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Brooklyn Private Elementary Schools that Start as Early as Preschool

Independent learning and critical thinking are a focus at the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School. Photo courtesy of the school
Independent learning and critical thinking are a focus at the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School. Photo courtesy of the school
4/4/24 - By Diana Kim

When it comes to private elementary schools, Brooklyn families are not without options, and many offer robust early childhood education programs. Each of the Brooklyn private elementary schools listed below varies in size and educational philosophy, providing families with options that create a great fit.

As a bonus: If your child gets into the preschool, Pre-K, or kindergarten program at one of these schools, they can always continue through the private elementary school without having to apply again. As you embark on the process of finding the perfect fit for your little one, it's worth bookmarking this piece on 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour, and our Preschool Directory is an excellent resource to find more programs in Brooklyn and beyond as well.

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Students at Studio Creative Play can continue their education at the Roberts Field School. Photo courtesy of the school
Students at Studio Creative Play can continue their education at the Roberts Field School. Photo courtesy of the school

Top Brooklyn Private Elementary Schools with Pre-K Programs

The Co-op School

Bed-Stuy
The Co-op School is a vibrant and nurturing institution, catering to students from preschool through 8th grade. It offers a rigorous academic program while prioritizing a student-centric approach to education. Students engage in a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses traditional academic subjects, studio art, movement, and music, all of which are based on an inquiry-driven approach that places student interests and agency at the forefront. In preschool and lower school divisions, which serve students from two years old to 5th grade, The Co-op School is known for its thoughtful... READ MORE

Bay Ridge Prep

Bay Ridge
Located in the heart of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Bay Ridge Prep is a selective K-12 school that focuses on discovering and developing the strengths of each unique student. From exceptional academics and arts opportunities to an array of athletics and after school activities, the school offers small classes and a fresh approach to education. Bus transportation is available in select Brooklyn neighborhoods. READ MORE

BASIS Independent Schools

Downtown Brooklyn
BASIS Independent Schools in Brooklyn and Manhattan start at Pre-K and kindergarten and continue through 12th grade with a sprawling liberal arts program and advanced STEM offerings designed to inspire mastery and excellence in students as they learn from passionate subject-expert teachers. BASIS Independent Lower School campuses are located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and in City Point in Downtown Brooklyn. READ MORE

Berkeley Carroll School

Park Slope
The Berkeley Carroll School is a coed, independent college preparatory school in the heart of Brooklyn, offering instruction to students in Pre-K through high school. The aim of the school is to inspire critical, ethical, and global thinking by emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach. READ MORE

Brooklyn Friends School

Downtown Brooklyn
Brooklyn Friends School educates curious learners from age 2 through high school in adherence to Quaker values. The school strives to create learners who are intellectually curious with a desire to become confident global citizens and leaders. It is one of only a few independent NYC schools offering an IB diploma program.    READ MORE

Brooklyn Heights Montessori School

Boerum Hill
Brooklyn Heights Montessori School serves students in preschool through grade 8. Guided by the principles of Maria Montessori, the school strives to inspire a love of independent learning and critical thinking. The school encourages personal responsibility, leadership, and respect for self and others. ​The Early Childhood Program consists of twos, preschool, and kindergarten programs.  READ MORE

International School of Brooklyn

Carroll Gardens
ISB offers a nursery school through 8th grade program that includes French and Spanish immersion, plus an IB program. The ISB experience is guided by six principles: language immersion, inquiry-based education, global curriculum, international mindedness, diversity, and community.  READ MORE

Packer Collegiate Institute

Brooklyn Heights
Dating back to 1845, Packer is an independent, college preparatory school for kids in Pre-K through 12th grade. Its beautiful 19th-century campus is steps from Brooklyn Borough Hall and complements the 21st-century learning that happens inside. The school's mission is to educate students who think deeply, listen actively, speak courageously, and act with purpose and heart. READ MORE

Poly Prep

Park Slope and Dyker Heights
Poly Prep offers instruction to students in preschool through high school at a pair of campuses in Park Slope and Dyker Heights. Poly Prep is guided by a whole-child educational philosophy and is committed to a diversity of individuals, viewpoints, and experiences. READ MORE

Saint Ann's School

Brooklyn Heights
Saint Ann's School is an independent, non-sectarian day school offering instruction to students in preschool through 12th grade. The school is committed to education for its own sake and foregoes traditional grades and testing. It encourages children to be risk-takers and treats every subject as an art and every child as an artist.   READ MORE

Studio Creative Play

Park Slope
Studio Creative Play offers a multi-faceted preschool program that integrates arts, music, science, and nature into its curriculum. Studio Creative Play offers Pre-K programs for 3 and 4 year olds. Mindfulness in all areas is at the core of the curriculum. The small student to teacher ratio helps foster a dynamic program driven largely by the children. Children are regularly engaged by visiting artists, musicians, and educators who expand and deepen their learning.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Diana Kim
Diana Kim has been a contributor to Mommy Poppins for nearly 8 years. A Brooklyn mom of three (ages 7-16), she loves exploring family-friendly events and activities in Brooklyn and sharing the best finds with readers.
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