Benjamin Franklin Academy
PS/IS 157 — Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
A inclusive, hands-on learning where every child grows as a thinker, leader, and healthy citizen.
Pre-K to 8 • 600 students • A magnet school for Brooklyn families since 1985
Principal Search
We're interviewing candidates for our next principal and welcome community input. Learn about the process →
About Our School
Where every child belongs.
Founded in 1985, Benjamin Franklin Health & Science Academy serves Brooklyn families from Pre-K through 8th grade. Our hands-on, project-based curriculum—rooted in health, wellness, and environmental science—challenges students to think critically, collaborate across differences, and become civic leaders in a multicultural world.
We believe learning should be joyful and purposeful. From hydroponics labs to makerspaces, our classrooms reflect the diversity of our community—where every voice is heard, every effort celebrated, and every child prepared to thrive in high school and beyond.
Pre-K to 8
programs
Brooklyn families
makerspace access
What We Offer
Our Programs
Rigorous academics, wellness, and real-world discovery for every student.
Health & Science Magnet
From urban food production in our hydroponics lab to hands-on STEM projects, students explore health, wellness, and environmental science through real-world inquiry and collaboration.
ExploreProject-Based Learning
Our multi-disciplinary curriculum—blending literacy, math, and critical reasoning—challenges students to solve problems, design solutions, and present their work with confidence.
Learn MoreWellness & Community
We prioritize social-emotional growth through RULER’s mood meter, daily movement breaks, and inclusive spaces where every child—regardless of ability—is supported to excel.
See MoreMark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
School events, PTA meetings, and important dates — all in one place.
A live events calendar, right here.
Your Google Calendar syncs straight into the site — tours, PTA meetings, and key dates update automatically, no re-typing. We wire this up when you come aboard.
Invest in our
children's future.
Your donation funds arts programs, teaching assistants, and school trips. Every dollar makes a difference for our students.