Specialties
Brooklyn Schoolhouse is founded on the conviction that children have an innate desire to explore, play and learn and are naturally competent and capable learners. It's easy to see if we look.
Watch them build a nest from straws. See how they pick bins up to test their strength. Hear them ask where an ant lives after seeing one on the sidewalk. At Brooklyn Schoolhouse, our teachers and on-site naturalist notice each of these small learning moments and respond to children's inquiries with attention, warmth and guidance.
Our thoughtful, play-based programming is offered to children ages 2 to 5 and includes early childhood classes, preschool, after school, summer school and/or nature school.
Ask us anything at info@brooklynschoolhouse.nyc. And follow along as we play at @brooklynschoolhouse on Instagram.
History
Established in 2015.
Brooklyn Schoolhouse was founded with the goal of bringing a unique early childhood education space to Clinton Hill. Operating under the belief that the physical environment plays a crucial role in learning, the space at 156 Gates Avenue was designed to facilitate an open-plan classroom environment, with special attention to color, lighting, and outdoor space. The classroom opens onto a backyard, and an interactive year-round garden.
Within the classroom, a variety of materials are provided in an effort to continually "speak" to the children's interests and curiosities. In addition to core materials like blocks, books, and paints, we also collect recycled and found materials which the children use in unique and repurposed ways for creating process art, and in dramatic play. At Brooklyn Schoolhouse the environment is planned with care to inspire creative thinking and cognitive growth.
Meet the Manager: KIM T.
Founder-Director
Kim Turnbull founded Brooklyn Schoolhouse in 2015. Kim was the Lead Teacher of the Multiage Class, and Director of Brooklyn Schoolhouse for its first year open, and continues on as the Founding Director of the school. Before starting Brooklyn Schoolhouse, Kim was a Lead Teacher at Beginnings Nursery from 2009-2015. She taught the 4s group for two years, the 2/3s group for four years, and the 5s group for the Summer Program. Kim completed the First International Summer School program in Reggio Emilia, Italy in 2010. Before Beginnings Nursery, Kim taught at Sarah Lawrence College Early Childhood Center, ABC Cassidy's Place, Central Park East School and City & Country School. She earned a BA in Literature and Painting from Sarah Lawrence College in 2004 and a dual MS in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Sarah Lawrence College in 2009.