A hub for homeschoolers in NYC
Who we are
Key Features
At Elements Workspace, our learning guides are dedicated to providing personalized attention to each student. With small group sizes, your child receives the support and guidance they need to grow and thrive.
Our program focuses on the holistic development of each child. Through engaging activities, collaborative projects, and plenty of space to self-direct, we nurture both intellectual curiosity and social skills, preparing your child for a bright future.
We understand the demands of modern family life. That's why we offer flexible scheduling options, including two or three full days a week or à la carte classes, allowing you to choose what best fits your family's needs.
Whether you need a few hours to run errands or a place to work while your child learns, Elements Workspace has you covered. You can drop off your child in our capable hands or stay and co-work in our comfortable, parent-friendly environment.
Your child's safety and well-being are our top priorities. Elements Workspace provides a warm, welcoming, and secure environment where children feel comfortable and inspired to learn.
Located in a serene, nature-rich setting, Elements Workspace offers an inspiring backdrop for learning. Our beautiful surroundings encourage exploration, creativity, and a deep connection with nature.
Our Offerings
Homeschool Hybrid
Expert Learning Guides: Our experienced educators provide personalized attention and support to each child.
Enriching Environment: A balance of academics, play, and social learning in a nurturing setting.
Small, Mixed Age Groups: Promote diverse interactions and peer learning in small, age-mixed groups.
On-Site Co-working Space: Parents can work on-site with access to tea, coffee, and snacks.
A La Carte Classes
6-8 Week Cycles: Each class runs for 6-8 weeks, allowing for deep dives into each subject.
Diverse Subjects: Previous classes include photography, art technique, business exploration, and filmmaking, offering a wide range of learning opportunities.
Affordable and Flexible Pricing
Choose from full-day homeschool hybrid programs or a la carte classes, all at competitive rates.
What Our Families Are Saying
Read their testimonials about our nurturing environment, expert guides, and flexible programs.
“Thank you Elements Workspace for your attitude to our children. Staff is very friendly and polite, always ready to help. They always find something special for everyone and explore this world with our kids. Very comfortable atmosphere.”
Elements Workspace has become an incredible part of my daughter’s education. The space and instructors are so welcoming and open. There is something for everyone there and my daughter is always working on a new project. The center is always well stocked, with all the supplies needed to make any idea come to life.
My daughter is a toddler and loves going to Elements every week. The teachers are so kind and engage her in unique hands on activities. We do a lot of creative activities during Nature Hour using tools from nature. The kids love it and get along well.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Homeschool Hybrid program at Elements Workspace is an opportunity for local homeschoolers ages 3-6 to enrich their homeschooling experience in a social, community-based way. Participants join 2-3 full days a week in person at our learning center which is uniquely situated in the quiet and nature-rich neighborhood of Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn. Our 1,300 sqft space is inspired by our child-led philosophy and outfitted with a mix of traditional Montessori as well as our own thoughtfully-curated materials. Our intention is to support each participating child (the “learner”) with their growth as thoughtful, kind, curious, independent, creative humans with a sense of community.
Our current Homeschool Hybrid cohort is ages 3 through 6 (or recently turned 7.)
Our À La Carte classes are for learners ages 3 through 13.
A maximum of ten learners participate in the Homeschool Hybrid program at one time.
À La Carte classes range in size from five to ten learners per class.
We get to know each other! Our core philosophy is that each child has unique needs, interests, questions, and developmental journey. Our Montessori-inspired environment is designed to accommodate learners at various stages of readiness. Additionally, as our learning guides spend time with and get to know each child, they work to offer materials, learning prompts and opportunities that respond to that learner’s interest. Both in group and individual work, each child is challenged to explore areas of interest to them specifically. In order for us to be truly “child-led,” a careful and intentional observation of each child is foundational.
By spending two to three days a week at Elements Workspace, our young learners grow a bevy of life skills foundational to living a happy and meaningful life including but not limited to: independent thinking, problem solving, math, language, science, art, music, practical life, gross and fine motor skills, kindness, respectful communication, emotional intelligence, curiosity, collaboration, conflict resolution, love of nature, care of their environment and more! Small, mixed-age group learning environments inherently challenge each learner to practice and grow a wide range of soft and hard skills.
Please note: we do not guarantee outcomes, administer tests, issue report cards or write evaluations. We can, however, offer support with writing your IHIP and quarterly reports (for those turning 6 years old or more by December 1, 2024). Our philosophy is that we, as the parents, are first and foremost responsible for the education and development of our children and know when that development is happening to our satisfaction. That said, our learning guides are here to work together with you on setting and working on any individual goals you may have for your child(ren) to the best of their ability.
The Homeschool Hybrid program operates Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am-3pm. Participants can sign up for either two or three of those days a week. Extended day options are currently not available but may be offered in the future based on demand.
Our À La Carte classes are scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays, 9am-5pm.
We invite qualified third-party providers to offer special classes such as music or art to our hybrid program participants based on the children’s interests. Other areas and topics are fluidly incorporated throughout the day.
