Academics at BSE
Rigorous. Individualized. Purposeful.
Brooklyn School of Excellence provides a vertically aligned K–12 academic program designed to develop strong foundational skills while progressively increasing independence, analytical thinking, research, communication, and advanced academic work.
Program Levels
Strong Foundations Without Limiting Advanced Learners
Strong academic foundations, gifted enrichment, individualized instruction, mathematics, literacy, science, social studies, arts, music, languages, and project-based learning.
Students should be able to progress beyond grade-level expectations when academically ready.
- Mathematics
- English Language Arts
- Science
- Social Studies
- Music
- Art
- Physical Education
- Foreign Language
- Technology
- Chess/STEM/enrichment
From Learning Skills to Independent Thinking
Middle school students transition into increasingly specialized instruction with subject-area teachers.
- Advanced mathematics
- Laboratory science
- Analytical writing
- Literature
- History/social studies
- Foreign language
- Research
- Competitions
- Technology
- Arts
- Leadership
High School at BSE
Small-School Attention. College-Level Ambition.
Brooklyn School of Excellence's high-school program combines rigorous academics with individualized academic planning and comprehensive college preparation.
Students work closely with teachers and advisors to develop academic pathways based on their abilities, interests, graduation requirements, and postsecondary goals.
Advanced Academics
Advanced academics, Regents preparation, AP opportunities, SAT preparation, college-level learning opportunities, portfolio development, college counseling, and individualized academic planning.
Advanced Academics & College Credit
Advanced Academics
Students progress into increasingly rigorous coursework, including Regents-level and advanced high-school studies.
AP & Regents
BSE students have access to Regents-level coursework/examinations.
Earn College Credit While in High School
College-credit transfer policies vary by institution. Families should confirm transferability with the college or university a student ultimately attends.
Enrichment & Talents
Gifted & Talented Education
Students receive personalized instruction while gaining access to advanced academics, academic competitions, college preparation, music and performing arts, athletics, STEM, foreign languages, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular programs.
Music Program
Mission
The mission of our MUSICAL PROGRAMS is to develop CRITICAL THINKING and INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT in students of any age and background. We are committed to giving SYSTEMATIC MUSICAL EDUCATION that will LAST A LIFETIME.
Music is all around us. We might like or dislike it without questioning: “WHY?”.
People need tools to answer this question. Any intellectual work brings a thinking-growing brain to a new, higher level of development.
Music is a complex system closely related to science, philosophy, and other arts that humanity developed during thousands of years of its existence.
Music Programs I and II
MUSIC PROGRAM I (part of the school curriculum, avail. for ALL Brooklyn School of Excellence Students).
Our Music Program I includes a Music History course in The Brooklyn School of Excellence curriculum. It is designed for all students who want to study music disciplines in depth and those who do not. We open the door to an invaluable source of knowledge for young thinkers that helps students use analytical approach to understand music in its depth. Music is viewed through a prism of historical, scientific, aesthetic, and theoretical points of view.
Younger students learn hands-on. They get the basics in music theory: reading notes, rhythm, and playing themes from classical music on glockenspiel, piano/keyboard. Older pupils analyze various musical genres. They study historical periods, musical elements, form, and orchestration.
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This course can be the first step for those who want to pursue further musical studies and prepare for an AP Music Theory course (also offered in our school).
MUSIC PROGRAM II (open to ALL students and ages).
Music Program II is an academic instrumental/voice and music theory program. It is based on the internationally recognized ABRSM curriculum (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). We offer individual and group piano, clarinet, saxophone, violin, guitar, voice, and music theory/solfege classes.
We understand that each child is unique. Therefore our teachers tailor the program for each child individually using ABRSM curriculum as a guide.
Many people take music classes throughout their lives and need more substantial skills that last throughout their lifetime. Our Music Program II challenges this outcome. A systematic curriculum that combines studying an instrument/voice with music theory/solfege (music grammar) allows our graduates to obtain lifelong skills.
Academic Enrichment Program for Advanced Student Development
Our academic enrichment program cultivates intellectual curiosity and deep learning among ambitious students. Designed for bright young minds, it encourages creativity, exploration, and a level of academic rigor exceeding traditional school models. Students master advanced concepts and develop the skills essential for lifelong academic growth.
Advanced Curriculum Beyond Standard Levels
Our enrichment model allows students to explore ideas beyond their immediate grade level. By connecting learners across different stages, we build a more cohesive, collaborative academic community where knowledge naturally flows from one level to the next.
Critical Thinking and Logic-Based Learning
We prioritize reasoning skills at every stage. Teachers guide students through logic-based exercises, structured debates, analytical writing, and problem-solving tasks. The idea is to help them learn how to question assumptions and tackle challenges methodically.
Learning with Depth, Not Memorization
Rather than relying on rote memorization, our program emphasizes depth, comprehension, and application. Students engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and projects that challenge them to think critically and independently.
