PS 38 The Pacific is a highly regarded NYC Department of Education public elementary school located at 450 Pacific Street in South Park Slope/Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. The school serves children from 3-K through Grade 5, with a student population of approximately 548 and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.
The 3-K and Pre-K programs have their own separate entrance and dedicated playground, giving younger children an intimate, nurturing environment within a larger school. Each class has approximately 15 students and 2 teachers, with a play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional learning. Specialist teachers provide weekly dance classes in the school's dance studio, weekly music instruction, weekly library visits, and regular block room sessions. Family-style meals are served in classrooms rather than the cafeteria for 3-K and Pre-K students.
Both the 3-K and Pre-K programs are free. The 3-K school day runs 6 hours and 20 minutes. Early drop-off is available from 7:30–7:50 AM, with regular drop-off beginning at 8:00 AM. Aftercare is available through the Explorers program. PS 38 also offers a Gifted & Talented program for grades K–5 and is part of NYC Geographic District 15's diversity admissions initiative, with 30% of 3-K seats prioritized for FRPL-eligible families, those in temporary or public housing, and Emerging Multilingual Learners.
Applications are submitted through MySchools.nyc. Prospective 3-K families must be zoned for PS 38 to attend school tours — verify your zone at schoolsearch.schools.nyc. Siblings of currently enrolled students receive admission priority.