Brooklyn Independent Middle School

Brooklyn Independent Middle School is a middle school in Brooklyn, NY. Founded in 2019, it is a nonprofit, independently-funded school serving grades 6 through 8. The institution operates on a sliding-scale tuition model with inclusive admission practices, aiming to serve every student's specific needs, skills, and circumstances. It maintains a smaller school setting of approximately 100 students to ensure undivided attention and distinct schedules for each child. The school's mission is to interrupt New York City's segregated schooling crisis during the pivotal middle school years by increasing educational access and opportunity. It centers adolescent minds, hearts, and voices to help students transition confidently from elementary school to high school.

The educational approach emphasizes collaborative classrooms and a progressive definition of rigor that prioritizes joyful, intentional learning over high pressure. Teachers are coached as nurturers of discussion, partner work, and group work, which comprise most of the class period. Classroom design uses collaborative grouping configurations rather than traditional columns and rows to foster trust and active participation. Students develop higher-order thinking and metacognitive awareness to build lifelong mental tools. The leadership team includes co-founders Kelsey Jones and Gabriela Tejedor, both experienced educators and Teach for America alumni. Meghann Fallon serves as Principal, bringing 19 years of New York City education experience. Danielle Perkins serves as Academic Dean, with 15 years of experience and a focus on middle school students and cross-curricular curriculum writing.

The school is located at 38 Lafayette Ave. It sits on Lafayette Avenue, very close to Fulton Street. Nearby landmarks include Betty Carter Park and the Hanson Place Seventh-Day Adventist Elementary School, both within a short walking distance. The General Edward Fowler public artwork is also nearby.

Brooklyn Independent Middle School stands out in Brooklyn for its dedicated focus on the unique developmental needs of middle school students through a small, collaborative, and equity-centered model.

Services:

• Middle School Education
• Academic Curriculum Design
• Student Support Services
• Admissions Process Management
• Parental Engagement Programs