UPK4 Program

Home of NYC’s only Greek dual language program!

The A. Fantis Pre-K for All in Brooklyn Heights is located near Atlantic Avenue and Court Street. All subway lines are accessible within a 10-minute walk or less.

Fantis Pre-K for All offers two UPK4 classrooms—Greek dual language and traditional. Both classrooms are identical, except that the dual language class will eventually conduct half the day in Greek and half in English.

Play-based instruction emphasizing social-emotional growth with daily outdoor play and second language learning ensure kindergarten readiness. Many UPK4 students stay in our extended day program and play in daily after-school clubs, including soccer, cooking and chess. For more information, check out our Preschool Overview and Curriculum.

All families are encouraged to apply, as the dual language classroom is half Greek and half English speaking families. With just one PreK-3 class rising to two UPK4 classes, there are seats available for the community. Simply apply via myschools and select both programs—dual language and traditional—as your top two choices if Fantis is your preferred program.

What is our Greek dual-language program?

Applications

Families must apply separately for Dual Language Program: Greek or English

Greek speaking families can range in exposure & usage
Select both programs if Fantis is top choice

Enrollment

Aim for a 50/50 balance of children whose home language is English and children whose home language is Greek—of varying levels of ability.

Instruction

Equally in Greek & English, with the goal of enabling all children to become bilingual & biliterate during their education. Learn more

Benefits

Ongoing research demonstrates the ample benefits of bilingualism beyond language fluency, including better executive functioning and cognitive flexibility. Our learners will more fully experience the rich culture and history of Greece through the language and traditions.

Meet Our Team

Patty Paravalos

PK3 Teacher
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

UPK4

🌟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.