Inside Brooklyn Apple: the hub for homeschoolers in the heart of Park Slope

This post was written by Manisha Snoyer, founder and CEO of Modulo, a company dedicated to supporting homeschooling communities. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Manisha has guided more than 2,000 students of all ages and abilities. During the early stages of the pandemic, she created Schoolclosures.org—a collaborative effort among 80 organizations—that provided critical resources to over 100,000 parents navigating the challenges of homeschooling. Manisha has personally consulted with thousands of parents, including some of the tech world’s leading entrepreneurs and investors, gaining deep insights into the needs and concerns of those educating their children at home. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University.

August 20, 2024

On a bustling morning in Park Slope, peals of children’s laughter and the unmistakable sweet scent of freshly cut sawdust fill the air at BAA, the central hub for homeschoolers, not only in Brooklyn, but the greater NYC area. Here, in a vibrant colorful space, learners ranging from ages 4.5 to 18 are not just attending classes; they are crafting their own education. It’s a place where imagination thrives, and learning transcends the traditional classroom model.

Founded by Noah Mayers, a teaching artist and puppeteer with a passion for alternative education, Brooklyn Apple Academy started modestly in the basement of a synagogue. Today, it’s a vibrant homeschool resource center that has become a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s eclectic and growing homeschooling community. Noah, who has been guiding young minds for over two decades, explains, “Our goal is to nurture the spirit of inquiry and play that children naturally bring to everything they do. We provide the space, the tools, and the opportunity for children to use their hands to develop their minds.”

BAA’s approach is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, emphasizing the importance of the environment as the ‘third teacher’ and encouraging children to follow their curiosity wherever it leads. Here, students learn to read, write, and calculate, not through rote memorization or standardized tests, but through projects that engage their passions. “We learn to write while making posters, composing songs, and drafting invitations to our performances,” Noah says. “We learn to count, add, and subtract while selling lemonade and cookies at a stand at the farmers market.”

The academy offers flexible options for families—children can attend one, two, three, four, or even five days a week. On any given day, the space buzzes with activity: children hammering nails into wood in the workshop, a group experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, and another team planning their next entrepreneurial venture. “It’s not uncommon to see kids creating potions in the kitchen or building soapbox cars in our outdoor lot,” Noah adds with a smile.

A haven for self-directed education

The concept of self-direction is at the heart of BAA’s philosophy. “For us, self-direction means each individual has the right to decide what, how, where, and with whom they learn,” Noah explains. This approach is perhaps best illustrated during Brooklyn Apple’s legendary field trip days. Students have explored everything from the hidden infrastructure of New York City to the fossil-rich stream beds of New Jersey. “We’ve visited art studios, factories, and historic sites across the five boroughs. Our kids might go on 200 field trips over the course of four or five years,” Noah notes proudly.

Field trips at BAA are more than just excursions—they are integral to the learning process, offering students real-world experiences that traditional classrooms often miss. As one parent, Laila H., shared in a glowing review, “My son has been attending BAA for two years, and it’s a crucial part of our homeschooling journey. The kids are exposed to so many wonderful concepts, places, and people. We love BAA!”

But Brooklyn Apple Academy isn’t just about the kids—it’s also about building a community. “The pandemic taught us that community is essential for our health. It’s like an organ of the body,” Noah reflects. BAA hosts regular community events, from beach days to board game meetups, ensuring that both parents and children feel connected and supported.

The academy’s inclusive, flexible approach has drawn families from all walks of life. “We’ve had homeschoolers who’ve been at it for years, and others who are just looking for a break from the rigidity of traditional schooling,” says Noah. And while BAA is not a school in the conventional sense—it doesn’t have grade levels or standard classes—its impact on students is profound. As Liz L., another parent, remarked, “Having a resource like Brooklyn Apple has made long-term homeschooling possible for us. My son comes up with wild and creative ideas, and somehow, Noah is able to help him actualize and carry out many of them.”

Yet, for all its success, BAA remains grounded in its original mission: to provide a space where children can explore, create, and learn at their own pace. It’s a place where students are trusted to make decisions that make sense for them, where they are free to show up as they are, and where they learn not just academic skills, but life skills. “We’re teaching kids how to be human beings that are interested in stuff and move through the world,” Noah says.

