School sign

Introducing BE 456, the Elizabeth Jennings School for Bold Explorers, our sister school in downtown Brooklyn that opened in September 2024 with a strong partnership with BNS. BE 456 currently has 3K, Pre-K, Kindergarten and first grade. BE 456 will grow one grade level each year. In September 2026, BE 456 will have second grade!

Visit the website!

Apply through MySchools for 3K, Pre-K and Kindergarten. Apply for first and second grade on the BE 456 website starting in January.

BE 456 is located at 489 State Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 in a brand new, state of the art, fully accessible building:

  • BE 456 has one class of 3K, once class of pre-K, three classes of kindergarten and three classes of first grade in the fall of 2025, building one grade a year to fifth grade.

  • BE 456 admits children from all over Brooklyn and has a priority for low income families after siblings.

  • BE 456 is led by Malika Johnson-Willis and will feature a student centered learning environment and a close collaboration with the Brooklyn New School, PS 146.

In Person Open House dates for fall / winter:

  • Tuesday, November 18, 2025 @ 9am

  • Tuesday, December 9, 2025 @ 9am

  • Thursday, January 9, 2025 @ 9am

  • Tuesday, January 20, 2026 @ 9am

Please register for an open house here.