially for adolescent readers who are not yet proficient. Reading for gist supports students in actively monitoring their comprehension, leading to deeper and longer-lasting understanding of the text. We believe when we provide targeted instruction in these pillars, coupled with attention to improving students’ self-perception as readers and increasing their sense of agency, our students will soar to new heights as fully literate global citizens. 

Math – PBL

We believe that all students can learn math — and we work to help them believe it too. Our math classrooms are built around a problem-based approach, where students learn by exploring meaningful problems rather than simply being shown how to get the answer. This approach encourages students to be resourceful, think critically, and collaborate with their peers. Rather than relying solely on the teacher, students learn to persist through challenges, use the right tools, and build understanding together. Our teachers guide this process by asking thoughtful questions, highlighting student thinking, and ensuring every student is actively engaged in doing math—not just hearing about it.

Our Belief in the “Power of Yet”

At the middle school level, the “Power of Yet” empowers our students to believe in their ability to grow and succeed, making them more resilient and determined learners. We know that when a student doesn’t succeed on a quiz or test, it means they haven’t mastered the concepts yet, and we are committed to helping them get there. We view test results as a snapshot of understanding on a given day, not a final judgment of a student’s abilities.

We are all DRAGONS, and we must BREATHE FIRE!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to talk to you.