Theodore G. Tasoulas Celebrates A. Fantis Parochial’s 55th Anniversary

tree planting

A. Fantis Parochial School is a “hidden gem” located in historic district of Brooklyn Heights. Grounded in a rich history and ancient culture, A. Fantis Principal Theodore Tasoulas shares how the school has preserved its Greek Orthodox values while also adapting to a rapidly evolving society over the past 55 years.

“I think the key approach is the innovative curriculum and then the mix of the classical and Hellenic culture,” says Tasoulas.

Teaching a variety of subjects from Hellenic (that’s Greek!) to Biology, A. Fantis brings these subjects to life through school field trips to New York City museums, academic programs and clubs, and even cultural exchange programs. A. Fantis encourages learning through a phenomenon based learning approach, engaging students with events or phenomena rather than historical dates and facts, inspiring them to want to learn more.[gravityform id=”13″ title=”false” description=”false” ajax=”true”]

“A big approach [to the curriculum] is making learning more active and authentic and applicable, using our partnership with Vanderbilt University and [programs] like Classroom NYC and the Billion Oyster Project, the Greece Trip.” Tasoulas says. “It’s about students better understanding the way the world works in a way that’s using textbooks but, using textbooks to supplement instruction, not drive it.”

Though A. Fantis is a parochial school grounded in the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek culture, it is also forward thinking and creates a safe space where students feel free to “push their boundaries.”

Though the school is proud of its ancient roots and is appreciating its 55 years, Tasoulas says they have their eye on the next 55 and what the future has in store for them next!

What’s different about the classes, teachers, and students at A. Fantis Parochial School?

We’re a smaller school environment so it really turns into a big family where students have been with us from pre-k all the way up through 8th grade. They’ve had the same preschool teacher, everyone knows their name, it’s kind of like that small, familiar environment where kids feel really safe.

How does the school take advantage of its prime location and being located in NYC?

From Manhattan to Staten Island, we select a lot of strategic sites that really enhance our learning, we’re involved in the Billion Oyster Project which is a local initiative with scientists and educators to repopulate the harbor’s oysters. Actually, just last week, they went into check on them so, they can run science experiments, they can learn history, math, through that kind of unit, that theme.

As a Greek Orthodox School, do students have to sign a statement of faith and what percentage of A. Fantis is Greek Orthodox?

We’re a Greek Orthodox School but all students, from K – 8, are required to be baptized, Christian. About 60 percent are Greek but the rest are Catholic or other denominations.

What do you think makes the school so special?

We like school to be exciting and engaging for students and families so, our after school clubs allow us to provide experiences and educational opportunities that we wouldn’t be able to do during the day. So we partner with elite vendors to provide programs such as swimming. We’re creating a chess team, we’re creating a robotics team so that students can pursue other interests that they have. And the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), beyond just being a fundraising arm, is really involved with family involvement. So, they have monthly events where parents and students are invited to events for families.

How do you hope to lead the school so that it is around another 55 years?

That’s really where the Vanderbilt University Partnership comes in but also we’re involved in an initiative called Classroom NYC, which is kind of related to Vanderbilt in the sense that we want to take learning outside the walls of the classroom and see the rich variety of resources that it has.

That includes our preschool students going to the Transit Museum all the way through Middle School, [where students] go to an outdoor education center in the Catskills for an overnight camping trip, and then our 8th graders take a week-long cultural exchange program in Athens that kind of culminates the Hellenic studies and Greek Language studies that they’ve been participating in since preschool.

How has A. Fantis improved education in recent years and plan to continue that in the future?

The focus has been supporting and developing excellent teachers, that’s number one. And then, so we’ve been strategically re-evaluating and improving our curriculum, our curricula. Like I said, we revamped the science k-8 but we also improved our math, reading, and English course, and we’re adding a stem course this year.

