Here is a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions that had been raised during the November, 2011 Parent Teacher Conferences.

1. 1. When are the state tests for this school year, 2011-2012?

The English state tests will be administered during the week of April 16-19, 2012.  The Mathematics state tests will be given during the week of April 23-26, 2012. Grades 4 and 8 Science state tests are broken down into two main components: the Written and the Performance parts. Grades 4 & 8 Performance will be administered during the week of May 23-May 1. **NOTE: No Make up dates are available for the performance test. Grades 4 & 8 written tests will be administered on June 4, 2012. The make up dates have been included in the abovementioned dates. Please note that make up dates are available to those students who could not participate during the main testing periods due to illness. A medical note must accompany each child taking the state tests as make up.

1. 2. What subject areas offer state-level and/or national-level competitions?

Our students participate in Olympiads in English, Mathematics, as well as natural and social sciences. All of the Olympiad results are officially recorded by the organizations that curate the competitions.

1. 3. Which Regents exams at the Big Apple Academy?

In the 8th grade, each student is given an opportunity to take the following Regents exams: Integrated Algebra, Living Environment, American History, Geometry and the English regents. The Geometry and English regents exams are only offered to those students who pass a diagnostic exam in May with a grade of 80% or higher. The Regents exam weeks are January 24-27,2012 and June 13-19, 2012.

1. 4. How does the school prepare students for the OLSAT and SHSAT exams?

The OLSAT and SHSAT exams and therefore the types of questions that appear on them are substantially different from the regular subject-based curricula and  assignments. In order to pass these exams successfully, a student must at least be proficient in the subject matter (usually English and Math), but that alone many not be sufficient. In order to further prepare students for these exams, the school offers a range of afterschool clubs which, on the one hand, develop the students and expand their range of knowledge, and on the other, teach them methods and strategies of problem-solving applicable specifically to the types of questions that appear on these exams.

1. 5. What is an academic subject week?

The academic subject week is an old tradition at our school. During a few times in the year, the school dedicates an entire week to the celebration of a specific academic subject. During that week, the teachers, along with their students devote a greater amount of time to a particular subject area by doing more creative, unorthodox projects and assignments, by encouraging students to see that subject area through a different lens to renew the students’ interest in the subject. During this time, the school holds various contests of projects in the subject, showcases scientific research performed by students, composition of poems about the subject, creation of drawings, newsletters and magazines, Olympiads, and other types of contests. During this week, other subject area teachers demonstrate the connections of the chosen subject to theirs. During these times, students participate in a school-wide celebration of academic subjects.

1. 6. How does the school regulate the amount of homework?

The curricula at our school are quite rigorous and extensive. During classes, teachers explain the content of the subject in great detail and demonstrate examples of solved problems; however, independent reinforcement of the learning materials plays an equally important part in the students’ education. Homework serves as that reinforcement and develops skills for applying the studied content. Students who regularly complete their homework are much more likely to greatly succeed in the subject, because they practice the necessary skills and knowledge to perform well on the exams.

1. 7. How important is it to read books at home? What’s the best way to organize reading with your child?

Teachers at every grade level give students reading lists of books that they must read during the school year as part of the curriculum, and books they can read beyond the classroom. Certain books are absolutely required for class preparation.

Reading should never be used as a form of punishment for the child. Every parent’s task is to create a situation, where your child shows a desire to read. To achieve that, read something interesting together. Discuss the books you’ve read. Ask questions and show interest in what your child is reading. Retell what you’ve read to each other. Read yourself, so that your child can often observe you reading. Put at least two or three bookshelves into the child’s room. Remember Cicero’s ageless words: ‘A room without books is like a body without a soul.’ More reading leads your child to a greater development, wider worldview, deeper understanding of texts, richer speech, stronger academic progress and a much more successful educational experience.

1. 8. What can parents do to help their child succeed in school?

Thoughtful and interested parents can do a great deal. Remember, however, that your involvement should not exceed the boundaries where you are doing the work for your child. Rather your involvement should be dictated by your genuine support in helping your child to correctly organize their time, prioritize work, neatly prepare their school bag in the evening, and check that everything is in order. You don’t need to help your child with the homework – the teacher will answer the questions they may have. However, you can verify that the work is done neatly, help your child look up unfamiliar words, show them how to use commonly accessible sources of information for doing independent work on their own.

1. 9. How does the school use new technologies in education?

