Free School of Evanston

The Free School of Evanston was an alternative school that existed in Evanston, Illinois, United States from 1971 to 1976, for five school years.

Influences[edit]

The Free School was influenced by Summerhill School. At meetings, parents, students, and teachers were all equal, each having one vote. Tuition was based on a sliding scale percentage of parents' income. The school did not pursue educational accreditation.

Location[edit]

The school rented space at:

School years Space Building Address Coordinates
1971-72 basement Unitarian Church of Evanston[1] 1330 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 42°02′33″N 87°41′21″W / 42.04262°N 87.68912°W / 42.04262; -87.68912
1972-76 many rooms Wheadon United Methodist Church[2] 2214 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 42°03′29″N 87°41′11″W / 42.05817°N 87.68648°W / 42.05817; -87.68648

Student body[edit]

The school enrolled more than 100 students, aged 5–16, divided into lower, middle, and upper age groups. Most were from the Chicago suburbs, with a few from Chicago's inner city neighborhoods.

Principals[edit]

School year(s) Principal
1971-72 ?
1972-74 Nelson Armour[3][4]
1974-75 ?
1975-76 ?

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Unitarian Church of Evanston
  2. ^ Church later renamed. See "Living in Evanston".
  3. ^ Nelson Armour
  4. ^ Armour, Nelson. "Comment on "Nelson, can you..."". Profile. Facebook. Retrieved 9 December 2012.