Maple Street School is a play-based cooperative preschool founded in 1978 in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn NY.
Maple Street’s mission is to provide meaningful, joyful learning and play to children ages 2-6.
Our emergent curriculum inspired by the Bank Street Developmental Interaction Model and Reggio Emilia philosophies, is child lead and community centered. Our main focus is that…
EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY!
Emergent Play-Based Curriculum
Maple Street School uses a play-based, emergent curriculum which encompasses deep studies that derive from classroom discoveries.
Cooperative School
Maple Street School is a cooperative preschool where families are stakeholders, not customers, playing an integral role in the school’s operational and cultural success.
Social-Emotional Connection
Reggio Emilia philosophy emphasizes the importances of connection and relationships in early education. At Maple Street we strive to build lifelong connections in our community
We have 2 locations
next to Prospect Park
“I have been at Maple Street for half its existence. I joined the Maple Street Community when I was 15 years old as an intern in afterschool. Everyday I got to be with the teachers now known as the matriarchs – Ann-Marie, Barbara, Jackie, and Nelcia.
“From the beginning what I loved about Maple Street is that the kids were always encouraged to play on every surface and in every nook and cranny. Within this beautiful play was learning and work, supported by teachers prompting the children to share their work and what they were thinking.”
— Peggy Francois, Director of Maple Street School
We play outside everyday! Whenever possible we explore our neighborhood to enhance the curriculum at school. We visit nearby playgrounds, Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Children Museum and the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
Maple Street strives to be an inclusive school and pays attention and learns about race, gender, identity, class, access, ability & special needs, allergies and medical conditions and more.
We are always learning, expanding, and growing.
Emergent Curriculum
Maple Street School uses a play-based, emergent curriculum which encompasses deep studies that derive from classroom discoveries. This fosters long-term benefits for children by encouraging curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. This child-centered approach values relationships, collaboration, and exploration, helping children develop social-emotional skills, resilience, and a love for lifelong learning. By honoring children's interests and empowering them as active participants in their education, it cultivates confidence and a deeper connection to the world around them, preparing them for success in both personal and academic pursuits.
Events at Maple Street
At Maple Street School, our events bring families together to celebrate, connect, and build a vibrant community. From monthly Parents Night Out, where adults gather at a local restaurant while kids enjoy dinner and a movie, to seasonal celebrations and educational workshops, there’s something for everyone. Explore our unique play-based curriculum at open houses, and forge lasting connections with fellow parents and teachers. Each event reflects the joy and community spirit that make Maple Street so special. Come see why families love being part of the MSS family!
We believe that everyone should be able to play here at Maple Street. We offer Financial Assistance to qualifying families through our scholarship fund, Little Friends.
Nearly Half of Maple Street Students benefit from our financial aid program. Your donation makes it possible for everyone to get to play!
Support us
Donations make programs like Tuition Assistance possible, thank you for supporting our school!