The school classrooms have been outfitted with computerized Smart Boards, which have made the teachers’ jobs significantly easier and made presentations of visual material more effective for students. Our school’s science labs are equipped with modern microscopes, measurement devices and sets of scientific equipment necessary for successful study of foundations of biology and other natural sciences. Our computer classrooms hold the latest models of computer and display equipment. The school’s computers run on a high-speed Internet connection, which allows students to use them effectively and quickly.

Brooklyn is a unique borough in New York that offers an variety of schools, both private and public, for residents to send their children to. While there are many public schools that residents can send their children to free of charge, many parents find themselves seeking out private schools for a number of reasons. If you are on the hunt for a school for your child, consider the benefits of sending them to a private school in Brooklyn.

1. Brooklyn private schools offer small class sizes. Small class sizes can make the difference between a good or bad school experience for a child. Public schools tend to have at least twice as many students per class room as do private schools. Some children simply ’slip through the cracks’ in public school because they don’t get enough individual attention from teachers. Private schools ensure that your child is given the attention he needs to be successful and happy in school.

1. Private schools offer a range of unique programs. Public schools are held to a state and national standard and can rarely deviate from mandatory curriculum. This often means that programs such as those focused on the arts are not offered because they are not part of the program. The private schools in Brooklyn, however, each offer their own emphases and educational styles so you can choose the one that best fits the interests of your child

1. More learning, less distraction. Private schools offer smaller class sizes that are easier to control. Since there is more discipline in private schools, there are less distractions to take your child’s attention away from learning. Teachers don’t have to waste time dealing with problem children since bad behavior is not tolerated. Public schools don’t have the option to turn students away and private schools do. If you choose a private school in Brooklyn, you will not have to deal with the typical crimes that plague public schools here.

1. More preparation for college. It has been shown that students who attend private schools are more likely to attend college and university. The quality of education is higher in private schools and the emphasis on education is stronger. Even students that may lag behind academically in public school will thrive in private school. The individualized instruction and specialized school curriculum that can be found in a private school in Brooklyn challenges students to excel and succeed in school.

There are many private schools in Brooklyn that offer stimulating curriculum to put students on track to a successful future. The one that you choose depends on your child’s interests and goals in life. Creative children will thrive in an arts based school whereas other children will enjoy the challenge of a more rigorous academic based curriculum. Make the decision to put your child in the school that will instill in them a lifelong love of learning. Explore the possibility of sending your child to a private school in Brooklyn and put them on the path to a bright academic future.

Dear Folks,

As you are well aware, the entire world has been shaken by the recent natural disasters which had affected the country of Japan. In the wake of the powerful earthquake and destructive forces of the tsunami, countless lives have been lost and many have yet to be accounted for. Many countries and organizations around the world are conducting humanitarian campaigns to help the people of Japan.

As a school that prides itself on creating a safe learning environment for its students, the Big Apple Academy is conducting its own fundraiser to deliver monies to the children of Japan to help them establish a sense of normalcy and to provide the basics necessary to rebuild their lives.

Students of this school are very well aware of the events taking place in Japan. They are involved in their own fundraising through bake sales. Now we ask you to participate as well. If you are able to do so, please donate whatever amount you can give to help the surviving children of Japan to begin living their lives anew.

Please note that all proceeds will be submitted directly to the Japanese Consul in New York City to ensure that the donations will reach their direct addresses.

  If you find it in your budget and heart to donate, please contact our school at: 2937 86 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223 (718)333-0300.

Preschool can be an important milestone in young childs life. The right preschool program can give them the tools they need to prepare for school and live up to their full potential. Pre kindergarten programs are designed for children ages 3 to 6. Programs, however, differ from school to school. For parents researching preschools for their child, there are a few things to look for in a quality preschool program.

1. Smiling faces. While curriculum is important in a preschool program, the most important thing at this age is to ensure the experience is one that is joyful and fun. The best way to judge whether the preschool is providing an environment that is stimulating and fun to children is to carefully look at the children that are there when you tour the school. Smiling happy faces indicate a quality experience. If you see a large amount of sad, dejected or angry children, this is a sign of a bad preschool program and it should be probably be avoided.

1. Student to teacher ratio. Make sure that your child will have a good amount of personalized attention. The lower the teacher to student ratio, the more individualize time your child will be provided with. Avoid pre kindergarten programs where teachers are overloaded with students. Effective learning comes when your child is given individualized instruction when they need it.

1. The classroom itself. The preschool program room schoolroom should be bright and full of stimulating games and toys. Look for kids artwork on the walls, plants and classroom pets and activity material such as paints, crayons and art supplies. The classroom itself should be warm and inviting as well as having safety features such as good ventilation and soft corners on furniture and fixtures. Avoid schools which have an obvious focus on a television, as a good preschool program utilizes live teachers and not electronic ones.

