First year parent of a kindergartener. Have been doing onsite full day classes since day 1 and the…read moreschool has been very good with taking as many precautions as possible for covid.. the desks have plastic dividers, everyone is always wearing face masks and there's hand sanitizer all over the place. This hasn't affected my child's experience. He's really loving school as well as the forest school they're doing. The parents are actively involved with the school as well as communicating with each other. For the coop part, the school has several committees that parents can join. The committees offer opportunities for parents to help out with various things for the school.

the teachers were weird and to restrictive of my child my child always said they didn't have a good…read moretime and that they wanted to change back to their old school just an overall bad expirence

Lefferts Gardens Montessori (aka LGM) is a neighborhood gem. It's run by some of the most dedicated…read moreand passionate individuals and the teachers are phenomenal. I've had the pleasure of sending multiple children to LGM over the last 7 years from their 2 year old "Discoverer's" program through their 3-5 year old Pre-K program -- and have never thought twice about sending our kids elsewhere. If you are interested in Montessori, it's true Montessori. (Note: being a Montessori school/kid doesn't mean stale/sterile learning environments!! It's engaging, fun, and has all the normal aspects of a pre-school but within a beautiful structure). If you are interested in academics, my kids all went to Kindergarten at public schools after LGM and were reading and had math skills ahead of the curve. Can't recommend LGM enough to any family with young children!

Our daughter spent two wonderful years in pre-school at LGM. We knew that she was safe, well cared…read morefor and learning in a stimulating and diverse environment. What we didn't fully appreciate until moving on to our next school, was the incredibly high calibre of instruction at LGM. Each morning, the amazing teachers warmly greet students with handshakes and smiles, organized and well prepared for the day's lessons. Through out the day, kids enjoy the perfect blend of structure and individual choice and all activities are thoughtful and instructive. Don't be fooled by all the fun they're having, this school is teaching kids to love learning. The supportive administration and well-rounded parent body added to our great experience. A true gem - can't recommend it highly enough.

Enrolling our daughter in Changing Tomorrow Academy was one of the best decisions we ever made…read more We had originally planned to send her to a daycare just around the corner, but when that fell through were in a desperate situation. Amanda was so wonderful and found a place for us at very short notice. We weren't expecting much -- we were just happy to have found somewhere so quickly -- but our daughter flourished and thrived under their care. Amanda was extremely communicative and seemed to know everything about how our child was developing. She is so great with the children and just an extremely positive force to be around. We never worried for a second when our daughter was there. The teachers were wonderful at helping her adapt to her first daycare, and then helping her transition to the toddler class. We got regular updates and photographs throughout the day that regularly made us laugh. They came up with really great ideas for activities. They calmed us when we were worried and gave us tips to help her along. The facilities here are amazing, but the staff are what makes it great. We HIGHLY recommend Changing Tomorrow Academy and will be eternally grateful for how they took care of our little one.

Man, sending your kid to be taken care of by strangers can be tough…read more I was fully prepared to hate every daycare we toured and subsequently convince my wife that I should quit my job and take care of our little girl full time, because no one was good enough to do the job.* But we loved Changing Tomorrow as soon as we walked inside. The location may not be ideal (for us or in general - it's located in a construction-clogged area of Downtown Brooklyn), but the facilities are excellent, and the people are wonderful. It is brand new, clean, and very well run. It's as if they took stock of the bougie parents in the neighborhood, and decided to create a daycare that offered everything they might want: Flexible schedules and long hours (open 7 am to 7 pm). Nurse on site at all times. Organic food catered for the kids (after they turn 1). Montessori methods that focus on the cognitive, social, and emotional development of your kid. Frequent activities like dance, soccer, finger-painting, and trips to the park when it's nice out. Best of all, they have monthly meetings where they take suggestions for what the parents would like to see from the school, and they actually try and implement those suggestions where it makes sense. (I wish those meetings weren't at 7 am, but I suppose getting up early is part of being a parent.) We're only a couple of weeks in at this point, but so far I have to say that the staff is just amazing. They put up with the minute and specific instructions we (and I imagine all parents) throw at them on a daily basis, and they are shockingly on top of the Brightwheel app that they use to keep us updated on our child throughout the day. Yesterday I got over a dozen photos and videos of my daughter, plus updates on her naps, feedings, diaper changes, and more. My kid still cries every time I drop her off, but it's really gratifying to see a smiling photo of her just a little bit later so I know she isn't crying all day. A huge thank you to Meridith the Education Director, Ms. Victoria, Ms. Janiece, Ms. Maria, and all the other wonderful people that work here. I'm constantly surprised that the teachers in the other age groups (that don't spend the day caring for her) recognize my daughter on sight when we walk in the door; it makes the place feel a lot more like a family. Thank you all for taking care of our daughter; I know it isn't easy, and we really appreciate how much you care. It makes it a little bit easier to leave her with you. ____________ *And also because I'm a progressive man that knows my wife can handle the breadwinning duties in this modern world. Definitely not because I'm tired of working and need to be supported in this lifestyle to which I've become accustomed.

