Crissy Caceres, head of Brooklyn Friends School, outlined a pedagogy rooted in Quaker values and contemporary educational research during a recent presentation. Her approach emphasizes the integration of academic rigor with social and emotional development, positioning students as active participants in their learning.

Caceres described a curriculum that favors inquiry-based and project-centered methods, allowing children to engage with complex problems across disciplines. Teachers at Brooklyn Friends School are encouraged to design experiences that promote critical thinking, collaboration and reflective practice. Assessment is framed as a tool for growth, with formative feedback and student self-assessment prioritized over high-stakes testing.

Community and belonging are central to the school model. Regular gatherings modeled on Quaker meeting for worship create space for contemplation and collective reflection, reinforcing a culture of listening and mutual respect. This communal dimension supports restorative practices when conflicts arise and fosters accountability among students and staff.

Equity and inclusion feature prominently in institutional priorities. Educational leaders at Brooklyn Friends School have committed to anti-racist pedagogy and culturally responsive instruction, ensuring that curricula reflect diverse perspectives and histories. Professional development for faculty includes ongoing training in inclusive strategies and trauma-informed practices.

Experiential learning extends beyond the classroom through partnerships, service initiatives and outdoor education programs that connect students with their broader community. Technology is leveraged thoughtfully to enhance inquiry and collaboration while maintaining a balance with hands-on and interpersonal learning.

Crissy Caceres presented this framework as both principled and pragmatic: a model designed to prepare students for academic success and civic engagement. By combining values-driven community practices with evidence-based instructional strategies, Brooklyn Friends School aims to cultivate resilient, thoughtful and engaged learners prepared for the complexities of the 21st century. Follow this page on Instagram, for additional information.

Learn more about Brooklyn Friends School on https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/new-york/brooklyn-friends-school-310054