Global School Brooklyn vs Pine Street School - Middle School
Global School Brooklyn and Pine Street School - Middle School are both in New York, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer Montessori and IB programmes. Published annual fees are $23,600 - 36,000 at Global School Brooklyn and $26,100 - 62,250 at Pine Street School - Middle School, which puts Pine Street School - Middle School roughly 48% higher. Global School Brooklyn takes pupils from 3 to 14, and Pine Street School - Middle School from 1 to 14. The two are similar in size, at around 182 and 170 pupils.
760 Sterling Place, Brooklyn, NY 11216, Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The campus was completed in 2022 and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Preschool (3s & 4s); Lower School (K-5); Middle School (6-8)
Stages
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School type
School type
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School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school is inclusive and works with families to explore potential accommodations and support services.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Doors open at 8:00am. Grades 1 and up run 8:30am–3:30pm; Preschool/Kindergarten run 8:45am–3:00pm. After-school programming runs 3:45pm–5:15pm; early drop-off begins at 8:00am.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus service is provided for eligible students with set stops (no door-to-door service). It follows the public school calendar; pick-up/drop-off points are DOE-generated. After-school bus service is not available. For questions contact Ashley Padilla at (516) 266-9301.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Admissions Fees - Clarity financial-aid application submission fee: USD 65 per household (charged when submitting the Clarity application unless an existing Clarity account is already in place). - One-time new-enrollment (registration) fee: USD 1,000 (one-time, due at enrollment for new families).
Annual Tuition — 2026/27 school year (annual amounts by program / year group) - Preschool (ages 3s and 4s): - 5 days: USD 33,500 per year. - 4 days: USD 28,600 per year. - 3 days: USD 23,600 per year. - Lower School (Grades K–5): USD 33,500 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 36,000 per year.
Other annual/recurring fees - Yearly facility fee: USD 1,000 per year (charged with scheduled installment).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Deposit and installments: - Incoming families: a 10% deposit plus the one-time enrollment fee is due at contract signing. First installment is due March 15, 2026. Second installment and the year facility fee are due September 15, 2026. - Continuing families: first installment due March 15, 2026; second installment and facility fee due by September 15, 2026. - Afterschool program billing: afterschool tuition is calculated per session (per school year). Most classes are USD 1,600 per session/year. Tuition for afterschool may be paid in full at registration or in two installments (first installment due at registration; second installment due September 15). Cancellation for afterschool: 50% of the total cost if cancelled before September 15; no refund if cancelled after September 15.
Per-term (example) breakdown based on the school's deposit + two-installment schedule — illustrative calculations - The school requires a 10% deposit at signing and then schedules two installments (March 15 and September 15). The school materials do not itemize exact installment percentages beyond the 10% deposit; the following figures show how annual tuition would break down if the remaining 90% were split equally between the two scheduled installments (this is an arithmetic example based on the published schedule): - Preschool (5 days) — USD 33,500/year: deposit 10% = USD 3,350; remaining = USD 30,150 → two equal installments of USD 15,075. - Preschool (4 days) — USD 28,600/year: deposit = USD 2,860; remaining = USD 25,740 → two equal installments of USD 12,870. - Preschool (3 days) — USD 23,600/year: deposit = USD 2,360; remaining = USD 21,240 → two equal installments of USD 10,620. - Lower School (K–5) — USD 33,500/year: deposit = USD 3,350; remaining = USD 30,150 → two equal installments of USD 15,075. - Middle School (6–8) — USD 36,000/year: deposit = USD 3,600; remaining = USD 32,400 → two equal installments of USD 16,200. - Note: the above installment numbers are an illustrative calculation using the published 10% deposit plus two scheduled payments; the school's billing materials specify the deposit and dates but do not publish explicit percentage splits for the two scheduled installments.
Boarding fees - The school is a day program serving preschool through grade 8 and does not operate a boarding program; no boarding fees apply.