1. Curriculum. As the teachers to see the pre kindergarten curriculum. Curriculum should be based on self-realization, self-development and self-discovery and taught by teachers who are certified educators themselves. Look to see if books are available to children in the classroom, and if the class has designated reading times. Pre kindergarten programs should begin to instill in children a love of reading and learning.

1. Outside play area. It is essential that children are allowed to be outside playing, getting fresh air and exercise. Check to see that the school has a safe and fun outside area for children to use throughout the day. Things to look for are plants and trees, shady areas as well as areas illuminated by sunlight and clean, safe playground equipment. Being outside in the fresh air and playing is just as important to young minds as is sitting in a classroom and learning. Make sure the preschool program offers a good mixture of both.

Choosing the right preschool program for your child is important for their development and you should take your time to make sure you find the one that is the right fit for your child. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the teachers and other parents or to just drop in randomly to tour the school. Once you have found the preschool program for your child, you will know it from the smile on your child’s face at the end of each day at school.

Private high schools are becoming more and more popular with parents, despite their additional cost. Public schools vary in their quality depending on where you live. Some parents may not understand the appeal of private high schools because they do not understand the benefits that private high schools offer. While everybody has their own reason for wanting to send their child to a private high school, here are the top five reasons why parents are choosing private high schools over public ones.

1. Academics. The whole point of school is to learn, and in private school, this is done more effectively. Children that attend private high schools have a higher rate of academic success. Academic standards are typically higher in private high schools and unlike in public schools, students are able to meet them.

1. Small class size. Private high schools have much smaller class sizes than public schools. In private high schools, there is often about a 1:9 teacher to student ratio. In public school, that ratio soars to 1:20+. The smaller class sizes in private high schools means that students receive an optimum amount of personalized attention. This is what enables them to be more successful academically. Many students simply slip through the cracks in overcrowded public high school classrooms.

1. Discipline. Private schools typically have a much stricter discipline code and because of this they have an easier job of keeping students in line. Bad behavior is simply not tolerated. Private schools have the option to expel students who cause disruptions for other students. Disruptive students can cause attention to be taken away from students who want to learn. This is a problem in public high schools that is not a problem in private high schools.

1. Safety. It is an unfortunate reality that there is a high rate of crime in many public high schools. Criminal activity is not, however, a part of life in private high schools. Stricter discipline and smaller class sizes means that students are always under the scrutiny of teachers and administrative assistants and because of this, private schools simply do not suffer from violent crime and criminal activity like public schools do.

1. Better quality facilities. Private schools have access to more funds than do public schools so they have newer, better quality books, learning materials and facilities. They are able to take their students on more field trips to expand their educational horizons. Public schools are already underfunded and are undergoing even more budget cuts. Private high schools are still able to offer students the same high quality education despite the performance of the economy.

Private high schools can help your child to succeed in school and prepare for entry into a college or university. Take time to research the different private high schools in your area to see if there is one that will fit your child’s needs. High school can be challenging for children and finding the right school can be the difference between success and failure. Private high schools offer a better chance for academic success for many students, a chance that every child deserves.

Middle school is a turning point in each child’s life. For some, this turning point is easier met than it is for others. Each child is unique and not all fit into the mold that public school offers. While not all children need to attend a private middle school, there are some children that simply struggle in public school and thrive in private school. Whether or not the pro’s of a private middle school outweigh the con’s depends mainly on your child and you.

Pro’s of Private Middle School:

Small class sizes. This is the major benefit of a private middle school. A lower teacher to student ratio means that your child will receive the individual attention that they need to succeed.

Less distractions. Private middle schools have a stricter discipline policy where bad behavior is not tolerated. Students who misbehave or disrupt the class are removed so that other students are not distracted from their learning by their bad behavior.

Safety. Private middle schools are safer than most public middle schools because of the absence of students with behavior problems. Since class sizes are smaller, teachers and administrators at private middle schools are more aware of each student, their actions and their activities enabling them to identify odd or unusual behavior and deal with it before it becomes a safety issue.

Con’s of Private Middle School:

Cost. The cost of private school is often a deterrent for parents. However, there are often scholarships and tuition discounts that can be offered to families of students who demonstrate financial need. If cost is an issue but there is a private middle school you are interested in sending your child to, be sure and discuss your situation with the school before making a decision.

Lack of cultural and socioeconomic diversity. Some parents complain that private middle schools do not offer the type of cultural and economic diversity that is found in public middle schools. This is due to the fact that not everyone has the money or desire to send their child to private school. If you feel that this is an important part of your child’s education, you may find it more difficult to find a private middle school that offers the same diverse student body that is found in public schools.

