Our learning approach goes beyond the basics, encouraging students to explore topics more deeply. Our students think critically, express their ideas clearly, and apply what they learn to everyday situations. With rigorous and personalized academics as well as social emotional learning, we are all about getting students ready for success in high school and beyond.

Students engage in quarterly electives in all grades, such as Health, Physical Education, Corrective Reading, Art, and Character Development/High School Career Readiness in addition to the core content courses listed below.

Courses

Student life at Freire Middle blends challenging academics with a wide range of after-school activities, field trips, and sports to help you grow into a well-rounded student. From daily tutoring at our Math and Writing Centers to creative clubs, there’s something for everyone at Freire Middle.

Clubs

These programs are funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education under the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program.

With a variety of sports teams and intramurals to choose from, there’s something for every athlete and fan at Freire Middle. Our student athletes breathe fire on and off the field, excelling in:

• Boys Basketball (Sport)
• Girls Basketball (Sport)
• Dance (Club)
• Fitness (Club)
• Flag Football (Club)
• Soccer (Club)
• Boys Track (Sport)
• Girls Track (Sport)
• Yoga (Club)

Freire Middle is part of the Freire Schools network, named a Gap-Busting Charter Management Organization (CMO) by Stanford CREDO. In 2022, following a longitudinal study on student outcomes commissioned by the Philadelphia School Partnership, Freire Middle was identified as one of 36 Philadelphia public and public charter (K-8) schools “Beating the Odds” in academic growth.

Commitment to Peace

Freire Charter Middle School is a peaceful community. Our highest priority is making sure that students feel safe and engaged in our classrooms and throughout our building, and that each of us has the tools and skills we need to resolve conflict peacefully. We work together as a community to create a peaceful environment in which every student can focus on themselves and their education and feel safe to take the emotional and personal risks necessary for learning. We view conflict as an opportunity for learning, growth, positive change, and peace as a way of life.

Read our full Commitment to Peace

Emotional Supports

At Freire Middle, social-emotional learning is woven into the fabric of the school day. Through our Tier 1 social-emotional learning approach, every student develops the skills needed to build healthy relationships, navigate challenges, manage emotions, and make responsible decisions. Our classrooms and advisory spaces foster a culture of belonging where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. For students and families who need additional support, our Emotional Support Team provides counseling services through our in-house licensed family therapist and a partnership with local graduate programs in counseling psychology, ensuring students have access to individualized care when needed.

Request Support

Peer Mediation

Each year, a select group of Freire students is trained as Peer Mediators, playing a vital role in maintaining our positive school culture. Students and staff can request mediation to resolve conflicts, and every request is reviewed within 24 hours. Guided by trained student mediators, participants work together to find peaceful solutions, strengthen relationships, and build skills for long-term conflict resolution.

Dragons or parents/guardians who would like to request a mediation or have questions regarding mediation, please contact your grade level Academic Advisor, a member of the Culture Team, or an Administrator.