Our À La Carte classes on Thursdays and Fridays serve to offer any other interest-based topics. Homeschool Hybrid learners participate in those at an additional cost.
Thursdays and Fridays are our dedicated days for À La Carte classes for homeschoolers ages 3 through 13. We tested this model in Spring 2024 and are excited to continue to build out interest-based classes such as photography, filmmaking, entrepreneurship, art, music, games and more this fall. À La Carte classes run in 6 or 8-week cycles.
At this time, the weekends offer toddler (ages 0-3) programming and family events.
Two days a week Homeschool Hybrid: $920/month
Three days a week Homeschool Hybrid: $1,300/month (a 6% discount)
À La Carte classes: $20-35/hour depending on the class
Sibling discounts are available.
We work hard to offer Elements Workspace at an affordable price given rent costs in NYC, livable learning guide wages, utilities, liability insurance and other operating expenses. We are a non-profit and have created this space for our own families and other like-minded folks. However, we understand that even at our lowest rates not every family can afford the full cost. If this applies to you, please get in touch; perhaps we can find a way to make it work.
Please also check out the Children’s Scholarship Fund scholarship pre-application for eligible homeschoolers. Recipients can spend their scholarship funds with Elements Workspace.
Elements Workspace founder, mom and learning guide Jenny Markus and founding mom Yelena Umanoff guide our group of learners in the Homeschool Hybrid. They work closely with and are supported with planning, presentation and content by expert Montessori learning guide and co-founder Elif (El) Yildirim. El also develops and guides our older learner and toddler programs. À La Carte classes are led by community members and hired third-party guides with expertise and passion in their field.
Our Monday-Wednesday Homeschool Hybrid program includes:
- Consistent small group of mixed age learners to bond and learn with.
- Ample time outdoors for both free play and exploring the natural world.
- Opportunities and materials to explore personal interests. Current topics articulated by our learners include “things with wheels”, “what astronauts wear in space”, “making and playing games.”
- Parents can drop off or stay on-site and use our co-working space.
- New! A base of authentic Montessori activities from M3 by Multisori, a Montessori homeschool curriculum adapted to the homeschool setting. Feel free to check out their mega sample here. Be warned, it is 161 pages long but gives a nice sense of content we will be choosing from.
- New! A dedicated 60-90 minute work cycle every morning to ensure learners are provided ample opportunity to be presented with and choose a subject area to work on daily.
- New! Two dedicated learning guides to ensure strong and trusted relationships are built.
In order for us to deliver a quality, consistent and financially sustainable program, we must anticipate a minimum level of membership revenue and incentivize families toward longer-term participation. That is why we ask each family to commit to at least six months with us and provide notice of withdrawal at least one month in advance. Your one month’s deposit is applied to your last month with us. It is non-refundable if you withdraw sooner than six months or give notice less than one month in advance.
In order for Elements Workspace to operate sustainably, we must ensure a consistent and predictable source of revenue. Starting September 2024, monthly payments are flat fees and due by the 1st of each month with a five day grace period. Missed days are non-refundable. Our holiday schedule will be shared in late summer 2024.
Deciding to homeschool your child is a significant and rewarding decision. It is natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as you embark on this journey. There are some legal requirements to follow. However, it is also important to focus on your family’s goals, values, and expectations.
1. Reflect on Your Family’s Goals:
- A Meaningful Decision: Homeschooling is more than just an educational choice; it’s a lifestyle change that can allow you to shape your child’s learning experience in a way that aligns with your family’s values and needs. Take some time to think about what you hope to achieve through homeschooling, whether it’s more flexibility, a closer family connection, or a tailored education for your child.
- Focus on the Positive: Remember, the ability to create a personalized and fulfilling educational experience for your child is one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling. Your decision is the first step towards something truly special for your family.
2. Understand the Legal Requirements – They’re Manageable:
- Simple Steps: In New York City, you’ll need to complete a few steps to legally homeschool. These include notifying the Department of Education of your intent to homeschool (the year that your child turns six years old), preparing an educational plan, and submitting periodic progress updates. While this might seem overwhelming at first, each step is manageable, and there are plenty of templates and resources to guide you along the way. We can help guide you through this process!
- Support is Available: You’re not alone in this process. Many families have successfully navigated these requirements, and there’s a strong homeschooling community in NYC ready to offer support, advice, and encouragement.
3. Embrace the Journey with Confidence:
- Flexibility and Freedom: One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is the freedom to design an educational experience that fits your child’s unique needs and your family’s lifestyle. You have the flexibility to create a learning environment that is both nurturing and effective.
- A Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with supportive resources—whether that’s other homeschooling families, online communities, or local groups. This network can provide valuable insights and help you feel more confident as you move forward.
4. Remember, You’ve Got This:
- Start Small, Think Big: Begin by focusing on the essentials and gradually build your homeschooling routine. It’s okay to take things one step at a time. As you gain experience, you’ll find your rhythm and discover what works best for your family.
- Celebrate Your Decision: Choosing to homeschool is a bold and positive step towards giving your child a personalized education. Trust in your decision and celebrate the fact that you’re taking an active role in your child’s growth and learning.