Transportation. While your local public middle school may be easily accessible by bus or by foot, a private middle school may be far from your home. Getting your child to school on time as well as yourself to work on time may be more of a challenge than its worth. This is something to consider when deciding between a public or private middle school for your child.

Parents will ultimately have to weigh the pro’s and con’s of a private middle school education for their child and decide which will work best for everyone involved. What works for one child may not work for another so take the time to talk with your child to find out what is the best decision for them. The right school will put them on track to academic success so it is a decision that should be made with proper consideration.

Brooklyn is a large, diverse and multicultural borough of New York. Its schools reflect that diversity and students who are lucky enough to live here have a choice of programs to participate in, especially at the high school level. However, not all Brooklyn high schools have the same standards, and some fall short in the academic arena. Some schools specialize in subjects such as drama, the arts, science and technology. By attending Brooklyn high school that best fits their interests, students are more likely to succeed. Here are some facts about Brooklyn high schools to help you in your search for the perfect school for your child.

Brooklyn has both private and public high schools. Residents in Brooklyn have a choice to send their children to either a private or public high school. Many residents are unhappy with the state of public schools and are happy to have the option to send their child to a private high school. Each private Brooklyn high school has its own unique teaching philosophy and area of academic focus so parents can send their children to the school that is best suited to their interest and academic strengths.

Many public Brooklyn high school programs have suffered under budget cuts. In Brooklyn as well as all over the country, public schools have felt the crunch of budget cuts. Many of the school’s academic programs have been cut because of lack of funds. In addition, class sizes have gotten larger and larger as teachers have been asked to take on more students because the school’s cannot afford to hire more teachers. Fortunately, private Brooklyn high schools are not affected by budget cuts and their programs remain in tact. Class sizes are still small and manageable and the quality of education is not compromised by overworked and underpaid teachers.

Private Brooklyn high schools have a higher rate of academic success. Many studies have shown that students that attend private high schools have a higher rate of academic success and are more likely to attend college than those that attended pubic high school. Private Brooklyn high schools provide a more serious, academic learning environment that is free of the discipline problems that plague public schools. Some students that attend public Brooklyn high schools find the environment to be too distracting to succeed. When they move to a private school, they suddenly find that they can easily succeed opposed to the struggle they had in public school.

There are many quality Brooklyn high schools to choose from, but it takes some careful evaluation and research to determine the school that is the best fit for your child. Not all Brooklyn high schools offer the same programs or have the same level of academic success. Don’t be afraid to visit several schools, both with your child and without, to determine the one that will offer them the best foundation for a successful scholastic career. High school can lay the foundation for a successful college career by teaching kids the academic skills needed to excel.

The decision of whether or not to send a child to pre school is one that all parents will have to face when their children are between the ages of 3 and 5. Parents have differing reasons for wanting to send their child to pre school, but all have the child’s best interest at heart. We all want the best for our children and want to give them the tools and experiences that will allow them to live up to their full potential in life. A quality pre school program can offer children many benefits that will serve them well throughout their lives.

1. Pre school instills a love of reading. Children who are exposed early on to reading are more likely to grow up to be good readers. While many day care centers will simply put kids in front of a TV or movie, pre school programs avoid this type of ‘electronic babysitter’ and instead engage the children in story time and other reading activities. Pre school programs focus on introducing children to reading through reading time and activities that introduce letters and the sounds they make. Children who participate in a good pre school program are prepared to become good readers as they graduate into kindergarten and beyond.

1. Pre school prepares children to learn. Learning involves concentration and patience, two skills that are not innate in most children. Pre school prepares young children for the classroom by introducing tasks that involve both concentration and patience, giving children the skills they need to become good learners. It has been shown through various studies that not only do children that attend a quality pre school have a greater chance at excelling in school, but they also have a better chance of attending university or college.

1. Gives children a chance to interact with other kids in a positive environment. One of the major benefits of pre school is that it gives kids a chance to interact with other kids. Kids learn from each other, most importantly social skills. Pre school age children are developing their personalities and some of the most critical skills they need to learn to do well in school are how to wait, how to take turns and how to interact with each other in a socially acceptable way. These skills cannot be taught, they can only be learned from experience.

Not all pre school programs are the same just as no two children are the same. While one pre school program may work for one child, it may not be best suited for another. Take the time to visit multiple pre schools, both with your child and without, to see which one is the best fit for your child. Pre school should be fun and exciting as well as an educational experience. The right pre school for your child will be the one that makes your child happy and makes your life easier. Pre school should nurture your child and prepare them for an exciting and fulfilling life of learning so take your time researching to find the one that’s best for your child.

