Brooklyn Bridge Parents Neighborhood news, schools, classes & kid-friendly events for Brooklyn families
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Brooklyn Independent, located at 38 Lafayette Avenue in the heart of Fort Greene, believes the right middle school can unlock the potential in every child. Our sliding scale tuition model brings together students from across the borough for an unparalleled education built on academic rigor, experiential learning, and inclusion.
At Brooklyn Independent, our students:
Learn boldly, with a rigorous core curriculum that incorporates small group classes, field learning, and a MakerSpace sponsored by Pixel Academy.
Grow fiercely, with electives in Theater, Visual Art, Debate, and Dance, and internship opportunities.
Impact others, with a daily community meeting and yearly social impact projects that give every student a voice.
RSVP TODAY for a Fall Open House: Oct. 8 & Oct. 22nd. For more information and to apply visit us at www.bkindependent.org or contact: info@bkindependent.org.
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 to $158,565 (“high-income”) annually. Read more here.
Sales have officially launched at Front & York, the massive residential project in Dumbo that will bring more than 700 apartments to the neighborhood. More than half of those will be condos, with prices starting at just under $1 million for a 1 bedroom and $1.9 M for a 2 bedroom. Read more here.
The Symon’s façade takes shape at 76 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights, a new 13-story residential condo building featuring 1 to 4-bedrooms. Read more here.
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 WHITE WAVE’s Kids Can Dance education program will lead Hip Hop/B-boy and Modern Dance classes for kids of all ages. Following the class, nine companies will take to the stage in a fun, exciting, and educational program featuring the best, family-friendly performances of the 2019 festival.
Tickets start at $15, buy them here. FREE Kids Class Registration during the 2019 DUMBO Dance Festival. Click HERE to RSVP for the kids class.
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The Bentyn at 488 4th Ave is uniquely situated where the vibrant community of Gowanus and the clastic beauty of Park Slope converge. It marries clean contemporary aesthetics and curated finishes with thoughtfully proportioned rooms and flexible layouts.
These expansive, two and three bedroom full-floor residences feature a private keyed elevator entrance, outdoor space and light-filled east and west exposures with expansive city views. Amenities include a virtual concierge with an easily-accessible package room and common roof terrace.
Two and three bedrooms start at $1,325,000. Email info@bentyn.com, call 718.422.1488 or click here for more information. Exclusive sales and marketing by The Aguayo Team at Halstead.
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 is hosting a block party celebrating the opening of the playground with Learn to Ride classes for kids with Bike New York (you can register on their website, B.Y.O.Bike), woodworking, skateboard making, weaving and more on Saturday 10/5 from 11 to 2 pm.
Bklyn Indoor Block Party | Downtown Brooklyn | 10/6
City Point and Brooklyn Bridge Parents will bring the party inside for families with kids from 1 to 10. The 2nd Bklyn Indoor Block Party will take place on Sunday October 6th from 11 am to 3 pm. Free fun activities including bouncy house, block building, arts & crafts, story times, beyblade tournament, soccer, “fishing”, treasure hunts, “gardening” and a school fair at City Point mall in Downtown Brooklyn at 445 Albee Square West.
Harvest Hang | Brooklyn Navy Yard | 10/12
Join the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a fun afternoon of pumpkin picking, face-painting, costume-making, and more! Yard-based businesses in the fields of costume design, fabrication, design, and entertainment will transform the BLDG 92 forecourt into a harvest takeover that is perfect for visitors of all ages! Delicious treats will be provided by local businesses, so come ready to have fun, create, and snack the afternoon away! Saturday October 12th from 12.30 to 3 pm. Free tickets here.
Free kids modern dance class | DUMBO | 10/13
WHITE WAVE’s Kids Can Dance education program will lead Hip Hop/B-boy and Modern Dance classes for kids of all ages during the DUMBO Dance Festival. Click HERE to RSVP for the kids class.
Sukkot Party | DUMBO | 10/17
Join the DUMBO Gan Preschool on Plymouth Street to celebrate Sukkot and meet many different live animals with the Nature Company on October 17th from 4 to 6 pm. Free, rsvp here.
Harvest Festival | Brooklyn Bridge Park | 10/19
Haunted marsh, pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, face painting, music, and games await at this year’s Harvest Festival! Event will take place on Saturday, October 19th from 11 am to 2 pm at Pier 6.
400 Years of Inequality | Brooklyn Historical Society | 10/20
Family-friendly adaptation of Irondale Ensemble Project’s Color Between the Lines. This show uses song and story to look at oft-forgotten Brooklyn abolitionists who fought to free enslaved Africans. Each 25 minute performance is followed by a hands-on, storytelling art activity. Recommended for ages 6 years and up. RSVP here.
