Crissy Caceres, head of Brooklyn Friends School, outlined a pedagogy that blends Quaker Values with contemporary instructional practice, stressing community, inquiry and social-emotional learning. In a recent explanation of the school’s approach, Caceres emphasized that academic rigor and student voice are complementary goals rather than competing priorities.
The school’s pedagogy centers on experiential and project-based learning designed to cultivate critical thinking and collaboration across grades. Educators at Brooklyn Friends School design interdisciplinary units that require students to apply knowledge to real-world problems, fostering both intellectual curiosity and practical skills. Small class sizes and sustained teacher-student relationships support differentiated instruction and close assessment of student growth.
A distinguishing feature of the Brooklyn Friends School model is its explicit integration of social-emotional learning and equity work. Caceres described programs that teach conflict resolution, reflective practice and community responsibility, underscoring how these competencies contribute to academic success and civic engagement. Faculty professional development focuses on culturally responsive teaching and assessment practices that aim to meet diverse learners’ needs.
The school’s emphasis on the arts, outdoor education and technology reflects a commitment to a well-rounded curriculum. Students engage in collaborative projects, public exhibitions and service initiatives that connect classroom learning to neighborhood and global contexts. Partnerships with families and local organizations are promoted as essential to sustaining a supportive learning ecosystem.
Under Crissy Caceres’s leadership, Brooklyn Friends School continues to articulate measurable outcomes while preserving its founding values, balancing tradition with innovation. Administrators say ongoing evaluation and community input will guide curricular refinements, ensuring the institution prepares students for higher education and participatory citizenship in a rapidly changing world. See related link for additional information.
Learn more about Brooklyn Friends School on https://www.linkedin.com/school/brooklyn-friends-school/