Integrating Enrichment with Core Academics
Our academic enrichment program is seamlessly woven into the school’s core subjects to make sure it complements foundational learning. The integration supports gifted learners while still offering structure and clarity for students who benefit from additional guidance.
Foundations & Academic Support
Academic Foundation Program from Early Years to High School
The academic foundation program at Brooklyn School of Excellence offers students a structured and continuous learning journey. We build skills in layers to make sure students don’t feel rushed or left behind.
Early Years
In the early years, students develop communication, social-emotional awareness, early literacy, and foundational math skills through guided exploration and age-appropriate learning experiences. We aim to help them establish a positive relationship with learning from the start.
Elementary Level
Elementary students strengthen academic fundamentals while developing creativity, reasoning, and independent thinking. Lessons combine structured instruction with interactive activities that keep students engaged and motivated as they grow academically.
Middle and High School Preparation
As students advance into middle and high school, they enter a more robust and challenging academic program environment. The curriculum prioritizes critical thinking, reasoning skills, and in-depth study across subjects. In high school, we prepare students for college with advanced coursework, research-focused learning, and the confidence to manage higher academic expectations.
Academic Support in Private Schools That Drives Student Success
Since every student learns differently, our private school academic support model allows for personalized attention for each learner. We help students gain resilience and confidence through expert instruction and compassionate mentorship.
Small Class Sizes for Maximum Engagement
Our intentionally small class sizes create space for strong interaction between teachers and students. Teachers are able to monitor progress closely, adjust instruction when needed, and create more meaningful classroom participation.
Individualized Support for Different Learning Needs
Some students need additional academic guidance. Others are ready for accelerated learning opportunities. We support both by offering personalized instruction, targeted skill-building, enrichment opportunities, and ongoing academic monitoring customized to each learner.
Mentorship Beyond the Classroom
Our teachers support students academically and personally by helping them build organization, study habits, goal-setting skills, and self-confidence. Their guidance helps students become more independent learners over time.
Preparing Students for the Next Generation of Learning
Our forward-thinking curriculum equips learners with the critical skills and mindset they need for the future of learning.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving at the Core
We emphasize higher-order thinking by encouraging students to question, analyze, and evaluate the world around them. Through discussions, debates, and problem-based projects, they learn to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
Interdisciplinary Learning for Real-World Understanding
Our curriculum bridges disciplines, from science and technology to arts and humanities, to give students a holistic understanding of how knowledge connects. The cross-disciplinary method mirrors real-world dynamics and inspires learners to innovate at the intersections of ideas and fields.
Integrating Technology and Future-Ready Skills
Each student gains experience with tools and systems that prepare them for the digital future. By incorporating research technology, data literacy, and digital collaboration, we make sure they become technologically fluent and adaptable problem-solvers.
College Preparation
- 01
College Counseling at BSE
College Preparation Begins Before Senior Year
Common App guidance, personal statements, supplemental essays, scholarship research, SAT preparation, college selection, academic portfolio development, and application support.
- 02
Grade 9 — Foundation
- Course planning
- Activities
- Academic record
- 03
Grade 10 — Exploration
- Career interests
- Advanced coursework
- Competitions
- 04
Grade 11 — Strategy
- SAT/ACT
- College research
- Campus visits
- Resume/activity development
- 05
Grade 12 — Applications
- Common App
- Personal statement
- Supplemental essays
- Activities section
- Honors
- Recommendations
- Financial-aid/scholarship guidance
- Application deadlines
- Explore College Counseling
- 06
SAT & Standardized Testing
- SAT preparation
- Diagnostic assessments
- Practice examinations
- Targeted skill development
Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Programs
Still unsure? Call +1 347 988-9944.
What is an academic enrichment program?
An academic enrichment program is designed to enhance learning for advanced students through in-depth study, creative thinking, and interdisciplinary projects.
How does an academic foundation program help students?
An academic foundation program creates skills step by step from early years through high school. It strengthens literacy, math, and learning habits over time. Students gain consistency, clear expectations, and steady preparation for more advanced coursework.
What academic support do private schools offer?
Private schools like ours offer personalized academic support, including one-on-one tutoring, small class sizes, and individualized learning plans.
How is your academic program different from other private schools?
Our academic program combines personalized instruction, advanced academics, small class sizes, collaborative teaching, and individualized support. Families also value our balance between academic rigor and emotional support.
Do you offer personalized academic support for students?
Yes. Our teachers work closely with students at different academic levels and adapt instruction based on individual learning needs. Students who need additional support receive targeted guidance. Likewise, advanced learners are given opportunities for greater academic challenge.
Ready to Learn More About Our Academic Programs?
A child’s academic journey is a defining stage when students need appropriate challenges, personal guidance, and the confidence to grow into independent learners.
Families across Brighton Beach and Brooklyn are invited to visit Brooklyn School of Excellence, meet our educators, and see our academic programs in action.
Send the School a Message
See BSE in Person.
Tours run on school days, so you see real classes. Bring your child; we'll meet them too.