Intro to Pre-K & Kindergarten | DUMBO | 10/21
We are hosting an info session on 10/21 for families considering Pre-K and Kindergarten in public, private and Charter schools in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, BoCoCa and Fort Greene. We will cover everything you need to about local zoned schools, un-zoned schools, Charter and private school options, application details and deadlines, free universal Pre-K options, languages and dual language programs, G&T programs and more. This event is geared towards parents with children born in 2015 and 2016. Tickets here.
Main photo: Oktoberfest in DUMBO’s Archway
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Dates and hours: There are two sections. Monday and Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00 am, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15-10:45 am. Program runs from October to May.
Costs: $4950 for BHS members; $5250 for non-members (children of all backgrounds welcome)
Address: 131 Remsen Street | Brooklyn Heights
Applications: Email BHS Parenting Center Programs
Shalom Yeladim @ Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
Program details: A first classroom experience for children to share with a loving grown-up. Each class includes free-play, snack, art and activities.
Ages: 15-18 months (in October)
Costs: $790 a semester for BHS members; $865 non-members; Full Year Discount: $1,400 members $1,550 non-members. Children of all backgrounds are welcome.
Dates and hours: Thursdays 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Program runs from October-May.
Address: 131 Remsen Street | Brooklyn Heights
Applications: Email Website
KVU Prep @ Kidville
Program details: The goal of KVU Prep is to prepare children for a separated class by encouraging independence while they explore and play. This 90-minute class includes open play, story time, blocks, art, music, exploration and gym. The routine and transitions between activities allow children to become familiar and comfortable with the structure of the program. Focusing on social/emotional, physical, and artistic development, this program not only prepares the children for KVU, Kidville’s Preschool Alternative program, but also creates a morning full of activity and excitement!
Ages: 18 to 24 months
Dates: Wednesdays from 9 to 10.30 am. Program runs October – December & January – May. Enrollment is on-going, families can enroll anytime including mid-semester.
Costs: $895
Address: 380 Court Street | Carroll Gardens
Application: Website
Practically Preschool @ Families First
Program details: Our Practically Preschool program is designed to be an introduction to the experience of school. As a “bridge” to preschool, our enriching playgroup approach provides a setting for children to explore, learn, and grow. Our small class sizes (maximum of 6-8 children) provide an intimate setting in which to explore the world of the classroom. Our program uses a “stepping” up approach to help transition children between the four levels in our program. This subtle transition allows the children to feel comfortable and supported while the role of the parent/caregiver slowly diminishes, giving the child the opportunity to gain greater social and emotional confidence. Our teachers offer a nurturing environment full of guidance, encouragement and support.
Ages: 1.5 – 3.5 years
Dates: Fall Semester – September 9th to December 23rd, Winter Semester will begin January 2020.
Costs: $420-$2,240
Address: 250 Baltic Street | Cobble Hill
Application: familiesfirstbrooklyn.org/practically-preschool
Ready, Set, 2s @ Open House Nursery School
Program details: A lively first school experience created just for two-year-olds. The playgroup will include guided choice time, art experiences, and a brief circle time with movement and music. Nurturing, developmentally appropriate toys and materials will be carefully chosen, and the curriculum will encourage emotional and social readiness for preschool and support experiences working in small groups, negotiating transitions, and making choices in a preschool classroom. Class size limited to ten children and caregivers.
Ages: Children need to have turned two one month before the program begins.
Dates: It will run this spring, beginning in January 2020. Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:45 pm.
Costs: $1,760
Address: 318A Warren Street | Cobble Hill
Applications: Website
Preschool Prep @ Recess DUMBO
Program details: Preschoolers will get a head-start on independent participation through a gentle separation process. In a classroom set up for circle time, table time and play, students will be exposed to a true preschool environment with art exploration, story time, music, movement, transitions, and more to provide social, cognitive, and physical development.
Ages: 1.5 and 2.5 years
Dates: 2 or 3 days a week for 1.5 hours
Costs: Starts at $1725 for 2 days/week
Address: 81 Washington Street | Dumbo
Applications: Website
Preschool Prep @ NY Kids Club
Program details: Our Preschool Prep program meets 2 or 3 days per week for 1 ½ to 2 hours per day, focusing on sensory and social development through art, gym, music, science, language, and math. This is an adult participation program.
Ages: 18 – 23 months
Dates: 2-3 days per week 1.5 to 2 hours
Costs: $3,500
Address: DUMBO, Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights locations
Applications: Website
Time for Twos @ Plymouth Church School
This program is fully booked for this school year, find out more here.
