A family living in Brooklyn is looking into Poly Prep Country Day School. The issue is that the campus is split into two locations. The Lower School is in Park Slope, while the Middle School and Upper School are in Dyker Heights. This means that the commute zone changes as the child grows.

So, where should they look for a home? The answer is not simple. Right now, Park Slope is closer, but starting from middle school, Dyker Heights needs to be closer. The distance between the two areas is about a 20-minute drive.

Let's look at Poly Prep's performance. The graduating class of 2025, consisting of 139 students, has been accepted to 64 colleges. The acceptance rate to the top 50 colleges is 22.14 percent, while the rate for the top 25 is 15.71 percent, and the acceptance rate to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT is 7.14 percent. The tuition for the 2024-25 academic year for the general day school program was $62,476. It's best to check the school's website for the most current tuition rates.

Behind this performance is a wide range of AP courses. AP allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit based on their exam scores. This curriculum and the two-campus system are why this school is often mentioned among Korean parents in Brooklyn.

Now, let's look at housing prices. The average home price in Dyker Heights is $1,187,604. It has increased by 3.6 percent over the past year (Zillow, as of May 2026). The recent median sale price is around $1,200,000. Park Slope is generally higher, so for families commuting between the two campuses, Dyker Heights is relatively more accessible.

Even within Brooklyn, the situation varies depending on the area. Dyker Heights is primarily a low-rise single-family home area, so the distance to the school is close, but public transportation access is not as good as in Park Slope. If commuting by car is the norm, Dyker Heights is preferable; if public transportation needs to be considered, it's better to look at the border areas of Park Slope.

If a family is looking to start with renting, checking out the midpoint between the two campuses could be a good option. However, properties in Brooklyn tend to move quickly, whether for sale or rent, so if a desirable property comes up, it's often necessary to make a decision quickly.

Property taxes in New York State vary significantly by area. Even within Brooklyn, they differ by district, so it's advisable to request recent tax bills when viewing properties.

For families coming from out of state, the New York City property tax system may be unfamiliar. The assessment methods and exemption programs may differ from those in their previous states, so it's wise to check with an accountant or real estate expert separately.

Poly Prep operates its own school bus service between the two campuses. When the Lower School students move up to Middle School, the bus routes change, so checking the actual schedule before enrollment can help gauge the commuting burden in advance.

Both Dyker Heights and Park Slope have a high proportion of single-family homes and townhouses. Both areas have limited inventory, so when a home that meets the desired criteria comes up, decisions need to be made quickly. It's also good to keep in mind that the closing period can be longer than in other states due to New York City's unique paperwork processes.

If the $60,000 tuition is a concern, it's worth looking into the need-based financial aid programs as well. Most top private schools in New York City offer such programs, and the application rates and conditions vary by school, so it's best to contact the admissions office directly for accurate information.

Even within Brooklyn, Dyker Heights and Park Slope have different characteristics in terms of amenities. Dyker Heights is a quieter residential area, while Park Slope has a concentration of shops and cafes. Considering not only the convenience of the child's commute but also the parents' commuting routes and daily life patterns is a practical basis for making a decision. It's helpful to visit both areas to assess the commuting routes and living conditions beforehand.

This article does not constitute investment or legal advice. Since tuition and property tax conditions change frequently, it's advisable to confirm with the school and professionals before finalizing any contracts.