Gowanus Canal
Brooklyn, NY

I have two kids in the school this year and we absolutely adore it. It is not our zoned school and I am so glad we chose 124. It is a small school, which makes it feel like family. All the staff know my kids’ names and how to best engage them in learning. There is strong social-emotional support including free counseling through the CBO partner, Counseling in Schools. There is also low-cost extended care 3K-4K and free after school for K-5 through a partnership with YMCA. My children feel both challenged academically and safe in the school. There are many enrichment programs available as well including a full time art and music teacher as well dedicated science, social studies, and theater teachers; and external programs such as dance, improv, swimming, coding and Lego robotics, among others. Over the last two years, the school has shifted to incorporate more project- and play-based learning, recognizing that these are children and learning can take many forms, including how you interact with peers to strategize and solve math problems or read & write a story together.Of course every school has challenges, but it’s important to note that leadership is open to feedback and willing to work with individuals and families to best support them. The parent community is highly engaged, prioritizing family events over high priced galas and auctions. We love the diversity of the school — cultural, language, socioeconomic — as it reflects the broader NYC and global community. This is not something that can be said for other neighborhood schools. Highly encourage folks to check out the website (ps124brooklyn.org) or stop by for a tour.