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In this essay, the roots of Free Alternative Schools (FAS) are depicted and their history in Germany over the last 40 years is sketched. The educational concepts of the schools are presented and a critical appraisal of their current situation is included. Hoffmann outlines the key features of FAS: 1) Free Alternative Schools are communities that are cooperatively created by everyone involved. 2. Free Alternative Schools are autonomous schools, through self-governance and democratic practice. 3. In Free Alternative Schools children, adolescents and adults enjoy similar rights for self- determination and protection. 4. Learning presupposes reliable relationships. 5. People at Free Alternative Schools understand learning as a life-long process. 6. Free Alternative Schools are spaces of learning and living that are characterized by sensitivity and openness for change and development. He argues how these schools may utilize this framework to blaze a new educational trail for the future.