Other costs and optional fees - Afterschool enrichment: most classes USD 1,600 per session/year; classes requiring more resources are higher. Registration is via Active (enrichment registration) and the afterschool program's cancellation and refund rules apply (50% refund before Sept 15; no refund after Sept 15). - What tuition covers: tuition includes required texts and materials, library books, routine field trips, and early-morning drop-off beginning at 8:00 a.m. (these items are included in the published tuition).
Refunds and cancellation terms - Afterschool refund terms: if a family cancels afterschool enrollment before September 15, the cancellation fee is 50% of the total cost; if cancelled after September 15 there is no refund. - General tuition refunds: the school's published tuition and financial-aid materials list the deposit and installment schedule but do not publish a separate, general tuition refund policy in the same materials. The afterschool program is the only area with a clearly stated cancellation/refund schedule in the school's published program-specific materials.
Fee payment options and mechanics - Billing and tuition management are handled through FACTS (FACTS login is used for school billing). FACTS supports multiple payment-plan structures (pay-in-full, semi-annual, quarterly, monthly plans) and offers ACH/bank drafting and credit-card payment options through its payment services; families typically enroll in a FACTS payment plan or use FACTS' online payment methods. Transaction or processing fees may apply through FACTS for certain payment methods.
If you need these fee items entered into a database field-by-field, the above lists all published fee line items, billing schedule, and program-specific optional fees (afterschool) for the 2026/27 academic year as published for Global School Brooklyn.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Lunch is served on campus by Little Green Gourmets.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees under New York State non-profit law; the Board is responsible for financial oversight, strategic planning, tuition levels and payment policies, compliance, risk management, and the hiring of senior leadership.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Global School Brooklyn offers an inquiry-based, holistic curriculum focused on academic inquiry, social-emotional learning, and bilingual education through German-English or Spanish-English tracks. The Lower School teaches primarily in the target language (German or Spanish) with English support. The school serves Preschool (3s & 4s), Lower School (K-5), and Middle School (6-8). The school is a candidate for the IB Middle Years Programme and pursues authorization as an IB World School. In Middle School, German is taught with preparation for the Deutsches Sprachdiplom I (DSDI) in Grade 8; the program includes German, Spanish, English, Social Studies, Mathematics (Illustrative Mathematics), and Integrated Science (Amplify Science).
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
GSB provides high school guidance to 8th graders and publishes the destinations of its graduates. 2025 graduates were admitted to Beacon, BK Friends, Brooklyn Prospect, Brooklyn Tech, Edward Murrow, LaGuardia, Harbor School, and UNIS. 2024 graduates were admitted to LaGuardia, Brooklyn Tech, Brooklyn Latin, UNIS, and other NYC high schools. 2023 graduates were admitted to Stuyvesant, Edward Murrow, LaGuardia, and Brooklyn Tech.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Social-emotional learning is a defined component of GSB's Academics. SEL empowers individuals to understand and manage their emotions, fostering empathy and responsible decision-making. It cultivates self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and strong interpersonal skills that help students build positive relationships and collaborate effectively. The program is integrated with bilingual learning and inquiry-based approaches to nurture a global mindset. The guiding principles Open Minds, Open Hearts, and a World of Possibilities emphasize empathy, respect for diverse cultures, and collaborative learning.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
GSB maintains a non-discrimination policy and a Statement of Inclusivity that affirms equity and inclusion for diverse backgrounds. The admissions page describes an inclusive environment and the school's commitment to removing barriers to access. Staff support includes a social-emotional coach to assist students, and the Responsive Classroom model is used to keep behavior expectations clear. The school provides professional development for teachers on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and engages families through the Global Community Committee to learn and grow together. The school exposes students to cultures and languages to affirm identity and foster belonging.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
