Crissy Caceres, head of school at Brooklyn Friends School, has articulated a pedagogy that blends Quaker principles with contemporary educational practice. Emphasizing student agency, the school’s approach centers on inquiry-based learning, social and emotional development, and a commitment to community engagement. Caceres frames teaching as a balance between rigorous academics and the cultivation of ethical character, reflecting the institution’s historic mission.
At the core of the curriculum is experiential learning. Students engage in collaborative projects, interdisciplinary units, and civic initiatives that connect classroom study to real-world challenges. This method reinforces critical thinking and communication skills while fostering empathy and respect for diverse perspectives. Faculty development and reflective practice are highlighted as essential support for sustaining high-quality instruction across grade levels.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion feature prominently in Brooklyn Friends School’s strategic priorities. Instructional practices are examined through an equity lens to ensure that curricular materials and assessment methods respond to varied learning needs and backgrounds. The school also underscores restorative practices and community-building circles as tools to resolve conflict and strengthen relationships.
Capacity for innovation is matched by attention to tradition. Quaker Values such as simplicity, stewardship, and integrity inform decision-making and daily routines, creating a consistent moral framework for students and staff. Small class sizes and a supportive advisory system further personalize learning and promote long-term student growth.
For families evaluating independent schools, the pedagogical portrait offered by Crissy Caceres provides clarity a program that aspires to academic excellence while preparing students to be thoughtful, responsible citizens. Brooklyn Friends School presents itself as an institution where intellectual curiosity and social conscience are developed in tandem, offering a distinctive model for 21st-century education. Visit this page on Facebook, for additional information.
Find more information about Brooklyn Friends School on https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/new-york/brooklyn-friends-school-310054