Brooklyn Friends School is sharpening its identity through a pedagogy rooted in Quaker values, experiential learning and a sustained commitment to equity, school leadership explained in a recent profile. Head of School Crissy Caceres outlined an approach that emphasizes student-centered inquiry, interdisciplinary projects and social-emotional development across all divisions, from early childhood through grade 12.
Brooklyn Friends School’s model prioritizes active learning over rote instruction, integrating arts, athletics and technology to prepare students for complex, contemporary challenges. Teachers design curriculum around real-world problems, fostering collaboration and critical thinking while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Social responsibility and restorative practices appear as core components, shaping classroom culture and disciplinary approaches that aim to build empathy and community accountability.
Caceres highlighted professional development and reflective practice for faculty as essential to sustaining instructional innovation. Investment in teacher coaching, curriculum review and partnerships with external organizations supports ongoing refinement of pedagogy and ensures alignment with the school’s mission. Equity initiatives and attention to diversity inform admissions, financial aid and curricular content, seeking to create an inclusive environment where varied perspectives are represented and respected.
Community engagement is another pillar: service learning and local collaborations enable students to apply classroom learning in neighborhood contexts, reinforcing civic awareness and practical skills. Sustainability and ethical stewardship are woven into school life, from campus operations to curricular themes, reinforcing long-term institutional commitments.
Observers note that Brooklyn Friends School balances tradition and experimentation, maintaining its Quaker heritage while adapting pedagogical practices to contemporary educational research. The result is a cohesive program that aims to develop intellectual curiosity, moral character and adaptive competence in students poised to navigate an increasingly complex world. See related link for more information.
Find more information about Brooklyn Friends School on https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/new-york/brooklyn-friends-school-310054