German-English immersion is offered from Preschool to 8th grade, with subjects taught in English or German. Spanish-English immersion was added starting with Preschool in September 2025. The dual-language program supports bilingual fluency, biliteracy, and bicultural understanding.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Social-emotional learning supports students' mental wellbeing by helping them understand and regulate emotions, develop empathy, and interact positively with others. A social-emotional coach provides direct support to students. The school's inclusive, inquiry-based approach and bilingual environment contribute to a supportive community.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
GSB promotes equity, inclusion, and respectful treatment through a non-discrimination policy and an inclusivity statement. The school uses the Responsive Classroom model to establish clear behavior expectations and employs a social-emotional coach to support students. Staff receive professional development on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and families participate in Global Community Committee activities to strengthen safeguarding and community wellbeing.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Completed in 2022, the campus is in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and is easily accessible by public transportation. The space is designed to be functional and flexible, with many rooms serving multiple purposes. Bright, spacious classrooms are filled with natural light and cheerful colors, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The on-site facilities include a gymnasium, a rooftop field, and an art room. Two nearby playgrounds are used for outdoor play.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The facilities include a fully equipped gym. There is a rooftop soccer field. There is a terrace and a preschool play area. Afterschool sports programs include soccer, capoeira, and basketball. The Middle School Sports League includes volleyball, soccer, and basketball.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
German-English immersion is available from Preschool through 8th grade; subjects are taught in English or German. Spanish-English immersion was added in Preschool in September 2025. In the early grades, the Montessori method is used; in middle school, the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) curriculum is followed. Preschool classrooms are designed for independent exploration with Montessori-inspired setups and accessible learning materials. There is an on-site art room to support creativity.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The gym hosts youth basketball and community activities. Spring Fling is an annual fundraiser featuring games and activities. Tacoberfest celebrates German and Spanish-speaking cultures with music and food. Read Around The World is a Brooklyn Book Festival event featuring storytime in multiple languages. The space is open in evenings and weekends to external organizations, using the gym, meeting area, and outdoor roof space to welcome the community.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Global School Brooklyn was founded by Muriel Plag and Kathrin Nagle, with invaluable support from Christine Krabs and Sonja Einoedter. They envisioned an immersive, bilingual environment that lets students learn in two languages while developing a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and global perspectives. Their commitment to community and educational excellence established the school's foundation. The campus operates from 760 Sterling Place in Brooklyn.
History
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Community
Community
GSB's small size fosters a close-knit, collaborative community where students, faculty, and parents communicate openly and share experiences. Diversity is celebrated as part of the school's identity and enriches school life. The community hosts events including the Prospect Park Run, a School-wide Spring Celebration, a Bilingual Book Fair, a Winter Market, a Neighborhood Concert, a Laternenlauf mit Wurzelkinder, and a Parents' Night Out. A Neighborhood Community initiative engages students in helping neighbors in need through volunteer work.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The Parents Association is integral to GSB's success, serving as a vital link between families and the school and fostering open communication and a strong sense of community. It supports school activities, fundraising, and volunteerism, enriching the educational experience. Events organized by the PA include GSB & BAM, Lunar New Year celebration, Iranian New Year, a Bilingual Book Fair, a Parents' soccer league, and Fyütch appearances at GSB. Families may get involved by contacting the PA at the provided email address (parentsassocgsb@gmail.com).