Brooklyn is home to over 2.5 million people and over 500,00 of those are school aged children. There are people from all types of religious and cultural backgrounds living in Brooklyn, each wanting the best education possible for their children. However, since everyone’s idea of “best” is different, public schools aren’t the best choice for every child. In response to this need, a number of private schools have opened in Brooklyn, NY to give parents the choice to send their children to a school that best embodies their values and ideals. There are several types of private schools in Brooklyn NY, each offering their own unique teaching philosophies and curriculum so students and parents can choose the school that best suites them.

Religious schools. There are many religious based private schools in Brooklyn NY. Private Catholic schools and Jewish schools offer families with a strong religious background a place to send their children where they will receive an education in line with their faith. Religious schools are typically highly disciplined where disruptive behavior is not tolerated.

Co-ed versus schools segregated by sex. Whereas public high schools are always co-ed, private schools have the option to be all-boys or all-girls. Some parents find that schools that are segregated by sex have few distractions so children have a less difficult time concentrating on their studies. Co-ed schools are not for everyone and if you feel your child is having a difficult time concentrating in school, then a same sex private school in Brooklyn NY may be a solution for you.

Specialty schools. Many of the private schools in Brooklyn NY specialize in a their own style of curriculum. Some schools focus on the fine arts and drama while others are geared toward technology, math and science. Private schools are free from the bureaucracy that binds public schools so they can offer a more specialized education to their students. Students in Brooklyn can choose to attend the school that best fits their academic interests and best prepares them for college and a career.

Alternative learning institutions. There are some private schools in Brooklyn NY that offer non-traditional curriculum. These include Montessori and Waldorf based schools among others. These schools work exceeding well for some students depending on their unique learning style. Often, alternative learning institutions will give each child personalized instruction and assist them in learning at their own rate. If your child is struggling in a traditional public school than an alternative private school may help them to succeed.

Private schools in Brooklyn NY offer a wide range of academic curriculum and teaching philosophies. To better understand which type of school is best for your child, its a good idea to get a first hand look at the school and students themselves. Take your child to tour schools with you and let them have a say in which one they attend. It is their education after all, and in the right atmosphere they will excel. Give your child the freedom to attend the school that will give them the best platform from which to launch their academic career.

It has been said that raising a child is the toughest job you’ll ever love. Every parent wants the best for their child, especially concerning their future. School lays down the foundation to that future, instilling ideas and values as well as a love of learning that paves the way for success later on in life. Pre school is the first step on that path. Parents have the tough decision, then, of choosing between a public or a private preschool for their child. While economics can have a part to play in the decision, parents should nonetheless carefully consider the benefits that private preschools offer before making their final choice.

1. Private preschools typically have lower child to teacher ratio’s. Public schools are typically underfunded and have to resort to higher student to teacher ratio’s in order to accommodate every child. Private preschools are funded by the parents and are thus able to afford much lower student to teacher ratios, giving your child more personalized attention. Smaller classes and schools nurture a sense of belonging as well as a sense of community, so children don’t tend to get lost in the shuffle. Each preschool differs in student to teacher ratios so compare preschool websites to find out which schools offer the lowest ratio.

1. Teachers have more flexibility and creative control. Public schools tend to contain a great deal of bureaucracy. There is not a focus on state standardized test scores, as there is in public schools. Private preschool teachers are thus able to work with each child and respond to them on an individual basis. Teachers have the flexibility to change lesson plans in response to cues from the children as they feel necessary. This amounts to a more personalized instruction and a more robust learning experience for your child. Preschool websites can be a great way to explore the different types of teaching methods and philosophies that private preschools ascribe to.

1. Children who attend private schools have a better chance of going to college. It is a fact that children who attend private schools have a higher rate of attending and succeeding in college or university. Success rates are higher because the quality of education is typically much better in private schools. A major reason parents choose private preschools over public ones is that they want to ensure that their child has the best foundation for a successful future.

Explore preschool websites to find out about private preschools in your area. You can find out a lot about private preschools from preschool websites, including information on teaching philosophy, accreditation and cost. Tuition cost can be a major factor for parents in making the decision to send their child to public school. If you want a private preschool education for your child but are concerned about not being able to afford it, don’t worry. Many private preschools offer scholarships and sliding scale tuition for lower income families. Your child’s education is an important foundation for a successful life, and private preschools are an important first step in the journey.