Fontbonne Hall Academy seniors worked with St. Patrick Catholic Academy teachers and students in nursery through third grade.

The hands-on experience was part of the seniors’ Child Development elective class in the spring. It was the first-ever collaboration of its kind between the two Bay Ridge schools.

The component allowed Fontbonne students to put theory learned into practice and participate in a classroom setting. For many seniors, it was their first such experience.

“I found being in the classroom to be so interesting,” said Victoria Caggiano. “I enjoyed experiencing the ‘real-life’ application of everything we learned in class.”

Sabrina Sciove shared her experience visiting a class at St. Joseph’s College Brooklyn.

“I audited a class in Child Development at St. Joe’s. Everything we learned was being taught in the class,” Sciove said. “I felt so accomplished having been to St. Patrick Catholic Academy and having this college-level course.”

The program was designed by Fontbonne teacher Gloria Musto, in collaboration with Andrea D’Emic, St. Patrick’s principal. They both said they are looking forward to many more collaborative efforts in the future.