Brooklyn Heights Montessori School (BHMS) was founded in 1965 by a small group of parents seeking a child‑centered alternative for their young children. The school began with just twenty students and by 1997 had expanded into a custom‑designed 40,000 sq ft facility in Cobble Hill. Subsequent renovations added a Firehouse Theater, learning kitchen, library and roof garden. In 2013 BHMS achieved accreditation by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) for all programs through middle school. Today the school serves students from age two through grade 8.
Twos Program (age 2). A stand‑alone program introduces toddlers to Montessori materials and routines while supporting independence and socialization.
Preschool & Kindergarten (ages 3–5). Multi‑age classes run five mornings or full days per week and allow children to spend three years with the same teachers. The curriculum emphasises practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics and cultural studies, with time for art, music and outdoor play.
Elementary (grades 1–5). Teachers encourage students to become confident readers, writers and problem solvers. Hands‑on materials gradually give way to abstract thinking; children explore science, history, Spanish, music, art, physical education and practical life projects.
Middle School (grades 6–8). The program emphasises critical thinking, leadership and social justice. Students participate in advisory groups, service projects and a capstone “eighth grade experience.”
BHMS is an independent, non‑profit school. While the school does not publicly post current tuition figures, PrivateSchoolReview lists annual tuition around $42,500 for preschool through eighth grade. Payment plans and tuition assistance are available.
The school occupies a light‑filled campus at 185 Court Street, Brooklyn. Facilities include a black‑box theater, library and media center, science lab, art studio, learning kitchen and a roof garden for gardening projects. The building’s open spaces foster collaboration and community; students enjoy outdoor play on the roof and in a nearby park. BHMS is easily accessible from the F/G train and several bus routes.
BHMS is headed by Stephanie Pax Flanigan, who joined the school in 2019 after nearly two decades as head of the Montessori School of Denver. She has extensive experience in accreditation and governance and serves as a commissioner for both the American Montessori Society and NYSAIS. Under her leadership BHMS continues to deepen its Montessori practice and expand its middle‑school program. The administrative team includes a chief financial officer, admissions director and division heads. All lead teachers are Montessori‑certified, and many hold advanced degrees in education.
BHMS embraces Maria Montessori’s philosophy of respect for each child’s individual development. Guides foster natural curiosity, independent learning and critical thinking while promoting kindness and social justice. The Twos–8th grade continuum allows children to remain in the same community for eleven years, building self‑confidence and leadership skills. Special programs include Peace Education, a buddy program linking older and younger students, and high‑school counseling to assist graduates in choosing the right secondary school.
Applications are accepted a year in advance. Prospective families attend an open house, submit an online application and participate in a child visit. Admissions decisions are released in February along with financial‑aid awards. BHMS offers a robust tuition‑assistance program and encourages families of diverse backgrounds to apply.
Brooklyn Heights Montessori School is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Parents League of New York.
• Community: BHMS places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. The student body represents many cultures, languages and family structures.
• After‑school & summer: Programs include athletics, art, music, coding and language clubs as well as a summer camp.
• High‑school placement: Dedicated counselors guide eighth‑graders through the high‑school application process, resulting in placements at top public and independent schools.
• Meal program: Students bring lunch from home; nut‑free policy is enforced.
https://www.bhmsny.org/ | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.bhmsny.org/about/history | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.bhmsny.org/about/head-of-school | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.bhmsny.org/experience/benefits-of-a-twos-8th-grade-program | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.bhmsny.org/experience/early-childhood-programs | accessed 2025‑07‑25
https://www.greatschools.org/new-york/brooklyn/6272-Brooklyn-Heights-Montessori-School/ | accessed 2025‑07‑25