Launch Middle School  |  Grades 6-8  |  1580 Dean Street

Two young girls sitting in a classroom or auditorium, smiling at the camera, wearing yellow t-shirts with bold words on them, with students seated behind them.

Building Strong Foundations For Lifelong Learning

Launch Middle School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Brooklyn serving grades 6-8. For nearly 15 years, we have helped students grow into confident learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders.

At Launch Middle School, students are supported to explore who they are, discover their passions, and prepare for success in high school and beyond.

Apply Now For The 2025-2026 School Year

Meet Our School Leadership Team

A woman with dark curly hair wears a colorful headscarf and large earrings, smiling in a close-up portrait.

“As principal, I will continue to push student achievement with the help of families and community partners. I believe it is integral for educators to support the development of informed citizens, who can change their communities and ultimately the world.”

Meet our principal, Shamikah Kenlock

Meet the Full MS Staff

MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCES

MIDDLE SCHOOL UNIFORM

ALL ABOUT LAUNCH MIDDLE

MIDDLE SCHOOL CALENDAR

Our Habits of Heart and Mind

Launch Middle School

is rooted in 4 habits of heart and mind

Blue compass rose symbol on a black background

Integrity & Stewardship

We act with honesty and care, taking responsibility for ourselves, our community, and our environment

Outline of two hands holding a heart

Kindness & Collaboration

We lead with compassion, working together to support and uplift one another

Icon of a bird made with blue geometric lines.

Imagination & Spirit

We approach challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a sense of wonder

Blue line drawing of a hand holding a pencil, with lines suggesting motion or emphasis.

Dedication & Practice

We pursue excellence through persistence, reflection, and continual growth

Our Learning Model

Our Middle School model is grounded in EL Education’s three dimensions of student achievement.

A Venn diagram with three overlapping circles. The circles are labeled 'Character', 'Mastery of Knowledge & Skills', and 'High-Quality Student Work'.
A teacher assisting a student on a Chromebook in a classroom with other students working at desks in the background.

WE SERVE ALL STUDENTS

Rooted in UbuntuI am because we are and we are because I am.

  • Classes use a co-teaching model for enhanced support.

  • We connect with all students across settings: general ed, ICT, and 12:1:1.

  • We welcome and support English Language Learners.

  • We provide a Rigorous curriculum that is culturally relevant and real-world connected.

Two smiling women, one wearing glasses and the other with headphones, standing in a bookstore or library with books and event tables in the background.

LAUNCH IS COMMUNITY

We use Restorative Justice to build belonging and repair harm.

  • Every student joins a Crew for relationships, academic reflection, and character growth.

  • We promote Equity by recognizing each student’s unique strengths and committing to anti-bias practices.

A young person with glasses wearing a headset and a black T-shirt with a 'LAUNCH' logo, sitting at a keyboard in a classroom or studio, with another person in a blue shirt in the background.

HANDS-ON LEARNING MODEL

  • Free clubs & extracurriculars such as dance, sports, coding, and arts.

  • We connect students with academic programs and scholarships.

  • Students explore through outdoor field trips tied to real-world learning.

People wearing helmets participating in a ropes course in a forest, with one person assisting another on a wooden platform between trees.

FREE AFTER-SCHOOL, SATURDAY, & SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Focus on the whole child through EL Education’s 3 dimensions.

  • We emphasize Mastery of Knowledge and Skills, High-Quality Work, and Character.

  • Expeditions include research, critical thinking, and topics like Food Justice and Civil Rights.

Why Families Choose Launch Middle School

  • Every student is part of a daily Crew, a small advisory group where they build relationships, reflect on personal growth, and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.

  • We prioritize the whole child. Through Crew, advisory, and reflection, students develop skills like empathy, perseverance, and self-awareness.

  • We focus on building community, accountability, and growth. When challenges arise, students participate in Crew circles and restorative conversations that help them reflect, take responsibility, and strengthen relationships.

  • Launch Middle School proudly serves all students, including those with IEPs and English Language Learners. We offer a continuum of support to meet individual learning needs while ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and challenged.

    Learn More About Inclusive Education

  • Students can join a wide range of free programs that foster academic success, creativity, and connection:

    • Award-Winning Step Team

    • Championship Basketball Team

    • Coding

    • Culinary Arts

    • Dance

    • Debate

    • Digital Art

    • Drumming

    • MMA and Boxing 

    • Swimming

A group of young girls performing a dance routine on stage. They are wearing white t-shirts, shiny gold pants, white socks, and gloves, with some also wearing gold headbands. The background is decorated with a large, colorful mural and draped fabrics.
Group of six diverse students and a teacher standing in front of a whiteboard in a classroom, smiling at the camera.
Two female basketball players jump for the ball at the start of a game, with a referee watching. One player wears a black jersey with the number 8, and the other wears a red jersey with the number 3. A scoreboard in the background shows 0-0.
 

Located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn

At the corner of Dean and Troy

1580 Dean Street,
3rd Floor of the PS243 building
Brooklyn, NY 11213

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Apply Now For The 2026-27 School Year

 Ready To Launch Into Middle School?

Launch Middle School is enrolling 6th - 8th grade students. Join a community where students are empowered to think critically, lead with purpose, and prepare for college, career, and life.

Apply Now For 2026-27 School Year