Main photo: Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
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 have been discussing potential rezoning and admission changes for 7 elementary schools: PS 15, PS 29, PS 32, PS 38, PS 58, PS 261 and PS 676. This conversation was prompted by a newly constructed addition to PS 32, which will open in September of 2020 with 436 seats.
The goals of this rezoning for the sub-district:
Address overcrowding at PS 29 and PS 58 which are both working at 125% capacity
Equalize building utilization across schools in the surrounding areas and fill the new school building at PS 32
Promote integration and address demographic disparities in schools across this area of District 15
At the latest community meeting on September 24th, the Department of Education has presented draft maps for both approaches of which none would impact students already enrolled in the schools or their younger siblings. Find the full presentation here. The colors in the maps are the existing zones, the thick black lines are the proposed new zone lines.
Approach 1: New individual geographic zones
Schools would continue to have individual geographic zones and each school would set aside around 25 – 35% of its seats for students who qualify for free lunch etc. This plan would significantly decrease the school zones of PS 58 and PS 29 and significantly increase the school zones of PS 32, PS 38 and PS 15. PS 58 and PS 29 would set aside around 30% of the seats for out-of-zone students who qualify for free lunch, are English Language Learners or live in temporary housing to achieve diversity criteria. The school zones would remain approximately the same for PS 261 and PS 676.
Approach 2: New shared zone (“unzoning”)
Current zone lines between the impacted schools would be removed and a shared zone would be created across the seven schools in the area. Schools would admit students through a choice admissions process that would include a priority for kids who qualify for free lunch and English Language Learners for 25 – 35% of available seats at each school. Students would have entitlement to a seat at one of the 7 schools but not any individual school within the zone. Transportation would be available according to the existing guidelines for busing.
As the Department of Education and the CEC have received feedback that the process is too rushed to be voted on by the CEC by November ’19 for a ’20 implementation, they have proposed two timelines to be discussed with the community:
Timeline 1: November ’19 vote for a September ’20 implementation which would help fill the new PS 32 school building as soon as possible, address overcrowding at PS 29 and PS 59 and address school segregation the fastest.
Timeline 2: Spring or Fall ’20 vote for a September ’21 implementation which could leave more time for diverse community engagement for a potential 3rd approach that has not been defined yet. If waitlists at PS 29 and PS 58 appear in the meantime, waitlisted students would be offered a seat at PS 32.
Affected families with their oldest kids entering Kindergarten in school year 20/21 or later are continuously asked to provide feedback at upcoming meetings in person or per email:
CEC15@schools.nyc.gov
D15 Superintendent: askop@schools.nyc.gov
Office of District Planning BrooklynZoning@schools.nyc.gov
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 have been discussing potential rezoning and admission changes for 7 elementary schools: PS 15, PS 29, PS 32, PS 38, PS 58, PS 261 and PS 676 in District 15. Two approaches are being discussed to a. reduce the zones of the overcrowded schools PS 29 and PS 58 and set aside 35% of seats to low income students from out of zone or b. to create a new shared zone for all seven schools together with a lottery system and a set-aside for low-income students for each school to relieve overcrowding and create more integrated schools. The timeline for the admissions changes is not confirmed yet, either for school year 20/21 or 21/22. Read more about the upcoming admissions changes here.
PS 29 / Cobble Hill: Currently zoned school and overcrowded. PS 29’s only information session for families will be on December 6th at 9 AM. Please note that this is an adult only event. More information here.
PS 32 / Carroll Gardens: Currently zoned school, has been taking out-of-zone students in the past. Also runs G&T program for District 15. RSVP needed for open houses at 9 am on 10/16, 10/31, 11/7, 11/18, 12/5 and 12/19. More information on their website.
PS 58 / Carroll Gardens: Currently zoned school and overcrowded. The school runs a French dual language program in addition to general education classrooms. PS 58 will conduct Open House events 12/10 and 1/10/20. More information here.
PS 261 / Boerum Hill: Zoned school, has been taking out-of-zone students in the past but less and less in past years. School tour will take place on December 11th at 9 am. More information here.
PS 38 / Downtown Brooklyn: Zoned school, has been taking out-of-zone students in the past. Also runs G&T program for District 15. Call the school to find out about open houses. More information here.
Unzoned “Choice” Schools
PS 133 / Gowanus: Un-zoned school that runs French and Spanish dual language programs as well as general education classes, draws by lottery from District 13 and 15. Tours take place on November 7th, December 12, January 16, 2020 and February 6, 2020 at 9 am. Find out more and RSVP here. A special info session about the Dual Language programs will take place on January 24th at 9 am, no need to RSVP.
