At a Glance
A remarkably diverse early childhood community in Brooklyn Heights
Families who prioritize racial and economic diversity in their children's first school experience, parents who want a small intimate setting rather than a larger institutional feel, and those already embedded in or wanting to join the Brooklyn Heights community.
- Remarkable diversity — 50% Hispanic student body is unusual for Brooklyn private schools
- Tiny community — only 88 students across pre-K through 5th grade
- Part of established Packer Collegiate Institute family
- Located in historic, family-friendly Brooklyn Heights
- Very high diversity index (0.85)
- The 14.7:1 ratio is higher than some boutique early childhood programs — expect closer to 15 students per teacher rather than the 8-10 you'd find at some nursery schools
- Only 88 total students means the community is very small — some families want larger peer groups
- As an early childhood campus, this is just the beginning — families would need to plan for continued Packer placement or transition elsewhere
- Private tuition applies — no public school lottery
A nonsectarian private school with a progressive philosophy — this is a place that values diversity and community. The early childhood campus serves as a gentle entry point into what is traditionally one of Brooklyn's most established private school families.
Here's what makes this school distinctive: half of the student body identifies as Hispanic — that's unusually high for Brooklyn private schools and reflects a genuine commitment to economic and racial diversity. The overall diversity index of 0.85 is exceptional. You're likely finding families who actively sought out a mixed community.
Brooklyn Heights is one of Brooklyn's most desirable neighborhoods — tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and the Promenade just minutes away. It's family-dense (88/100) meaning you'll find other young families around every corner. The early childhood campus on Clinton Street puts you near the Brooklyn Bridge Park area.
This is a highly walkable neighborhood with easy access to multiple subway lines. Families often walk or bike to school.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Niche rating 4.27/5; parents describe teachers as passionate, community as warm and welcoming; students noted as kind and open-minded; some concerns about competitive culture and grade transparency
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Brooklyn Heights.
- What grades does PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY serve?
- PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY?
- PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY public, charter, or private?
- PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY is a private school.
- What neighborhood is PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY in?
- PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE EARLY is in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn.
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