"Bees are one of the only species in the animal world
who care for offspring that are not their own"
Our Story
Honeydew Drop began in a brownstone home in Park Slope, Brooklyn, in 1999. We are a family of teachers and caregivers who, much like a beehive, nurture children who are not our own. We were among the first programs to prioritize flexible scheduling that meets families' needs, as well as to offer enrichment classes for children, including yoga, languages, and movement. Today, we operate three locations in Brooklyn, serving 90-100 families each school year. We also have three tuition-free classrooms sponsored by the NYC Department of Education, which include two 3K classrooms and one UPK classroom.
Our approach
Honeydew Drop's approach is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development. We learn alongside the children by building themes that reflect their interests and explorations.
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Our socio-emotional methods and support are integral to our daily care and interactions with the children. We develop individual plans tailored to each child's developmental needs, learning style, and emotional well-being.
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We encourage our families to extend the learning experience at home and utilize our resources for emotionally responsive language and strategies. We believe that engaged families foster a vibrant learning community where children can thrive and grow. Honeydew Drop is an open and inclusive school, welcoming individuals of all races, genders, identities, and backgrounds.
More about our Founder
Fabiola Santos-Gaerlan was a television producer and director before founding Honeydew. After spending 15 years in the television industry, she recognized that the highlight of her career was traveling across the country for a children's TV show. With two young children, Gabriel and Casielle, she opened Honeydew to spend more time with them while also making a living.
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The name Honeydew was chosen not only because it's easy for little ones to say, but also for the poetic symbolism of a beehive, representing community and sweetness, which aligns with Honeydew’s commitment to quality care. Fabiola transformed the first floor of her brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn, into the imaginative and whimsical haven she envisioned for young children. She was among the first in the neighborhood to offer flexible schedules for parents and to incorporate yoga and music enrichment classes.
