At a Glance
A French Immersion School Where Creativity and Child-Centered Learning Meet in Brooklyn Heights
Families who prioritize bilingual (French) education, value progressive/Reggio Emilia-inspired learning, and want a small school with strong parent community and an exceptional arts program. Ideal for Brooklyn Heights or nearby neighborhood families seeking a nurturing, language-rich environment from preschool through elementary.
- Full French immersion in preschool (100%) and递减 to 75% French through 3rd grade
- Montessori-based literacy and math curriculum integrated with project-based learning
- Dedicated art studio with standout teacher Marina — a highlight mentioned repeatedly by parents
- Small size means personalized attention and strong teacher-child relationships
- Active parent community with engaged participation in school life
- Full-time science teacher as part of the curriculum
- NAIS-accredited institution
- Tuition ($29,950–$31,750) is mid-range for Brooklyn private schools — families should weigh whether the French immersion focus aligns with their priorities
- The school is small — this is a feature for families wanting intimate community but may feel limiting for those wanting more extracurricular options
- French immersion continues through 5th grade, but the transition to English instruction in later grades isn't detailed — families wanting full English literacy should clarify the long-term language plan
- Preschool through 5th grade only — families will need to plan for middle school transition after 5th grade
- December 15 deadline for 2026-27 admission, then rolling — early application recommended
This is a small, progressive French immersion school that weaves together Montessori methodology, Reggio Emilia philosophy, and a Developmental-Interaction approach. The result is a play-based, nurturing environment where children learn in French while developing through hands-on projects and creative exploration.
Parents describe a tight-knit community where teachers are skilled, kind, and deeply invested in each child's growth. The parent community is described as wonderful and active, with strong communication between families and school. Families here tend to value bilingualism, progressive education, and the arts — and they appreciate a school that feels like an extension of their own values.
Brooklyn Heights is one of Brooklyn's most family-friendly neighborhoods — tree-lined streets, access to the waterfront, and a village-like feel despite being minutes from Manhattan. The school sits on Montague Street, putting families within walking distance of cafes, parks, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park esplanade.
Highly walkable neighborhood with good access to public transit. Families living in Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, and nearby areas can easily walk or bike to school.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Parents praise skilled, kind, communicative and dedicated teachers; responsive administration; wonderful and active parent community; excellent art program with teacher Marina; significant French language acquisition; warm and nurturing environment; incredible cognitive and emotional growth in children
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Brooklyn Heights.
- What grades does SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES serve?
- SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES?
- SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES public, charter, or private?
- SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES is a private school.
- What neighborhood is SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES in?
- SMITH STREET ARTS ET LETTRES is in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn.
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