Maple Street School is a neighborhood treasure for kids ages 2-5, with an incredible staff and…read moreteachers, where kids sing and dance and make art every day. It was our home away from home for 3 years.

We've been part of this neighborhood for years before our son was born and have been so happy…read morefinally having him there this year. The classes are dynamic with daily outdoor time in prospect park, weekly live music, a class pet, themed lessons... the teachers are intuitive, energized and so caring with the kids--and the student-to-teacher ratio is low. It is a very special, coop-style community-based concept school with parent/family involvement and outreach events throughout the year. We've been through a year of another preschool and a different daycare before that and this is the only time our son wakes up everyday asking to go to Maple Street. He LOVES it! And so do we. Highly recommend!

I love GATED Academy! It is a second home for me and my 2.5 year old son. My son's speech and…read morevocabulary really improved at GATED Academy. The teachers are awesome and caring. They give each student one-on-one time. The school includes French, yoga, dance and music every week in their curriculum. There is a full size playground one block away from the school, so the students really enjoy outdoor play. I've done a lot of research around the Brooklyn area, they are the only school that offers late pick ups (7:00pm), take the toddlers to monthly field trips (apple picking, zoos, library visits, etc) and sends parents daily live reports (Kids Report) to your email and mobile. With the Kids Report, the teachers send me pictures of my son's activities, report of meals and snacks, records nap time, and when he runs out of pull ups. I love the fact that the students wear school uniforms. The school is very clean and organized!!! They serve healthy and organic meals for the students. GATED Academy is a dream come true for a first time parent. They put your worries at ease and address any concerns you may have immediately.

The nursery is truly OUTSTANDING! GATED Nursery is run by smart, kind and loving teachers. I have…read moreZERO guilt leaving my son in their care. The space is bright and clean with perfect toys and set up. It's such a healthy and happy environment. The younger (than me) staff are high energy and take pride in their important career. Teaching and fostering child development is obviously a priority for them. I truly couldn't be happier with GATED Nursery. I trust them 100%

My daughter just started Pre-K here during September this year, but I have been very familiar with…read morethis place when both my nephews came here back in 2010. The school consists of 2 floors, and a playground. Classes are full day with early drop offs as early as 7:30 in the morning, if necessary. Teachers here are all excellent with great communication. Lots of activities throughout the school year from trick-or-teating within the school, to muffins with dads for Father's Day. Tons of celebrations according to coming holidays and seasons. Since it's located on the busy streets of 8th ave, most of the students are Chinese, the teachers squeezes in the language here and there, even teaching them how to write basic words as simple as 1 2 3. I was so surprised when Kaylen came home one day and showed ME how to write the word "mid" from the recent mid autumn festival last month. They also do preparations with the students, one on one, for the gifted and talented program test, which you would have to sign up for on the board of education website.

Both of my boys went to this preschool and I must say this school is excellent! School directors…read moreare pleasant and teachers are awesome to work with! They are very patient with kids and they have great curriculum! First year of school is crucial, and this school has showed my kids how fun school is. They have school events, holiday celebration, and they teach the children what the story behind the holiday. They have parents get involved in almost all events. They have 3 meals a day and a snack too! The meals are healthy and colorful too! I highly recommend this school to any parents that are planning preschool for their child!

When we saw the combination of the space and the teachers, we were over the moon. Old First has a…read morehuge classroom, a huge indoor play space (replete with indoor jungle gym), and a big backyard! There are swings and a playscape in the backyard, as well as a garden! The teachers are so creative and engaging, my daughter never wants to leave school. One day she comes home talking about the painting projects, the next day she breaks into the songs she has learned, another day she talks me through the process of tilling the ground and planting seeds -- turns out they had spent a couple days tilling the ground and planting grass in the backyard. This school encourages a sense of independence and inquisitiveness in its students, and has engaged and delighted my daughter since day 1. It is a truly refreshing and unique find in the otherwise daunting world of Brooklyn preschools.

