What to Expect
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about what to expect at LEEP Academy. Learn about our bilingual curriculum, school environment, and more to help you prepare for your child’s educational journey.
What kind of school is this?
LEEP Dual Language Academy is a public charter school authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. That means we receive public funding and are subject to public regulations, but the New York City Department of Education does not operate our school. We are governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of community leaders.
Which grades do you serve?
We have seats available for K-2. Currently, the school serves grades K-4 and will grow to serve K-5. A later expansion to middle school is possible but not guaranteed.
What is the daily schedule?
We have a longer daily schedule than many schools. Our school hours are 7:45 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. daily, with early dismissal at 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. (for free breakfast), and classes start at 7:45 a.m. sharp.
Does the school charge tuition?
No. As a public charter school, we are 100% tuition-free.
Where is the school located?
The school’s lower campus is located at 5323 5th Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Thanks to a long-term lease agreement for the three floors above Chase Bank, this safe and stately building is our home for kindergarten through third grade.
What are the transportation options for families?
School bus service is available to qualifying families through the NYC Department of Education, in most cases, for families residing in Brooklyn and living at least 1/2 mile from the school. The school is also easily reachable via public transit (R/N train and B63 bus).
Who can apply? How does the school admit students?
Any family with a child entering kindergarten, first grade, or second grade is welcome to apply. Students with disabilities are welcome. Like our school, our admission process does not ask for or consider immigration status. There is no test or interview involved in the admissions process in any way. To apply or learn more about the lottery process, visit our Enrollment page.
Does the admission process include a language proficiency test?
No. Enrollment is open to all children, regardless of language background.
How does “dual language” education work?
Our students spend much of their school day immersed in the Spanish language—up to 90% of the day in kindergarten, then gradually balancing out to 50% of the day in fourth and fifth grade. This means they study Spanish as a subject and study other subjects in Spanish. Research shows that this approach helps students of all backgrounds learn to excel in both languages and unlocks a wide range of academic and career opportunities.
My child doesn’t speak any Spanish. Won’t (s)he fall behind in school?
Not at all. Your child will be immersed in Spanish with experienced, caring teachers who are well-trained in language acquisition and education.
My child doesn’t speak much English. Will s(he) fall behind in English?
Not at all. Every student has an English Language Arts class every day, and learning in two languages has been shown to help students develop better English skills.
I don’t speak Spanish. How will I communicate with the school?
Not to worry. Our teaching staff is fluent in English and Spanish, and we provide translated communications in other languages as needed.
I don’t speak Spanish. How will I help my child with homework?
Again, don’t worry. Make sure to talk with your child about academic concepts and read to your child in the language you speak. Ideas and reading skills both transfer from one language to another! Your child’s teacher will provide other suggestions and translations as needed.
What is the class size?
Our classes have 24 students or fewer. Students with special needs are assigned to classes that match their Individualized Educational Program (IEP). We are proud to offer smaller classes to help alleviate school overcrowding in Sunset Park.
Does the school offer an Art class? Music class? Dance Class? Gym class? Recess?
Yes, to all of the above. We LOVE reading and math, but that’s not all our students do. Our school is designed to educate the whole child.
I have heard that charter schools have strict discipline. What kind of school culture can I expect?
You won’t have to choose between a safe and orderly school and a school where students can express themselves and feel a strong sense of community. At LEEP Academy, we are both. We use the Responsive Classroom method to ensure that all children can be part of a positive learning culture.
Do students wear uniforms?
Yes. All children wear affordable LEEP Academy uniforms with our insignia to help build a united school culture (and keep things simple for families). If the cost of uniforms is a problem for your family, just talk to us. We can help.
Do students have homework?
Yes. When homework is carefully designed and age-appropriate, it can help students review their learning and build habits that will help them over a lifetime. We do not use homework to introduce new concepts or assign homework that requires a parent to do more than supervise.
Is this a for-profit school?
No, as a charter school in New York, we are a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization.
Who is in charge of this school?
What does LEEP stand for?
Our school was originally designed by another nonprofit organization, Latino Educational Equity Partnerships (LEEP). The LEEP name and school design are used with permission, but the school is not managed by Latino Educational Equity Partnerships.