Classroom life at BNS centers on exploration and challenge. Science, social studies and the arts are integrated in our rooms, and academic skills are developed in the context of thematic curriculum. These themes reflect state and city curriculum guidelines for the teaching of social studies and science. Over the years teachers have worked together to create a list of topics that create a sequence. They also give children exposure to many disciplines and methods of inquiry.
Grade By Grade Curriculum Themes
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![Two students sitting in the forest, one leaning on the other's shoulder.]()
Pre-K
Nature Around Us
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![A group of students walking along a path that runs alongside a shoreline.]()
Kindergarten
Shore School
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![Four students laughing and playing amongst green plants.]()
First Grade
Green Space | Sustainability | Community
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![Collection of student-built wooden structures.]()
Second Grade
New York City | Structures | Rocks | Minerals | Bridges
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![Student holding and examining a handmade structure of wood and wires.]()
Third Grade
West African Cultures | East African Ecosystems Study
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![Students and teachers gathered in a circle outdoors and listening to a speaker.]()
Fourth Grade
Eastern Woodlands Indigenous People’s Study
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![Student and adults gathered in classroom and one teacher at the front of the room, leading the discussion.]()
Fifth Grade
Mayan Culture | What are you Willing to Stand Up For?
Special Education at BNS
We offer a wide range of support and options for supporting students with special needs in and out of the classroom. Many classes at BNS are designated as Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classes. An ICT class is a classroom that has two teachers: a special education teacher who helps insure that the curriculum is accessible to all and a general education teacher. Within the ICT class, 40% of the children have been identified as having learning needs that special education teachers are trained to address. All teachers at BNS differentiate the curriculum to meet individual students’ needs. With two teachers working together as a team, much more differentiation is possible. Whether a student needs extra help or an extra challenge, having two teachers means one will be available to meet that need. Since ICT classes benefit all children, we try to make sure that every child is placed in an ICT class at least once or twice during their time at BNS.
BNS offers Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Counseling and SETSS to students with Individualized Education Program or IEPs. We have a School Based Support Team to manage IEPs and make sure children receive their mandated services.
The BNS + BCS Library
Class visits to the library are not just an opportunity to select books, but rather a chance for the librarians to engage students in very specific curriculum including social emotional texts, Caldecott sharings, books on civil rights, books on the rights of the child, books with varying perspectives, and books inspiring children to effect change. Much of the library curriculum focuses on teaching empathy and understanding those who are different.
ASK- Amanda + Susan + Karen
What is ASK, you might ask? ASK is none other than our three librarians / teachers who make the library happen: Amanda, Susan and Karen. Our librarians highlight the importance of books as windows, mirrors and doors. In that regard, they are expanding the collection so that more books reflect the diversity of our student body. This is not only a goal for the library, but a school wide goal. We seek to have truly inclusive, high-quality children’s books, especially those written by people of color.
Class Pages | Special Blogs
Ecorama Blog
Celebrating the work of our students who are working to green the world. By the Green Committee.
5th Grade Resources
Resources for BNS fifth grade curriculum units.
BNS Wellness Blog
Enjoy our meditation videos, articles on mindfulness, yoga, nutrition, exercise and mental health.
Library Website
School library shared by BNS and Brooklyn Collaborative (BCS) (our sister secondary school).