Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment (BASE)

Founded in 2003 in the Prospect Heights Educational Complex, the Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment (BASE) uses nearby Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as a laboratory for learning, enhancing its curriculum with environmental lessons on a local level. The school was created in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG).

Students at BASE have their Living Environment course enriched by trips to BBG and Prospect Park. They may take their “real-world learning” further in a Field Studies course that emphasizes scientific inquiry and research. Students also have paid work and internship opportunities through the partnerships and may work with the BBG Garden Apprentice Program or the Prospect Park in the Youth Representative Program, among others. The school’s partnership manager works with students after school to help with applications and job interview preparation.  

The school offers seven Advanced Placement courses, along with College Now classes at Medgar Evers and Long Island University. Other course offerings include computer science, geology, anatomy and physiology, and theater. Students must write a 10-page research paper to graduate.

The building, which is shared by four schools, has an indoor pool and works with the Trident Swim Foundation to support beginner or competitive swimmers. The building has metal detectors.

Students are also required to complete 100 hours of community service over their four years, often through the BBG/Prospect Park partnerships. For example, Garden Crew is a volunteer group of students who plant, grow, and harvest vegetables in the Children's Garden at BBG. They serve the food to their classmates at the bi-annual Harvest Lunch.  

BASE is making improvements in culture and tone, and school surveys show most students feel safe. In its “restorative justice” approach to discipline, students meet in small groups called “circles” to discuss issues and resolve challenges and promote positive behavior through discussion.  

The school now employs two guidance counselors and a full-time dean. In addition, the school has a partnership with Margaret’s Place, which provides a safe space for students during lunch and free periods. The program also offers additional counseling, service projects, and peer leadership opportunities.

Special Education: The school offers Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classes and special education teacher support services (SETSS).

Admissions: In recent years, this school has had room for all students who want to attend.

(Melanie Quiroz, web reports and DOE data, October 2018)