With campuses in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, and Gowanus, Smith Street Maternelle offers a warm and joyful French immersion education for young children in the heart of Brooklyn.
Inspired by the tradition of the French école maternelle and progressive educational approaches including Montessori and Reggio Emilia, Smith Street Maternelle creates an environment where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, build independence, and learn through play.
Throughout the day, children discover the world through art, storytelling, music, movement, cooking, hands-on projects, and neighborhood and nature walks. Teachers thoughtfully guide each child while leaving plenty of room for imagination, curiosity, and collaboration. Small classroom communities allow teachers to get to know each child and support their individual development.
And families do not need to speak French to join! French is woven naturally into classroom life and spoken throughout the day, giving children the opportunity to develop an ear for the language through play, routines, songs, stories, and everyday interactions. Children can join Smith Street Maternelle with little or no previous exposure to French and gradually build their understanding and confidence in an immersive environment.
Beyond language learning, the goal is to nurture children who are curious about the world around them, comfortable expressing themselves, and excited to come to school each morning. Smith Street Maternelle brings together the structure and richness of French early education with a creative, child-centered approach that feels very much at home in Brooklyn.
Come see Smith Street Maternelle for yourself!
Families interested in learning more are invited to join one of our upcoming Open Houses on Wednesday, October 14 or Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30pm. Meet members of our team, visit our classrooms, learn more about our educational approach, and ask questions about life at Smith Street Maternelle.
Applications are now open for children ages 2 to 6 for the 2027–28 school year. Venez nous rencontrer! Learn more, register for an Open House, and begin your application at smithstreetmaternelle.com.
