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Welcome to Paulo Freire Freedom School -Downtown

PAulo Freire Freedom School's MISSION

Paulo Freire Freedom School is a joyful and just community dedicated to environmental sustainability and social justice that embraces creative, collaborative and compassionate teaching and learning.

CITY CENTER FOR COLLABORATIVE LEARNING's Mission

CITY Center designs, implements, and advances exemplary practices in teaching and learning that transform the lives of young people and their educators. 

  

School Calendar

PFFSD School News

Learning with Joy and Purpose

At PFFSD, we believe learning can spark curiosity, creativity, and most importantly joy. While we challenge students to think critically and push themselves academically, we also make space for fun, discovery, and connection. 

One of the ways we bring joy to learning is through our weekly community expeditions, where students take their learning beyond the classroom and into the world around them. Moments where students experience joy through learning and engagement remind us that education can be both meaningful and fun. At PFFSD, learning isn't just about mastering content, it's about finding joy in the process, experience, and discovering how knowledge can shape a better world. 

Get Outside!

At PFFSD, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door! It extends into the world around us. Taking advantage of Arizona’s incredible weather and landscapes, our students regularly spend time outdoors exploring, observing, and connecting with nature. Whether through our Naturalist Club or weekly outdoor learning experiences, students engage directly with the environment to better understand their place within it.

This commitment to outdoor learning is central to our mission and vision. By experiencing the natural world firsthand, students develop a deep respect for the ecosystems and species we share our planet with. Our hope is growing students into compassionate, informed global citizens who understand that protecting the environment begins with appreciating it.

Exploring Systems of Justice

In our Justice League intersession, students spent the week diving into the justice system, both past and present, to uncover how history continues to shape today's social structures. Through discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, they examined the "ripples" between historic injustices and current systems, deepening their understanding of fairness, equity, and civic responsibility. A highlight of the week was a day spent with Justice Abrams, a Superior Court Judge, where students experienced the courtroom firsthand. They observed judicial proceedings, participated in a mock trial, and asked thoughtful questions about how justice is practiced and pursued today. The experience gave students a powerful glimpse into how laws and leadership influence the world around them - and how they, too, can be changemakers in building a more just society.