Innovations in education

Brooklyn’s newest high school offers students an innovative approach to learning that features a diversity of educational options and the opportunity to engage with the community.

Opened in 2009, Sunset Park High School has 350 students per grade, plus about 80 special needs students. So far, only ninth and 10th grades are offered, but the school will be adding a grade a year through 12th grade. Students do not test into the school — rather, anyone can apply, though preference is given to students hailing from the local area, comprising School Districts 15 and 20, which cover — between them — neighborhoods including Sunset Park, Park Slope, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Boro Park, and parts of Bensonhurst and Kensington. Preference is also given to students who attend a school information session.

The school features an new take on traditional curriculum, including writing classes in ninth and 10th grades, focusing on global issues in 10th grade and “identity and community” the ninth.

“Students take the basic science, math, social studies, English and foreign language classes, as well as physical education,” Principal Corinne Vinal explained. “In addition, students all take ‘Drop Everything and Read,’ three times a week.” That course focuses on independent reading, with books chosen by the students.

Preparing students for their future is a key to the school’s approach on learning, stressed Vinal. A particular feature is the “advisory” courses, in which students get the chance to talk with their peers and adult advisers.

“Kids get out of their comfort zone and feel welcome in the school,” noted 10th grader Steven Perez of the twice-weekly sessions. “It’s great preparation for college.”

“It’s more about the transition from middle school to high school and high school to college,” Vinal explained. “It helps students learn the skills they need to grow academically, socially and emotionally.”

Another hallmark of the school is “cooperative learning.” Desks are not set up in rows, so that students can work together and help each other out.

There is no tracking, so students are not divided into classes based on level of skill. There are no AP or honors classes, said Vinal. In addition, the school promotes inclusion, meaning special education students attend regular classes when possible.

“Our aim is for every possible venue to have all kids included,” Vinal emphasized. “We believe they learn from one another.”

Students enjoy the nurturing, small learning environments the school has to offer, and are assigned randomly to programs that add to the standard curriculum with a specific focus.

“There is one principal and one school but three small learning communities: Visual and performing arts, business and entrepreneurship and health and human services,” explained Vinal.

All of the themed communities — selected by the community during the school’s design phase — share the same core structure, “but they look at the curriculum through a special lens,” says Vinal.

“We write our own music, create our own characters and do improvisational acting,” enthused Shanice Peters, who is in the school’s arts program.

With the school’s mission to foster “the skills necessary for students to make an impact on the community in which they live, local or global,” community outreach involves such initiatives as service learning, in which the high school students work with local elementary school students on occasions throughout the year, and engage in peer tutoring.

Students are enthusiastic about the athletic and extracurricular programs — there are 31 clubs — as well as special collaborative learning plans with community partners such as the Center for Family Life.

All the opportunities Sunset Park High School offers — including longer class hours — truly are unique to the school, and are are not replicated at other schools in the area.

“They help get us ready for college,” offered Nelson Mendez. “I think that’s pretty cool.”

“I have friends in other schools who don’t do the same stuff as us,” Perez noted.

Vinal credits the school’s innovative focus with the successes it has achieved in its short history. Average daily attendance last year, the first year the school was open, hovered in the 90 percent range.

“That’s the result of the small learning communities,” Vinal attested. “I think they result in a higher passing rate.”

Sunset Park High School [153 35th St., between Third and Fourth avenues, in Sunset Park (718) 840-1900]. Email, [email protected]. For info, visit sunsetparkhighschool.org.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Language & Laughter Studio

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LLS is a French and Spanish language center and immersion French preschool located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn. Their programs nurture children and provide them with the building blocks needed for a lifetime of learning, critical thinking while exposing them to the benefits of speaking a foreign language in a supportive environment.  </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The French Nature Preschool "Mini Maternelle" program offers a unique hybrid of outdoor and classroom-based learning with as many mornings as possible spent exploring nature in Fort Greene Park. Children grow excited about learning by building on their own discoveries and interests and nature provides an incredible setting for these experiences. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #222222; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">100% of the children who graduate from LLS leave the program fluent in French with a real sense of ownership of the language. Many of them go on to attend public or private dual language (French-English). To Learn more, click the website link above.</span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a1702257-7fff-c0d0-07e4-08e40fd16877"></span></p>

