Established in 1981, Chickpeas began in the living rooms and apartments of families across Park Slope. It has transformed over the last 40 years from a private, grown-up run cooperative to a public, worker-self directed non-profit. At its core, Chickpeas remains a preschool that aims to teach the whole child through curiosity, exploration, and discovery. Chickpeas is located in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn and serves families in surrounding areas including Park Slope, South Slope, Windsor Terrace, Greenwood and more. We emphasize play, identity development, and social and emotional learning through emergent curriculum. Our units of study emerge from the observed interests, actions, and questions of the children and change year to year to reflect our student body. We also emphasize grown-up involvement.

 

Grown-ups are involved with the school in a variety of ways - organizing fundraising activities and events, maintaining the indoor and outdoor space, and building and strengthening school community. Chickpeas strives to create a nurturing and supportive first school experience for children that fosters a strong sense of self, a lifelong love of learning, and a deep respect for diversity, community, and justice.

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Chickpeas currently provides one mixed age 3-K and Pre-K program for 3 and 4 year olds through a contract with the NYC DOE. Children are eligible for 3-K if they turn 3 by December 31st, and  Pre-K For All if they turn 4 by December 31st of the school year they wish to attend (e.g. a child applying for 3-K for the 2025-2026 school year would have the birth year of 2022).

 

No tuition is required for any child attending the core 3K and PreK program. The DOE portion of our day runs from 9:00 am until 3:20. Our full operating hours are from 8:00am to 6:00pm and we offer Early Bird care from 8:00-8:45am and an After School care from 3:30-6:00pm for an additional cost. Chickpeas has three full-time teachers, as well as additional staff that support the students during after school hours. 

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Families interested in 3-K and Pre-K for All must apply through the NYC DOE MySchools website. There is no application fee.

Our unique school setting offers one multi-aged class, with a maximum of 20 children in the space. Our facility includes one large classroom and a private backyard / playground for outdoor play and exploration. ​