Brooklyn New School / Carroll Gardens: Un-zoned school, draws by lottery from District 13, 14, 15 and 16. Open houses will take place on 11/12, 12/4, 12/16 and 1/10/20 from 9-10:30 am, as well as 1/28/20 and 2/25/20 from 6-7:30 pm. More information here.
Arts & Letters / Fort Greene: Un-zoned school, draws by lottery from District 13. Due to capacity issues at current co-location with PS 20, the school will most likely move to a new school building in Bed Stuy for the school year 20/21. Information sessions/tours take place on the following Wednesday mornings at 9:15 am: November 13th, November 27th, December 7th, December 11th and December 18th. Register here.
Do you want to know more about local schools? Attend one of our upcoming info sessions about Pre-K and Kindergarten in public, Charter and private Schools. More information here.
Photo: PS 307 in Vinegar Hill
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 activities, BKB Adventure Days will teach your kiddo how to become big-hearted, open-minded, and prepared for the world ahead.
Age groups: 5 to 12 years old
Camp hours: 9am-3.30 pm with optional early drop off and extended care
Camp costs: $139 – $159 per day
Address: 575 Degraw Street | Gowanus
Contact: Website
Brooklyn Strategist Mini Camps
Program: Our fun and flexible camp let kids build kingdoms, strategize takeovers, save the planet and cure disease together, all by playing games!
Age groups: 5 to 14 years old
Camp hours: 9am-4pm with optional extension until 6 pm
Camp costs: $150 per day
Address: 333 Court Street | Carroll Gardens
Contact: Website
Brooklyn Robot Foundry Mini Camp
Program: Brooklyn Robot Foundry’s unique approach to engineering encourages students’ imagination and artistry in the building process. During each full-day session, children in K-4th grade will learn basic mechanical engineering and electrical principles while creating two super-fun robots, which they’ll take home at the end of the day. Returning students in 3rd-5th grade can choose to enroll in the Robot Inventors program, in which they’ll design and build their very own robot creations.
Age groups: Kindergarten to 5th Grade
Camp hours: 9am-3pm with optional extension until 6 pm
Camp costs: $120 plus $30 material fee per day
Address: 492 Atlantic Avenue | Boerum Hill
Contact: contact@brooklynrobotfoundry.com 347-762-6840 Website
Camp Yokey Vacation Day Camps
Program: Camp Yokey offers vacation camp when the kids are off from school on short and long vacation. Upcoming camps include Game design and unity basics, 3D animation and hardware insider classes.
Age groups: 7 to 15 years
Camp hours: 9am-3pm with optional after care
Camp costs: $100 per day
Address: 537 Atlantic Avenue | Downtown Brooklyn
Contact: hello@yokeypokey.com 732-965-3969 website
Child’s Play NY
Program: From Superheroes and Moana to Halloween-themed fun, these half-day theater camps will get kids powered-up with imagination. Led by a talented team of teaching artists, students will act out stories, learn songs, work together on missions, and activate their play on their days off from school.
Age groups: 2-4, 4-6 years old
Camp hours: 9am-12pm
Camp costs: $75 per day
Address: Cobble Hill Playschool | Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill Ballet School | Carroll Gardens
Contact: emily@childsplayny.com, (347) 759-6313, Website
Court 16 Day Camp
Program: Designed for kids ages 4 through 12 and open to non-members, tennis day camps at Court 16 are designed for kids to build confidence through tennis games in small groups and off-court activities that foster social fluency.
Age groups: 4 to 12 years
Camp hours: 9am-3pm
Camp costs: $145 per day
Address: 526 Baltic Street | Gowanus
Contact: Website
Creatively Wild Art Studio
Program: Creatively WILD Art Camps for Toddlers, Kids & Teens include exploration in Painting, Drawing, Illustration, Cartooning, Manga Art, Found Object Art, Mixed Media & 3D Art, as well as our Stop Motion Animation & Advanced Computer Illustration Camps
Age groups: 2-4yrs / 5-8 yrs / 9-17 yrs
Camp hours: 9 am – 4 pm or half day options / early drop off & extended day options for extra fees
Camp costs: From $75- $150
Address: 98 Water Street | DUMBO
Contact: hello@creativelywildartstudio.com Website
Curious Jane Drop-In Days
Program: A mash-up of our favorite, hands-on maker projects –– active, creative and totally DIY! With a few different projects each day… we dip into miniature scenes, printed cards and posters, room decorations, take-home games, creative creatures, spy science decoders and detective work, and LED light-ups. Different projects each day. Join us!
