Question 1

Is Elements a school?

Accepted Answer

Elements is a homeschool enrichment center. Your child remains a homeschooler; you remain their primary educator. Depending on how you use it, Elements can anchor your child's week or complement a broader plan you've designed at home.

Question 2

What does interest-based or child-led education mean?

Accepted Answer

The environment your child works in is shaped by what they're developmentally ready for and what genuinely interests them. Our guides bring two kinds of knowledge: a thorough understanding of child development at this age band, and an accumulating knowledge of each specific child in the group. That combination informs how the environment is prepared and what gets offered each day.

Question 3

What is the Montessori approach?

Accepted Answer

Montessori is a complete educational method built around how children actually develop. Developmental readiness informs the prepared environment; the environment offers genuine choice; learning guides observe and respond rather than deliver a fixed curriculum; extended, uninterrupted work periods allow children to build real skill and self-direction. Montessori method shapes our thinking - on prepared environments, on developmental readiness, on what children need to do real work.

Question 4

Do I need to be an experienced homeschooler to enroll?

Accepted Answer

Families at Elements range from long-time homeschoolers to those just starting out. What matters is a genuine commitment to an educational path centered on your child's development - and a readiness to show up consistently. If you're new to homeschooling in New York, we're familiar with the regulations and happy to help you find your footing.

Question 5

What does a typical day look like?

Accepted Answer

In Moonstones, the day opens with community gathering, moves into extended independent work periods in reading, writing, and mathematics, includes outdoor time, and closes with a community activity. There's genuine structure - and within it, children have real choice about how they work and what they pursue.

In Starbirds, the morning follows a gentler rhythm: practical life work, pre-literacy and early numeracy through hands-on materials, creative and sensory activities, outdoor time, and snack.

Question 6

How do I know if my child is ready for Moonstones?

Accepted Answer

A visit is the best way to find out. Children who thrive in Moonstones can manage a full day away from home, sustain attention on a task independently, and are ready to be part of a community with real expectations. After your tour, your child will attend a full free trial day so we can assess mutual fit together.

Question 7

Is Elements religious or secular?

Accepted Answer

Secular. Non-religious curriculum and community. All backgrounds and beliefs welcome.

Question 8

What's the enrollment process?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a tour. Come see the space, meet the guides, ask your questions. If it feels like a fit, we'll walk you through enrollment from there.

Question 9

Do you offer financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on a limited basis. Bring it up during your tour or reach out at jenny@elementsworkspace.com.

Question 10

What ages do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Elements serves children ages 3-9 through our core programs. If your child is near the edge of a program's age range, a tour conversation will help us understand their readiness, rhythm, and best fit.

Question 11

Where are you located? Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

2934 Gerritsen Ave, Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn. Street parking available. Most accessible from Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Sheepshead Bay, Homecrest, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach and surrounding neighborhoods via the B31.

Question 12

What if we need to withdraw mid-year?

Accepted Answer

We ask for 45 days' written notice. This allows us to manage staffing and offer your spot to a family on our waitlist.

Question 13

Are donations tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Elements operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Metsada, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Frequently Asked Questions