Determined to create an engaging early-education curriculum with a focus on inquiry-based learning, Carmelo ultimately opened the original Brooklyn Preschool of Science in Cobble Hill, welcoming the most curious tots to ask questions, to make mistakes, and to try to fail. Unsurprisingly, the innovative program promptly outgrew its digs and a second location popped up in Park Slope just two years later. Now, a brand new Brooklyn Heights location will welcome students for the 2018-2019 school year, spreading Carmelo's contagious love of science across the borough.

"Wait, but it's not just science, right?" you might be wondering about the truly unique preschool program. Carmelo hears that a lot, and explains simply that "science ties into everything." The school's age-appropriate, science-based curriculum embraces children’s innate curiosity and incessant question-asking because it's exactly what provides a foundation for meaningful math, language, literacy development, and just about everything else. And while students certainly take part in loads on hands-on science activities—handling insects, building simple machines, and excavating for fossils—they also have access to activity centers that feature everything from maracas and noisemakers to encourage music and movement, tunnels and climbing mats to encourage gross motor play, and board books and picture card sets to encourage language and development. Specialists stop by daily for lessons in dance, theater, Spanish, and yoga, and Carmelo even comes by for extra-special science classes.

Brooklyn Preschool of Science offers programs for little ones ages two to five, and gives parents the flexibility to choose from half-, full-, or extended-days, three to five days a week. Enrollment is open now for all three locations—Cobble Hill, Park Slope, and Brooklyn Heights—and registration is done on a first-come basis (translation: snag a spot ASAP because they fill up fast). Visit the Brooklyn Preschool of Science website to learn more, see tuition rates, and download an application. You can also call the office at 347-844-9699 to set up your own one-on-one tour with Carmelo himself, or request a call back online.