Ready Set Grow Preschool

<p><a href="https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/&source=gmail&ust=1692384562653000&usg=AOvVaw3H4vbx-RdPPdKc5YnYYhnS">Ready Set Grow Preschool </a>(RSG), located in New Hyde Park believes that lifelong learning begins with a well-rounded, comprehensive and compassionate early childhood education. </p> <p>Ready Set Grow, the treasured preschool attached to the Progressive Athletic Center, serves as an educational hub for children 2 to 4 years of age. The educational team at RSG have created an enriching environment that hones in on children’s natural curiosity about the world around them in order to promote socialization, creativity, and critical thinking. Student’s delve into thematic daily play-based lessons in science, mathematics, art, literary enrichment, and physical education that serve as building blocks for the child's academic future. Preschoolers at RSG have the unique opportunity to develop their gross motor skills at the attached, fully equipped gymnastics facility where they engage in climbing, movement-based games and gymnastics. </p> <p>Ready Set Grow preschool offers 4 age-based classes taught by certified teachers. Each thoughtfully curated class is an excellent nursery to grade school transition. The warm and welcoming environment of the school allows children to feel confident in their new-found independence. As a first-time mom, N.S,  was relieved when her son felt immediately comfortable at the preschool relaying to the director that, “From the first day of school, my son's teachers have shown such warmth, compassion and professionalism. We are greeted each day with genuine smiles and excitement. My son looks forward to drop off each day and often mentions teachers and classmates at dinner. It's so cool to know that he’s making such good memories”. The professional and fun-loving staff helps their students cultivate social and academic skill sets that will be utilized throughout their school career. As a mom of two now-grade schooler’s, Cheryl L. thanks RSG for “...making her children's pre-school experience so special and helping to prepare them for Pre-K. Cherryl continues by stating, “ RSG staff creates an educational atmosphere combined with caring, creativity and fun.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/&source=gmail&ust=1692384562653000&usg=AOvVaw3H4vbx-RdPPdKc5YnYYhnS">Ready Set Grow Preschool</a> is now accepting Fall new-student applications for 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. Visit their website or email RSG’s head director, Louiza at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> for information on classes and registration. </p>

Sylvan Learning Center

<p>We know how hard you're working to help get your child's skills and grades up. If you aren't seeing a difference, turn to Sylvan. They can help you get beyond the symptoms and find out what's really going on. Sylvan offers support in reading, writing, math, and SAT Prep. Their assessments pinpoint exactly where to focus to make the biggest difference and their teachers are experts in today's teaching methods. They can guide your child through his or her own learning plan, so you see a change quickly. You aren't in this alone! Sylvan is here for you. Call them today.</p> <p>Your Child Is Unique. With Sylvan, You’ll Get Personalized Tutoring to Match. </p> <p>If you’re like most Sylvan families, you don’t believe that education should be “one size fits all.” You want learning to be personalized to your child’s talents and needs.</p> <p>At Sylvan, it is.</p> <p>You’ll find the right program for exactly where your child is in the educational journey — whether you want help catching up, honing skills, taking on advanced classes or getting ready for big college dreams.</p> <p>At Sylvan Learning of Mineola, they’re focused on building academic confidence, igniting intellectual curiosity, and inspiring a love for learning – all of which make a big impact in school and in life.  This school year, you don’t have to go it alone. Getting tutoring support from Sylvan’s education experts can help immensely! Think: Less pressure on you, less frustration at home and more success in school! Their caring teachers are experts at encouraging and motivating kids to learn, grow and flourish. They’ll help your child not only grasp tough concepts, but also improve self-esteem and spark a desire and eagerness to learn. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></strong></p>