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Microschools are Popping Up Across Brooklyn

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Microschools Are Popping Up Across Brooklyn

For many parents, homeschooling during the pandemic brought hidden educational challenges into clear view. From falling behind in reading, to not being challenged in math, to struggling with unchecked issues like bullying, thousands of students are mismatched with school systems that struggle to meet the needs of every individual.

Unlike a homeschool, microschool students are led by a tenured and experienced in-person teacher. Lessons take place in a social group setting — much like a traditional classroom but with a much lower teacher-student ratio. This way, the teacher can adjust and focus on the individual needs of each student. It’s the perfect setting for a child whose learning style is incongruous with their current school system.

Inspired by the concept of the one-room school house, microschools allow parents to work closely with the teacher to meet the students’ needs, interests, and values by customizing the curriculum. This means if you always wanted to send your child to a Montessori school, integrate time in nature, or add lessons in religion, arts or advanced sciences, now you can.

SchoolHouse believes that when you pair a great teacher with small class sizes magic happens. This should come as no surprise. The power of small class sizes was first popularized by educational researcher Benjamin Bloom who found that reducing class size creates dramatically better learning outcomes. Bloom’s research showed that with one-on-one attention, an average student could perform above 98% of the control class.

And the teachers are top notch. Heather Swain, the teacher at the Cobble Hill SchoolHouse, has a masters degree in Philosophy of Education, has been a classroom teacher in the Japanese public school system, a private school teacher in Brooklyn, and the creative director of a public K – 5th grade after school program for 400 children.

“It’s not just the academics that we’re individualizing for the students, which is great and important, but it’s the community that we build that is so safe.  A large part of why the students are flourishing is that they’re not dealing with the stress of daily existence in a big school.”

Ms. Swain doing a science project with her students. Photo credit – Shelly Kroeger

In line with this, SchoolHouse has seen remarkable results in students so far, including those who have learning deficiencies, behavioral issues or are simply bored in traditional school settings and need to be challenged. They are currently making these microschools available across the country and you can sign up now for early access to the New York schools on their site getschoolhouse.com. Tell them New York Family sent you.

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British Swim School

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>

Athletic Association of Yorkville Youths

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Serving the families and children of NYC for over 50 years with high-quality recreational activities that foster life-lessons which empower young people to succeed beyond sports. Our programs encourage positive attitudes and growth through teamwork and sportsmanship, attendance, fair play, respect, hard work, integrity and fun. Your child can participate in clinics and leagues in such sports as baseball, basketball, flag-football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track, and tennis. We also offer weekly dodgeball tournaments, drama and musical theater workshops, and after school programs.</span></p>

Atlantic Acting School

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Looking for a fun and exciting theater program for kids and teens? Join us at the Atlantic. Our programs are intense, exciting and fun!</span></p>