The Brooklyn Free School in Park Slope lets the students call the shots.

The alternative school of 38 students doesn?t use lesson plans or give exams. Instead, the students decide what they want to learn and how they want to do it. School officials call it a democracy where teachers and students have equal weight on the agenda. The school is not without its critics. Many believe the students will not learn what they need for their education.

The school is gaining in popularity and plans to double the amount of students. It is approved by the state but does not receive city or state funding.