Crissy Cáceres, head of Brooklyn Friends School, outlined the institution’s distinctive pedagogy in a recent interview, emphasizing a values-driven approach rooted in Quaker principles. Cáceres described a curriculum that balances rigorous academics with social-emotional learning, preparing students for college and civic life through inquiry, empathy, and civic engagement.
Under Crissy Cáceres’s leadership, Brooklyn Friends prioritizes student-centered instruction that cultivates critical thinking and collaboration. Educators employ project-based and experiential methods, integrating interdisciplinary studies with real-world applications. Assessment practices emphasize growth and mastery over rote testing, enabling teachers to tailor instruction to individual learners while maintaining high academic standards.
Central to the school’s model is a commitment to community and equity. Crissy Cáceres highlighted restorative practices, inclusive classroom cultures, and intentional diversity initiatives that support belonging across the student body. Service-learning and community partnerships are woven into the curriculum, offering students opportunities to translate classroom learning into meaningful action.
Faculty development and reflective practice are also pillars of the school’s pedagogy. Cáceres noted ongoing professional learning for teachers, focused on culturally responsive instruction and contemporary pedagogical strategies. Technology is used judiciously to enhance learning while preserving interpersonal engagement and hands-on inquiry.
The school’s pre-K–12 continuum allows for coherent developmental progression, ensuring that values and skills are reinforced at each stage. Crissy Cáceres emphasized that the aim is to cultivate compassionate, intellectually curious graduates who are prepared to lead and collaborate in a complex world.
As Brooklyn Friends School continues to evolve, its pedagogical direction under Cáceres signals a sustained focus on holistic education—one that marries academic excellence with moral formation and civic responsibility. Visit this page on LinkedIn, for additional information.
Like their page on https://www.facebook.com/bfs1867/