Cost
Free - No cost to families
PS 297 Abraham Stockton
Free COMPASS Elementary afterschool program for K-5 students in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, provided by Good Shepherd Services
The P.S. 297 Abraham Stockton afterschool program is operated by Good Shepherd Services, one of New York City’s most trusted providers of youth and family services. Since 1991, Good Shepherd Services has been dedicated to helping young people succeed in school through high-quality out-of-school-time programming. This free COMPASS Elementary program serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade, providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment during the critical after-school hours when parents and caregivers are working.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 Park Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206 |
| Borough | Brooklyn (Williamsburg) |
| Provider | Good Shepherd Services |
| Website | goodshepherds.org |
| Phone | (212) 243-7070 |
| Lawrence_Jones@goodshepherds.org | |
| Contact | Lawrence Jones |
Age Range
Ages 5-11 (Grades K-5)
Program Type
COMPASS Elementary
Category
Youth Development
Good Shepherd Services provides comprehensive programming designed to strengthen students’ academic, leadership, and social skills, improving their outcomes in school, at home, and in the community:
- Academic Support - Afterschool Math PLUS program with targeted instruction, Academic Literacy/Literature activities, Read Aloud sessions that build comprehension
- STEM Activities - Engineering is Everywhere hands-on projects, Design challenges that foster creativity and problem-solving, Science exploration
- Arts & Creativity - Art projects that encourage self-expression, Cooking activities that teach nutrition and life skills, Holiday events celebrating diversity
- Physical Activity - Soccer leagues and practice, Recreation and enrichment activities
- Leadership Development - Youth Council/Advisory Board where student voices matter, Gender-specific leadership activities, Team building exercises
- Social Activities - Board games that build strategic thinking, Summer camp opportunities
Founded in 1857, Good Shepherd Services has evolved from its origins serving vulnerable girls and women to becoming one of New York City’s premier youth development organizations. Since 1991, they have strategically developed out-of-school-time programming as part of a broader effort to help young people succeed in school.
Their Proven Approach:
- Providing safe spaces during critical after-school hours (3-6 PM when youth are most at risk)
- Strengthening academic skills through targeted tutoring and homework support
- Building leadership capabilities through youth voice and choice
- Developing social and emotional competencies
- Creating supportive relationships with caring, trained adults
- Using data and evidence-based practices to measure and improve outcomes
Impressive Results:
- 85% of students in YABC and Partnership Schools successfully completed internships
- 93% of families receiving prevention services stayed together
- 100% of Chelsea Foyer participants secured stable housing upon completion
- Serves over 35,000 children and families annually across 100+ programs
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Contact the program directly Reach out to Lawrence Jones at Lawrence_Jones@goodshepherds.org or call (212) 243-7070 to inquire about availability.
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Visit the Good Shepherd Services website Go to goodshepherds.org to learn more about the program philosophy and enrollment process.
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Complete the enrollment application Fill out the required forms with your child’s information, emergency contacts, and any special needs or accommodations.
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Submit required documentation Provide necessary documents for program eligibility verification (child must be in grades K-5 and attend PS 297).
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Receive confirmation Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation of your child’s spot in the program along with program schedules and expectations.
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Attend orientation Participate in the program orientation to meet staff, learn about daily schedules, transportation options, and connect with other families.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- Student enrollment form
- Emergency contact information
- Medical/health information and immunization records
- Proof of grade level (K-5)
- Proof of address (utility bill or lease)
- Photo release consent (optional)
- Pick-up authorization form with valid IDs
- Participants must be currently enrolled in Elementary School, grades K-5 at PS 297 Abraham Stockton
The program location in Williamsburg is well-connected to public transportation, making drop-off and pick-up convenient for working families:
- Subway: Bedford Avenue Station (L train) - 0.4 miles, 8-minute walk
- Subway: Flushing Avenue Station (J, M, Z trains) - 0.3 miles, 6-minute walk
- Bus: B48 (Park Ave/Myrtle Ave), B62 (Wythe Ave), B43 (Broadway) routes serve the area
- Bike: Citi Bike stations available at Bedford Ave/S 8th St and Graham Ave/Conselyea St
- Car: Street parking available; metered parking on Park Avenue
McCarren Park
Large community park (35 acres) with playgrounds, sports fields, pool, and track (0.6 miles) - great for weekend family activities
Williamsburg Library
Brooklyn Public Library branch at 240 Division Avenue (0.5 miles) - free programs, books, computers, and homework help
90th Precinct
NYPD precinct located at 211 Union Avenue (0.4 miles) - community policing and safety programs
FDNY Engine 211
Fire station at 447 Bedford Avenue (0.5 miles) - emergency services and fire safety education
- Key Food Supermarket - 665 Grand Street (0.4 miles) - Full-service supermarket
- C-Town Supermarket - 699 Manhattan Avenue (0.5 miles) - Affordable groceries
- Trade Fair Supermarket - 100 Maujer Street (0.3 miles) - Fresh produce and meats
- Metropolitan Market - Multiple locations on Metropolitan Avenue - Local groceries
- Weekend Farmers Market - McCarren Park (seasonal) - Fresh local produce
PS 297 Abraham Stockton is an elementary school serving the diverse Williamsburg community in Brooklyn. The school is named after Abraham Stockton, a historical figure who contributed to the development of the neighborhood during its industrial era. Located in the heart of Williamsburg, PS 297 serves students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, reflecting the neighborhood’s rich diversity.
The school works closely with community partners like Good Shepherd Services to provide comprehensive support for students and families, recognizing that success in school requires support both during and after school hours. The partnership with Good Shepherd Services extends learning time and provides enrichment opportunities that many families might not otherwise be able to access.
Last Updated: November 24, 2025