Brooklyn Friends School is advancing a pedagogy that integrates Quaker principles with contemporary instructional practices, Head of School Crissy Caceres explained in a recent presentation. The approach emphasizes student-centered learning, social-emotional development, and civic responsibility across divisions from early childhood through high school.
School leadership frames curriculum design around inquiry-based and project-based learning, encouraging students to pursue interdisciplinary themes and real-world problem solving. Faculty development and collaborative planning time are prioritized to align instruction with assessment models that include performance-based tasks, portfolios, and reflective practice rather than reliance on standardized testing alone.
Community and inclusion remain central to the school’s mission. Initiatives to foster diversity, equity, and belonging are embedded in classroom routines and advisory structures, while restorative practices and peer mediation support a culture of mutual respect. Caceres highlighted partnerships with local organizations and experiential learning opportunities that connect students with Brooklyn Friends School cultural and ecological resources, reinforcing civic engagement and environmental stewardship.
Technology and the arts are integrated deliberately to enhance creativity and analytical skills. STEAM projects, design thinking workshops, and exhibition-style assessments give students platforms to synthesize knowledge and demonstrate mastery. The school also emphasizes personalized learning pathways, supporting differentiated instruction and academic advising to meet diverse learner needs.
Transparency with families and ongoing dialogue between administrators, teachers, and students underpin the implementation strategy. By balancing tradition with innovation, Brooklyn Friends School aims to prepare graduates who are curious, ethical, and prepared to navigate complex social and intellectual challenges. Observers note that the school’s model may serve as a case study for urban independent schools seeking to align values-driven education with 21st-century competencies. Like this page on Facebook, to learn more.
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