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school emphasizes inquiry-based, project-based learning across age groups. Lower School emphasizes hands-on exploration and project-based work in Sachkunde, science, and humanities. The Middle School uses Amplify Science for integrated science instruction and hosts a spring science expo. Field trips and experiential learning are integral, including Frost Valley (Grades 5-6), a Boston trip (Grade 7), and an eighth-grade international exchange with a German partner school.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Afterschool offers drama, woodworking, visual arts, performing arts, STEAM topics, sports/movement, and music. The Lower School dance program builds creative dance concepts and culminates in performances during Project Week. Middle School Movement & the Arts covers Physical Education, Music, and Visual Art, with students performing and creating. Art and design are integrated across the curriculum with hands-on projects and collaboration.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
German-English or Spanish-English bilingual tracks immerse students from early grades in two languages. The German program in Middle School aims for the Deutsches Sprachdiplom I (DSDI) in Grade 8. There is an eighth-grade international exchange program with a German school. Global Mindset includes cultural events such as World Kindness Day, Lunar New Year, Bilingual Book Fair, and multilingual readings and performances.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Winter and Spring Celebrations and the Middle School Dance provide social and cultural events. Advisory and the student government elections engage students in leadership and event planning. Lower School students elect class and school-wide representatives who collaborate on projects and advocate for peers. Middle School student government leads school-wide initiatives and collaborative art projects, including a mural celebrating diversity.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Service learning is integral, with activities like park cleanups and food drives, including the Extra Sandwich Friday initiative and a winter coat drive organized by 8th graders. Students volunteer at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and participate in environmental and kindness initiatives. These experiences foster compassion, social responsibility, and global awareness.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Student government operates at class and school levels, with elections and projects that empower student leadership. Advisory supports planning, organization, and time management and helps prepare students for high school applications. Middle School also offers leadership opportunities through projects and events led by students.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Physical Education is taught multiple times weekly, with running, yoga, gymnastics, and fitness, plus soccer and other team games. Movement & the Arts include dance and music, taught indoors and outdoors. Everyday Play emphasizes social, emotional, and physical growth through play and outdoor time, including Forest Week and outdoor learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Languages taught include German, Spanish, and English. The school provides language support in English, Spanish, and German through small-group instruction. In Lower School, mathematics is taught primarily in the target language with English support; differentiated placement for ELL (English Language Learners) and SLL (Second Language Learners) is available.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
German-English immersion runs Preschool through 8th grade. In 3s–4s and Kindergarten, instruction is 70% German / 30% English; in Grades 1–8, instruction is 50% German / 50% English. The German program uses Montessori in the early years and the IB Middle Years Program in middle school, and includes a Deutsches Sprachdiplom I (DSDI) exam in 8th grade. Spanish-English immersion begins at Preschool (3s & 4s) in September 2025, with 70% Spanish / 30% English in 3s–4s and 50% / 50% in Grades 1–8.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
German-English immersion from Preschool through 8th grade; Spanish-English immersion from Preschool (3s & 4s) onward. 3s & 4s + Kindergarten: 70% in the target language; 1st–5th: 50% in each language; 6th–8th: 50% Spanish and 50% English. In the German track, math and science are taught in English, while biology and history are taught in German; in the Spanish track, instruction is balanced across languages.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
6 Steps from start to finish 1. Create an account on Ravenna. The admissions process for the 2026-27 school year begins on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Our online admissions forms and events are hosted by the Ravenna online application system. To create an account please sign up here.
2. Register for a tour. This is a great opportunity to interact with GSB's exceptional teachers and current families. Come see our campus and learn more about our program. RSVP through your Ravenna account.
3. Submit your application and your student's school report. Submit your online application along with the application fee using your Ravenna account. We require report cards and teacher evaluations for all grade levels, except for Preschool. We require writing samples in English and German for students applying for grades 6 and higher.
4. Apply for financial aid. GSB offers financial aid to applicants for Kindergarten and above, recognizing the importance of making our educational opportunities accessible to a diverse range of families. Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.
5. Attend a student interview. This is our chance to get to know each other! We'll be able to answer more of your questions and understand your educational goals better. Once you've submitted your application, our admissions team will reach out to schedule an interview.
6. Receive GSB's enrollment notification. 2026/2027 School Year Enrollment Notification Dates: Preschool — February 26, 2026; Family Reply Deadline — March 5, 2026. Kindergarten — February 5, 2026; Family Reply Deadline — February 12, 2026. Grades 1-8 — February 11, 2026; Family Reply Deadline — February 27, 2026. With Contract signed, 10% Deposit due.
Important Key Dates: September 3, 2025 — Application opens. December 5, 2025 — Financial Aid application due. January 9, 2026 — Teacher Evaluations, Report Cards or Reports; Writing Samples in English & German (6 Grade and up). October - January — Student Interviews. February - March 2026 — ISAAGNY Notification & Reply Dates; With Contract signed, 10% Deposit due.