We’re grounded in our history and appreciating our 55th year, but we have an eye on the next 55 years. Through the various initiatives that we have previously talked about, that’s what our vision is to get there.

To learn more about A. Fantis Parochial School, visit afantis.org

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Ready Set Grow Preschool

<p><a href="https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/&source=gmail&ust=1692384562653000&usg=AOvVaw3H4vbx-RdPPdKc5YnYYhnS">Ready Set Grow Preschool </a>(RSG), located in New Hyde Park believes that lifelong learning begins with a well-rounded, comprehensive and compassionate early childhood education. </p> <p>Ready Set Grow, the treasured preschool attached to the Progressive Athletic Center, serves as an educational hub for children 2 to 4 years of age. The educational team at RSG have created an enriching environment that hones in on children’s natural curiosity about the world around them in order to promote socialization, creativity, and critical thinking. Student’s delve into thematic daily play-based lessons in science, mathematics, art, literary enrichment, and physical education that serve as building blocks for the child's academic future. Preschoolers at RSG have the unique opportunity to develop their gross motor skills at the attached, fully equipped gymnastics facility where they engage in climbing, movement-based games and gymnastics. </p> <p>Ready Set Grow preschool offers 4 age-based classes taught by certified teachers. Each thoughtfully curated class is an excellent nursery to grade school transition. The warm and welcoming environment of the school allows children to feel confident in their new-found independence. As a first-time mom, N.S,  was relieved when her son felt immediately comfortable at the preschool relaying to the director that, “From the first day of school, my son's teachers have shown such warmth, compassion and professionalism. We are greeted each day with genuine smiles and excitement. My son looks forward to drop off each day and often mentions teachers and classmates at dinner. It's so cool to know that he’s making such good memories”. The professional and fun-loving staff helps their students cultivate social and academic skill sets that will be utilized throughout their school career. As a mom of two now-grade schooler’s, Cheryl L. thanks RSG for “...making her children's pre-school experience so special and helping to prepare them for Pre-K. Cherryl continues by stating, “ RSG staff creates an educational atmosphere combined with caring, creativity and fun.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/&source=gmail&ust=1692384562653000&usg=AOvVaw3H4vbx-RdPPdKc5YnYYhnS">Ready Set Grow Preschool</a> is now accepting Fall new-student applications for 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. Visit their website or email RSG’s head director, Louiza at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> for information on classes and registration. </p>

St Andrew Avellino School

<p>St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy, voted “Best in Boro” by qns.com, is a home to students ranging from Nursery through 8th grade. We offer a safe and nurturing learning environment and a family-oriented community where students of all faiths and backgrounds can excel academically, socially and emotionally.</p> <p>The St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy Advantage: Engaging and challenging lessons created by experienced and passionate faculty that encourage critical and creative thinking. Traditional teaching approach and educational programs that adheres to New York State common-core curriculum and is accredited by Cognia. Early Childhood foundation in academics, emotional literacy and faith. High-school level Regents classes for advanced learners. Support services for learning differences. Hands-on science experiments in a STEM lab. Art, music, robotics, and physical education classes. Catholic faith formation from religion classes, weekly church liturgies, and Christian service projects. Wide range of programs and extracurricular activities (music, clubs, sports) that cater to the students’ diverse interests and needs.</p> <p>Excellent Student Outcomes: Above average standardized New York State test scores every year. Graduates attend and succeed at prestigious high schools (Regis, Chaminade, Bronx High School, Stuyvesant, and Townsend Harris) and Catholic high schools in Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island.</p> <p>Graduating classes receive an average of $250,000 in Catholic High School scholarships.</p> <p>Financial assistance is available for families that qualify. Early morning drop-off and afterschool care are available.</p>

The Mary Louis Academy

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; color: #000000;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A High School for young women valuing faith and service with dedicated teachers, challenging academics, outstanding facilities, and friends for life. The TMLA experience produces stellar college acceptances and confident graduates who know how to lead.</span></p>