Components of our Success

Innovative teaching practices:

The implementation of educational technology

Field experiences  that meet the educational needs of students.

Lab Experiences

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What is the admission process like at your school?

Applicants willing to be admitted to our school take tests in English and Math.

You can get more detailed information on the Admission Process page.

Which subjects does Big Apple Academy offer?

The school offers all basic subjects, including English Language Arts and Literature, Mathematics and Logic, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Art, Music, Russian Language and Literature, and Sports, which consists of gym and swimming sessions. The principal difference from other NY city schools is not in the number of subjects offered, but in more challenging curriculum which allows the school to teach children on a much higher level than their peers in public schools are taught.

Don’t your students get stressed out from too much work?

The daily schedule in our school is developed taking into consideration children’s age and developmental characteristics. Lessons are conducted in the way that engages children in an exciting interactive learning process, especially in elementary school. During class, the teachers use special attention focusing techniques to allow children to better understand and retain the material. This eases the workload and prevents children from being overwhelmed and stressed out. Also, the daily schedule includes walks in the park and free time when children can relax.

Are there any specifics that we need to know about junior high school and high school?

We pride ourselves on utilizing the most current and effective curricula. The school has recently adopted a new Technology curriculum which allows us to make the most out of intercurricular connections and involve students in solving real-life problems. Our school has computer classes with high-speed Internet connection

Why does your elementary school have a different teacher for each subject and not one teacher as in public schools?

A true professional cannot be an expert in several academic areas, such as math, language arts, or fine arts. Besides, our school system prepares children for a smooth transition from elementary to junior high school.

What does our monthly school payment cover? What extras does your school offer?

Your monthly payment covers tuition, books, three meals a day and the extended day till 5 p.m. The school offers academic clubs (Math Club, English Language Arts Clubs, Drama Club and Fine Arts Club) at an additional low cost.

What kind of meals does your school offer?

We offer three hot meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily in our cafeteria. The meals are cooked on premises by our New York certified staff. The food meets the standards set forth by the State of New York.

How old is your school?

The school was founded in 1992. We have been growing with our students. In 2004, our first 8th grade graduates were accepted into the best high schools of New York City and they are top students there till this day, and so are our graduates of the following years.

Is there a large staff turnover in this school?

All candidates for teaching positions go through a vigorous screening and interview process prior to employment. All the teachers in the school strive to do their absolute best in their classrooms. The criteria for choosing teachers include education, teaching experience, the level of English and personality. A teacher’s personality is a corner stone of our pedagogical system.

What is the grading system in your school?

The school has adopted a unified system of academic standards and grading. Students get report cards with percentage grades on a quarterly basis. In addition, we rate students according to the level of their academic ability. This system allows our school to stimulate interest in learning and influences students’ emerging self-assessment in a positive way.

Do children leave school? What are the reasons for this?

Unfortunately, some kids do leave. There are two typical reasons. One is parents’ financial problems, and the other is moving to a different city or state.

If a child leaves your school to go to a regular public school, would he/she be comfortable in a new environment?

Surely, they will be comfortable since our school utilizes the same basic methods of education and covers public school curriculum in accordance with the latest academic standards adopted by the State of New York. Our school only differs from public school because we offer extra subjects and our curriculum covers a wider scope of topics that are taught on a deeper level. This gives our students an opportunity to excel in public school environment after they graduate from our school.

How is your school year structured?

Our school year starts on September 1 and ends on June 26. Compared to 174 school days a year in public schools, our school year is 188 days. During fall, winter and summer vacations children may come to school. They have a wonderful time under the supervision of our highly professional teachers at school participating in games and contests, and they also go on exciting trips to the theater, circus, museums, and zoos. In summer the school is turned into a great summer day camp with its own traditions and life-long friends.

At the Big Apple Academy, we are committed to providing an excellent education that takes into account the interests, abilities and needs of each student and promotes both an understanding of diversity in our community as an integral part of school life and appreciation for it. It is vital that each student at the Academy develops his or her intellectual independence, as well as creativity and curiosity. These are the key and fundamental principles that distinguish Big Apple Academy from any other private school NY abounds in.

Our approach embodies a great array of learning methods and teaching styles. Our teachers successfully combine innovative and traditionally effective educational techniques in order to arouse students’ interest in the learning process. We help our students to learn and to find the motivation to reach their greatest potential. The curriculum is based on the individual abilities and interests of each student in order to ensure that every young person takes pride in his or her accomplishments. It is our academic philosophy to educate and nurture a diverse student population so that each child, as a whole person, may excel intellectually, live spiritually and act justly.

We strongly believe that education brings the greatest benefit when youngsters find rewards in the learning itself. The academic program of the Big Apple Academy has been constructed to engage the minds and hearts of our students and help them become lifelong learners. Our students are encouraged to think using their analytical power, imagination, and creativity. The Big Apple Academy invites young people to stretch and grow by exploring a wide variety of subjects. Our curriculum helps students to highlight and develop their natural talents and to grow in skill and confidence. Students studying in our K-8 NY school receive both regional and national recognition for their work in every sphere. We provide young people with an education that prepares students not only for college, but for life, as we teach them how to become independent thinkers, lifetime learners and active participants in a democratic society.

Admission to the Big Apple Academy is based on personal and academic criteria that vary from student to student depending on age. The Admission Committee determines acceptance through an evaluation of the student’s readiness for study, the student’s previous school record (whether from other NY schools or elsewhere), an entrance test and teacher recommendations.

Students are encouraged to apply early. Admission test dates are scheduled throughout the year in group settings or sometimes on an individual basis by appointment. You can visit the Big Apple Academy at any time during the school year. All tours are arranged by the Admission Office. We offer open houses to those who are interested in our school. Open houses help to provide applicants and their families with an opportunity to get to know faculty members, other students, school administrators and to hear more about the educational program of the Big Apple Academy. After visiting the campus, you can submit an application. After that you will be invited to attend an interview with the principal and take an entrance test. The admissions committee then reviews each applicant’s file, and finally the applicant receives the notification of their decision.

The Big Apple Academy receives applications from a wide range of schools in various NY school districts (including Staten Island schools, Queens schools, etc.), from out of state and from international schools. A successful education is vitally important to all students, especially for those who are highly motivated and interested in the process of studying. Our school is for all youngsters who wish to take an active role in their own education.

We aim to make the admission process personal and comprehensible no matter how much effort this requires from us. We always welcome your questions and seek to provide you with the information you require. Should you need any additional information, please feel free to contact us or visit the Big Apple Academy.

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.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.