Age groups: Girls ages in 1st – 4th grades
Camp hours: 9:45am – 3.30 pm (no early or late-stay)
Camp costs: $150 per day
Address: 400 3rd Avenue, #2 | Gowanus
Contact: Website
Everyday Athlete Mini Camp
Program: Everyday Athlete Holiday Programming is more than just fun: it’s a science-based fitness curriculum that will inspire your child and give them a powerful connection to their body, teaching them how to move better while having fun!
Age groups: Half Day Program 3-4; Full Day K-1; Specialty Sports & Full Day Programs Grades 2-5
Camp hours: 8:45 AM – 3 PM ; Extended Day Option 3 PM – 6 PM
Camp costs: $160 per day
Address: 153 Bridge Park Drive | Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5
Contact: Camps@everydayathlete.com 718-852-6300 Website
Explorer Kids School Break Camps
Program: School Break Camp takes kids on exciting excursions throughout all five boroughs, experiencing NYC the best way possible – as a kid! Campers will be challenged to problem solve and think critically about the world around them as they participate in art and science experiments, off-beat scavenger hunts, nature walks and wildlife explorations.
Age groups: 2-12 years
Camp hours: 8 am – 6 pm
Camp costs: $150 per day
Address: 36 St. Felix Street | Fort Greene
Contact: Website
Pixel Academy School Holidays Camps
Program: Build a Custom Beyblade or Lets Play All-Day are mini camps Pixel Academy offer teaching kids and teens to interact creatively with digital technology.
Age groups: 7 – 15 years old
Camp hours: 9am – 3 pm (extended care until 5.30 pm for $25)
Camp costs: Inquire directly
Address: 163 Pacific Street | Boerum Hill
Contact: Website
Super Soccer Stars Camp
Program: Super Soccer Stars offers convenient and fun kids soccer camps that provide each child with a full dose of soccer fun for the day.
Age groups: 3-10 years old
Camp hours: 9am-12pm
Camp costs: $75 per day
Address: Cadman Plaza and Boerum Hill
Contact: Website
Textile Arts Center Mini Camp
Program: In these Mini Camps students explore subjects such as weaving, sewing, embroidery, printing, felting and dyeing. Each day is dedicated to a full project, and supplemented with organized play time.
Age groups: 5-10 years old
Camp hours: 9am-5pm
Camp costs: $140 per day
Address: 505 Carroll Street | Gowanus
Contact: info@textileartscenter.com Website
Treasure Trunk Theater
Program: At Treasure Trunk Theatre, children explore the world of drama and dance using the themes and music from our favorite stories and themes (from Shakespeare to Toy Story, to our new ‘She-Roes’ camp celebrating the strong women in history)! Each day will be filled with dramatic games to warm up our bodies and voices and get our imaginations ready for theatrical exploration. Students will open our magical treasure trunk and learn essential theatre skills and terms, engage in dramatic play, explore dance and movement, and create artwork each day.
Age groups: 3-6 years old, and select dates also 5-8 years old
Camp hours: 9 am-12 pm, with optional extended day until 3 pm, select dates optional extended day until 5 pm, 8:30am early drop off available
Camp costs: $75 – $160 per day – varies based on optional extended days chosen (until 3/5pm)
Address: 141 Atlantic Avenue | Brooklyn Heights
Contact: info@treasuretrunktheatre.com
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September 2019 © Brooklyn Bridge Parents
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 named Kosmo Kidd crash lands his wind-up rocket ship in Lily’s kitchen. Kosmo whisks Lily away to his floating treehouse in Outer Outer Space, to join his Spacetronaut crew. Lily and Kosmo share many adventures, exploring exotic alien worlds and facing fearsome villains, as Lily proves that a girl from Brooklyn can hold her own among the galaxy’s greatest junior space cadets. Recommended for 7-10 year olds. Shop here.
Mermaids on Parade by Mel Hope Greenberg
Excited about wearing her own special costume for the day, a little girl goes with her family to Coney Island to take part in all the festivities of the Mermaid Parade where mermaids, Neptunes, and sea creatures of all shapes, colors, and sizes go to strut their stuff! Recommended for ages 4 to 7. Shop here.
How Emily saved the Bridge by Fieda Wishinsky
The Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, was completed in 1883. It is thanks to Emily Warren Roebling that the bridge was finished at all. Emily was not an engineer, but she was educated in math and science. She married Washington Roebling, the chief engineer of the famous bridge. When Washington became ill from decompression sickness, Emily stepped in, doing everything from keeping the books, to carrying messages for her husband, to monitoring the construction of the bridge. She was the first person to cross the Brooklyn Bridge when it opened. Recommended for ages 3 to 6. Shop here.
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