We sent both our kids to this school and they both had amazing experiences, as did we (this being a…read moreparent-run cooperative.) As others have mentioned, the teachers are great -- and that has been true even with staff changes over the years. The space is extraordinary - there is no other pre-school in Brooklyn that has has a nicer space - worth it for that alone! The school continues its 50-year tradition of progressive education. Your kids won't be saddled with pre-this&that, but will actively develop executive function skills and learn how to function in a school setting. Best of all, they will learn to love school and will look forward to every day at OFNS. OFNS kids generally do very well when they move on to kindergarten. As a parent-run cooperative, parents are much more involved with the school and each other than is probably typical. While the annual Christmas tree sale shifts may be tiring, they are also a great bonding experience, and a lot of fun. Old First Nursery School is one of those things that makes Brooklyn special!

My daughter was one of the first students at OWP. She loved it SO much and had the best experience…read more The teachers were and are amazing and kind and care so much about the kids there, My daughter who is now in middle school still remembers the spanish that she learned at OWP. It was an amazing immersive experience that I wish every child could have.

One World Project is an incredible early childhood education center in Windsor Terrace. Our son…read morewent there for preschool for three years, and we couldn't be happier. We chose the school for its Spanish immersion program, but honestly, what we love most is how warm and nurturing it is. The school really creates an environment where kids feel safe and where diversity is celebrated. I love how all the teachers foster a love of learning through exploration and play. They change their lesson plans based on the interests of the children--our son spent weeks studying viruses and bacteria because that's what the children were interested in! Another thing I love about One World is how community-focused it is. Although, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, they are constantly involving the community--asking for ideas and input.. I have always known that One World is a special place, but that feeling has only been magnified now that our child is a more mainstream elementary school. I highly recommend One World Project to any family looking for preschool/camp or afterschool.

Little Scholars Center III - the best! Thank you Alla, Nina, Mrs. Mia, Amber, but I must say Alla,…read morethe teacher, is the best! She made my son eat (very picky eater) and I am happy to say this is the best day care I have seen so far! Thank you guys for your hard job and dedication. Leidja

I love this daycare but I wish the teachers spoke more english. I understand that is a Russian…read moreneighborhood but that doesn't mean that everyone speaks Russian .

Our family had a very disappointing experience at C'E Montessori…read more We initially loved the school and supported it wholeheartedly. I volunteered at events, helped with school shows, and even campaigned for two teachers to be hired. We believed in the community and tried to contribute meaningfully. But everything changed when we started voicing concerns. After my son began telling me about being punished by having recess taken away--a practice that goes against core Montessori principles--we brought it up with the director and later the owner. What followed was a series of evasions and dismissals. Recess continued to be withheld, despite their promises. We were also repeatedly told the school was bilingual in Spanish, but no actual Spanish instruction ever took place. We asked about this many times over the years, and while we kept being told a Spanish program was coming soon, it never materialized. Eventually, I shared my concerns publicly on the "North Brooklyn Education" Facebook group, after weeks of private conversations with the school went nowhere. That's when the bullying and personal attacks from other parents began. The reaction wasn't disagreement--it was shaming, piling on, and attempts to silence. On top of it all, we had to chase the school via multiple emails just to get $249 refunded that they owed us. That kind of treatment--from the school and the parent community--left us heartbroken and disillusioned. We hoped for a respectful, open-minded Montessori environment. What we found was the opposite.

We absolutely love C'E, our daughter went there for both camp and their extended day program during…read morethe school year when she was three. Previously, she had been in another Montessori school in Manhattan -- one that is quite well regarded -- but the hands-on love, enrichment, and programming at C'E far surpassed the other. Within a few months of her attending we were blown away by the teachers, the learning-based curriculum that was mindful but also enriching, and the communication was unparalleled. There are also so many special touches - they offer piano, dance, etc. - and also encourage the students to do things like take care of their own plants, make their own food, and participate in school musicals, bake sales, and card making. I highly recommend C'E to any family, especially those that really want their child to get a unique head start in a loving environment.