UPK4 Program (NYC Pre-K for All)
Two UPK4 classrooms in Brooklyn Heights | Greek language, joyful learning, and kindergarten readiness
A. Fantis offers a warm, structured UPK4 experience where children grow in confidence, kindness, and independence - through play-based inquiry, strong routines, daily outdoor play, and early literacy and numeracy foundations. We’re conveniently located in Brooklyn Heights near Atlantic Avenue and Court Street, with multiple subway lines within a short walk.
What makes A. Fantis UPK special: a Greek language-rich environment every day, guided by caring educators who help children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
What makes A. Fantis UPK special: a Greek language-rich environment every day, guided by caring educators who help children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Greek Language at the Heart of UPK
In UPK4 at A. Fantis, Greek is part of everyday life in the classroom.
Children enjoy:
- Daily exposure to Greek with Greek-speaking educators supporting immersion throughout the day
- Formal Greek instruction built into the daily schedule
- Songs, stories, routines, and classroom language that help children build confidence and comprehension naturally
No prior Greek is required—our goal is joyful participation and steady growth for every child.
What makes A. Fantis UPK special: a Greek language-rich environment every day, guided by caring educators who help children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
What makes A. Fantis UPK special: a Greek language-rich environment every day, guided by caring educators who help children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Greek Language at the Heart of UPK
In UPK4 at A. Fantis, Greek is part of everyday life in the classroom.
Children enjoy:
- Daily exposure to Greek with Greek-speaking educators supporting immersion throughout the day
- Formal Greek instruction built into the daily schedule
- Songs, stories, routines, and classroom language that help children build confidence and comprehension naturally
No prior Greek is required—our goal is joyful participation and steady growth for every child.
Two UPK4 Classrooms (Two Sections)
A. Fantis offers two UPK4 classrooms, so more families can experience our nurturing early childhood program while maintaining the small-class feel and personal attention families value. (The UPK experience itself remains consistent across both sections.)
A. Fantis offers two UPK4 classrooms, so more families can experience our nurturing early childhood program while maintaining the small-class feel and personal attention families value. (The UPK experience itself remains consistent across both sections.)
NYC UPK Application: How to Apply
UPK is a government-funded, tuition-free program, so all families must apply through the NYC Application Portal (After-school/extended day options may have associated fees.)
Find us on MySchools
Search for: A. Fantis Parochial School (15KBMX)
Maximize your placement chances by selecting A. Fantis as your top choice.
Key NYC dates for Fall 2026 entry
- January 14, 2026: Application opens
- February 27, 2026: Application closes
- May 12, 2026: Offers released
(NYC notes these dates may be subject to change.)
A Quick Update on NYC’s Program Listing
For the 2026–27 cycle, NYC has made a structural update to the way our UPK programs are designated in the application process. As a result, A. Fantis will not be listed with a formal NYC Dual Language (DL) designation next year.
What matters most: our UPK classrooms will continue to offer meaningful Greek immersion and daily Greek instruction, and we will continue to operate two UPK4 sections.
UPK is a government-funded, tuition-free program, so all families must apply through the NYC Application Portal (After-school/extended day options may have associated fees.)
Find us on MySchools
Search for: A. Fantis Parochial School (15KBMX)
Maximize your placement chances by selecting A. Fantis as your top choice.
Key NYC dates for Fall 2026 entry
- January 14, 2026: Application opens
- February 27, 2026: Application closes
- May 12, 2026: Offers released
(NYC notes these dates may be subject to change.)
A Quick Update on NYC’s Program Listing
For the 2026–27 cycle, NYC has made a structural update to the way our UPK programs are designated in the application process. As a result, A. Fantis will not be listed with a formal NYC Dual Language (DL) designation next year.
What matters most: our UPK classrooms will continue to offer meaningful Greek immersion and daily Greek instruction, and we will continue to operate two UPK4 sections.
Extended Day & After-School
Many UPK4 families choose our extended day program, and children can enjoy engaging after-school clubs and activities.
Many UPK4 families choose our extended day program, and children can enjoy engaging after-school clubs and activities.
Meet Our Team
Patty Paravalos
PK3 Teacher
Parent '12, '15
Parent '12, '15
Janet LaCorte
UPK4 Teacher
Connie Drossos
UPK4 DL Teacher
Evelyn Conde
Teacher Assistant
Tyler McCown
Teacher Assistant
Maria Hohlastos
Teacher Assistant
Matina Demeli
Assistant Teacher
Anna Stamatatos
Teacher Assistant
Merkourios Moschovis
Physical Education Teacher
Theo Alvanos
Music & Performing Arts
Cait Henneberry
Art Teacher
Sample Schedules
🌟NAEYC Accredited – A Mark of Excellence
We’re proud to be among the less than 5% of preschools nationwide to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)—the gold standard in early childhood education. This prestigious recognition means our program meets the highest standards in teaching, safety, curriculum, and family partnership. It’s a reflection of our deep commitment to nurturing every child’s growth, curiosity, and love of learning in a warm, developmentally appropriate environment.
Why learn Greek?
Over 60 percent of all English words have Greek or Latin roots. In the vocabulary of the sciences and technology, the figure rises to over 90 percent. Indeed, we speak and write Greek every day without realizing it. Western democracy is based on ancient Greek ideals and universal values, from Plato to Hippocrates. We all can better appreciate our own language and culture through the careful study of the Greek language and Hellenism. In addition, learning a second language has many social and cognitive benefits, beyond simple language acquisition.
Research has shown the positive influence of learning another language has on the development of the brain and a child’s intellectual abilities. Our Greek Language and Hellenic Studies curriculum is academically rigorous and provides students with an opportunity for interdisciplinary learning that is engaging, meaningful and important.
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What our parents say
It is a great community because the teachers and staff deeply care for the children. I love the academic excellence, lots of fun activities, after-school clubs, and special events!
Ready to Apply?
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