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PrivatePrivate

BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL

185 COURT STREET

At a Glance

A child-led learning environment where the smallest class sizes in Brooklyn meet Montessori philosophy

Best suited for

Families who want an extremely intimate, personalized educational experience and believe in Montessori principles of self-directed learning. Parents who value small class sizes over athletic facilities or extensive programming will find this school well-aligned with their priorities — especially those seeking a progressive, nonsectarian option in a highly family-friendly Brooklyn neighborhood.

What stands out
  • A 4.3:1 student-teacher ratio — extraordinary individual attention
  • Authentic Montessori methodology with self-directed learning
  • Tiny enrollment (152 total) creates a close-knit, family feel
  • Pre-K through 5th grade in a single, small community
  • Nonsectarian progressive philosophy without religious affiliation
Things to consider
  • Tuition for a private school — expect a significant annual cost
  • The predominantly white student body may not reflect Brooklyn's broader diversity
  • Montessori's child-led approach requires a certain kind of learner — some children thrive with structure and may need more direction
  • Very small school means limited extracurricular breadth compared to larger institutions
IdentityMontessori Education Here Means Children Choose Their Work Within Structured Environments, Learn At Their Own Pace, And Often Share Classrooms Across Age Groups. It'S A Child-Centered Approach That Values Independence And Intrinsic Motivation Over Traditional Lecture-Based Instruction.

A tiny, nonsectarian elementary school using the Montessori method with a 4.3:1 student-teacher ratio — this is as small and personalized as schooling gets in New York City.

CommunityModerate

With only 152 students across pre-K through 5th grade, this is a tightly knit community where teachers know every child and family. The student body is predominantly white (71%), with about 16% multiracial and modest Asian and Black representation. The diversity index of 0.59 sits in the middle range — not highly diverse, but not monolithic either.

NeighborhoodDowntown Brooklyn-DUMBO-Boerum Hill

The school occupies Court Street in a neighborhood that blends historic Brooklyn Heights with the energy of Downtown Brooklyn and the creative edge of DUMBO and Boerum Hill. This is one of the most family-dense areas in the city (85/100 family density), meaning lots of young children nearby and a built-in community of parents.

Highly walkable — the location puts you within easy reach of Brooklyn Heights promenades, DUMBO's waterfront parks, and multiple subway lines.

Notable Programs

Montessori Twos ProgramPreschool and KindergartenLower Elementary (Grades 1-3)Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)Middle School (Grades 7-8)

What Parents Are Saying

Mixed reviews: Parents praise the intimate community, individualized attention,Montessori approach, and happy children. Some concerns about academic rigor and preparation for traditional high schools. Rating 4.38/5 on Niche with 58 reviews.

Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026

Frequently Asked Questions
Is BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Downtown Brooklyn-DUMBO-Boerum Hill.
What grades does BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL serve?
BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL?
BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
Is BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL is a private school.
What neighborhood is BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL in?
BROOKLYN HTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL is in Downtown Brooklyn-DUMBO-Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
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