District 15
District 15 spans affluent (Park Slope) and working-class, immigrant neighborhoods (Sunset Park, Red Hook). Strong schools, good transit (including ferries and Citibikes), rich local food and events, and access to Prospect Park and waterfronts make it popular with families.
District 15 schools reflect rare racial, linguistic, and economic diversity. Nearly half the population is foreign-born; over half speak a non-English language at home. No single ethnic group dominates.
P.S. 372 The Children’s School (Pre-K-8) is open by lottery district-wide. It is a pioneer in educating children with special needs alongside their typically developing peers—with at least two teachers in every class. P.S. 149 Brooklyn New School (Pre-K-5) is one of NYC’s most progressive schools. Students learn through exploration, and by blending subjects, for example, by studying a neighborhood’s history, science, and art together. P.S. 133 (Pre-K-5), also known for its progressive approach, reserves seats for English language learners and low-income families.
All District 15 middle schools reserve about half their seats for students from low-income families, English learners, or those in temporary housing, using a lottery-based, screen-free admissions process. In fact, the district has an entire website dedicated to their middle school diversity plan.
M.S. 51 (6-8) is known for its strong academics and arts. M.S. 88 (6-8) is a large, inclusive option, and M.S. 447 The Math & Science Exploratory School (6-8) is focused on STEM. Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School (BUGS) (6-8) has students study urban ecology in Green-Wood Cemetery and Prospect Park.
View all District 15 elementary schools here and middle schools here.
District 15 Contacts
Enrollment:
To enroll your child, go to the school or the nearest Family Welcome Center, not the district office.
Family Welcome Center
Community Education Council:
District 15 office
Special Education:
Most questions about special education can be answered by your child's teacher or principal. If you are new to New York City or your child attends private or parochial school, contact the nearest Committee on Special Education for an evaluation.
