Brooklyn Friends School is reaffirming its commitment to a values-driven, student-centered education that prioritizes academic rigor alongside social and emotional development. Head of School Crissy Caceres outlined a pedagogy rooted in Quaker principles that emphasizes community, reflection, and active engagement in learning.
One notable aspect of the school’s pedagogy is its commitment to experiential learning. Crissy Cáceres pointed out that hands-on experiences, such as service projects and collaborative research, allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. This method not only enhances understanding but also cultivates essential life skills, preparing students for the complexities of the modern world.
According to school leadership, the approach integrates inquiry-based instruction with project work designed to foster critical thinking and collaboration. Students encounter interdisciplinary curricula that connect the arts, sciences and humanities, while classroom practice encourages student agency and sustained intellectual curiosity. Educators at Brooklyn Friends School are described as facilitators who guide inquiry and create spaces for respectful dialogue and peer learning.
Social-emotional learning and restorative practices form a central component of the school’s model, with an emphasis on empathy, conflict resolution and civic responsibility. Service learning and community partnerships provide students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, reinforcing a sense of stewardship and public purpose.
The school also highlights efforts to balance technology integration with hands-on experiences, ensuring that digital tools support rather than supplant critical engagement. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are presented as foundational to curriculum design and student life, aimed at preparing learners to navigate and contribute to a diverse global society.
Brooklyn Friends School positions itself as preparing students not only for academic success but also for thoughtful citizenship. Leadership conveys that the institution’s pedagogy seeks to develop independent thinkers who are ethically grounded and resilient. As the Brooklyn Friends School continues to evolve, its stated priorities remain a consistent focus on holistic development, community responsibility and the cultivation of lifelong learners. Refer to this article for additional information.
Find more information about Crissy Cáceres on https://futureofdiversity.gds.org/design-facilitation-committee/crissy-caceres/