 The school operates under a " <unk> " philosophy where students are encouraged to develop their own interests and where all learning is self @-@ directed . As such , Brooklyn Free School has no grades , no tests , and no compulsory classes or homework . Students are free to pursue the activities of their interest , such as reading alone or taking a class . Students are free to leave classes as they please . Classes have included philosophy seminars , cheese @-@ tasting , book discussions , business , astrology , psychology , videography , and Tibet . Some classes are taught by volunteers . By law , students are required to attend for 5 @.@ 5 hours a day . Principal Alan Berger contends that the school provides an education better adapted for the Internet era , as one more original , enterprising , and adaptive in the face of a changing economy . 