Real-world, hands-on learning with NYC as its campus

One of the most striking aspects of Brooklyn Apple Academy is its commitment to real-world learning. The academy’s field trip days are legendary among parents and students alike. Noah recalls his own inspiration for these outings, drawn from his year of homeschooling in Maine, where visits to places like a concrete factory and a sweatshop in Chinatown left a lasting impression. “Seeing things in the world makes what you’re learning real and applicable,” Noah explains. “Why wouldn’t you want to incorporate the lessons of the world into whatever you’re learning?”

In New York City, the possibilities for exploration are nearly limitless. BAA students have visited everything from art studios and factories to cultural institutions like Pioneerworks and the Tenement Museum. The addition of a van field trip day has allowed the Brooklyn Apple to expand its horizons even further, taking students on hikes in the Hudson Highlands and fossil-hunting expeditions in New Jersey. “The world is a cool place,” Noah says simply, “and being able to see as much of it as you can, especially as a kid, is great.”

This emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning is woven into every aspect of Brooklyn Apple Academy’s programming. Students at BAA don’t just read about history or science; they experience it firsthand. Whether it’s exploring the infrastructure of New York City, visiting workplaces and historic sites, or building tiny houses in an outdoor lot, the students at BAA are constantly engaged in projects that challenge their creativity and critical thinking skills.

The academy’s approach to learning is rooted in the belief that children are naturally curious and capable of directing their own education. This is evident in the way BAA handles everything from academic subjects to behavior management. “We’re not about coddling,” Noah says. “We allow children to experience the natural consequences of their actions and guide them toward understanding their responsibilities.” This philosophy extends to every aspect of Brooklyn Apple’s operations, from the way students plan and execute their projects to how they navigate social dynamics within the group.

BAA’s small size and close-knit community allow for a level of flexibility and personalization that larger schools simply can’t offer. “We’re able to work with kids on projects that are really important to them,” Noah explains. This might mean allowing a student to walk on snowy and icy surfaces that are normally off-limits or helping a group of kids set up a store to sell popcorn on the busy streets of Park Slope. “There are so many lessons to be learned from these entrepreneurial  projects,” Noah says, noting that the experience of handling money, dealing with rejection, and managing a small collaborative business is invaluable for young learners.

This unique approach to education has a lasting impact on students long after they leave Brooklyn Apple Academy. Noah has seen firsthand how BAA’s emphasis on self-directed learning and experiential education shapes the character of his students. “I’m not going to claim credit for everything, but I’ve seen kids go on to do amazing things,” he says. One former student is already on a Ph.D. track at the age of 18, while others have pursued careers in everything from engineering to the arts. “I think what we do here helps kids understand that they’re self-empowered to go in whatever direction they choose,” Noah reflects.

Unique teachers who genuinely care

As Brooklyn Apple Academy has grown, so too has its community of passionate, dedicated educators. What started as a small operation with just Noah and a handful of students has blossomed into a thriving community with multiple teachers, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the table. “Everyone who works at Brooklyn Apple is incredible,” Noah says, deflecting praise with characteristic humility. “They’re patient, wonderful, and better teachers than I am.”

The academy’s teachers are as diverse as the students they serve. Amy Carrigan, for example, is not only an educator but also a singer, puppeteer, and mother who believes in fostering autonomy and creativity in children. Gerardo Ramirez, another teacher, brings his skills as a breakdancer, visual artist, and graphic designer to the classroom, enriching the students’ learning experiences with his unique talents.

Parents who send their children to Brooklyn Apple Academy are effusive in their praise. “It’s a pretty special place,” writes William Beckler, a parent who has had multiple children attend BAA over the past two years. “If you believe in self-directed education and that play is a core part of learning and growth, then you will fall in love with Apple as I have.” Another parent, Tricia P., describes BAA as “such a crucial part of our homeschooling journey,” noting that the staff “truly appreciate the kids for who they are.”

As the day winds down at Brooklyn Apple Academy, the atmosphere is one of relaxed, joyful activity. A group of students gathers in the kitchen, preparing a batch of cookies to sell at their next market stand. Nearby, another group is engrossed in a game of Dungeons & Dragons, their imaginations running wild. It’s all in a day’s work at Brooklyn Apple Academy—a little homeschool resource center that could, and does, redefine what education can be.

For those interested in learning more, Brooklyn Apple Academy welcomes visitors. “Come visit us,” Noah invites. “You can spend an hour or stay all day if you’re having fun.” And with a place as vibrant and dynamic as BAA, it’s hard to imagine anyone not having fun. Whether it’s through a tour, a trial day, or simply browsing

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