For families who have registered their children for Gifted & Talented (G&T) testing coming up in January, or for those thinking ahead for next year, we're pleased to kick off our series introducing you to the various G&T programs offered in the Greater Bay Ridge Area. If you haven't already seen our "411 on NYC G&T Program Admissions" post, you'll want to start by reading that first for a helpful overview of how G&T testing and admissions work, as well as key dates to keep in mind.
And now, without further ado, we'll kick off our G&T Program Intro Series with the only "Citywide" Program in District 20!
Brooklyn School of Inquiry (BSI) is a relatively new and small school, having opened its doors to Kindergarteners and 1st graders in 2009 and just having its first graduating class of 8th graders last June! The school is composed of 585 students in grades K-8, however G&T is offered in grades K-5. As a "citywide" G&T program, only children scoring 97 and above on the G&T test may apply, and child's school district or zone is not prioritized. Historically, the school is so competitive that not even all of the students scoring a 99 will be offered a seat. Students enrolled in BSI Elementary School are given priority for BSI Middle School admissions.
BSI, a Tribes Learning Community and Responsive Classroom school, provides an arts-enriched environment and emphasizes the use of technology throughout the curriculum. In 2012 and 2013, they received a National Science Foundation grant to develop STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) units of study.
BSI is located in a building that serves as a shared learning space, with The Academy for Building Learning Experiences (ABLE, PS/IS 370, a District 75 K-8 school with 75 students) on the 1st floor, The Academy of Talented Scholars (TAOTS, PS 682, a District 20 choice K-5 school with 360 students) on the 2nd floor, and BSI on the 3rd floor (also shared with TAOTS). Shared facilities include an indoor gymnasium with a full-size basketball court, spacious library, cafeteria, and outdoor space with 2 play structures - one for older children and one for younger children. Students are given 30 minutes of outdoor recess daily, weather permitting.
QUICK FACTS:
- Brooklyn School of Inquiry (BSI), PS / IS 686
- Students: 585
- Grades: K-8
- G&T: K-5 (citywide program)
- G&T Score Requirement: minimum score of 97 needed to apply, but even a score of 99 does not guarantee acceptance
- School Code: 20K686
- Location: 50 Avenue P, Brooklyn NY 11204
- Public Transportation: near N train (King's Highway), bus lines B4, B6, B82; students can apply but are not guaranteed school bus.
- Facilities: gymnasium with full basketball court, outdoor space with 2 play structures, cafeteria, library
For more information, be sure to check out their website, their 2016-2017 Kindergarten Parent Handbook, and contact them with questions. For students who receive a G&T score high enough to apply and be offered a spot (i.e. 99), they'll be holding open houses in the spring, before G&T program application deadlines (April 16, 2018).
DISCLAIMER: Please confirm important information with the school directly, as information can change!
Looking for a great preschool or UPK program in Brooklyn? We are Worldtots, a dual-language English & Mandarin program located in the intersection of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Sunset Park, offering play based learning that will help prepare your child for Gifted & Talented testing and admissions!