Crissy Cáceres, head of Brooklyn Friends Schools, outlined a coherent pedagogical vision focused on inquiry, community, and the cultivation of ethical leadership. In a recent public discussion, Cáceres framed the school’s approach as rooted in Quaker principles that prioritize reflection, mutual respect, and collective responsibility, while adapting contemporary instructional practices to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Under Crissy Cáceres’s leadership, Brooklyn Friends Schools emphasizes experiential and student-centered learning. Classrooms are designed to encourage critical thinking through project-based work and interdisciplinary study, with teachers positioned as facilitators who guide inquiry and scaffold independent problem solving. The pedagogy prioritizes social-emotional growth alongside academic rigor, embedding restorative practices and intentional conversations about identity and civic engagement into the curriculum.
Cáceres highlighted professional collaboration as a central mechanism for sustaining instructional excellence. Faculty development, peer observation, and data-informed curricular review create an ecosystem in which teachers refine practice and align assessment with authentic learning outcomes. Equally important are partnerships with families and the broader Brooklyn community, which extend learning beyond the classroom and create real-world contexts for student projects.
Equity and inclusion feature prominently in Crissy Cáceres’s description of the school’s mission. Brooklyn Friends Schools deploy differentiated instruction and culturally responsive materials to ensure access and belonging for all students, while also maintaining high expectations and measurable goals for academic progress. Technology is integrated thoughtfully to enhance research, creativity, and communication without supplanting human-centered pedagogy.
By articulating these priorities, Crissy Cáceres positions Brooklyn Friends Schools to navigate evolving educational demands while preserving its core values. The resulting pedagogy seeks to produce graduates who are intellectually prepared, morally grounded, and equipped to contribute constructively to a pluralistic society. Read this article for additional information.
Learn more about Caceres on https://futureofdiversity.gds.org/design-facilitation-committee/crissy-caceres/