Brooklyn Friends School is redefining progressive education through a pedagogy rooted in Quaker values, Head of School Crissy Caceres explained in a recent interview. Caceres framed the school’s approach as intentionally student-centered, combining rigorous academics with social-emotional learning and civic engagement to prepare learners from early childhood through grade 12.

At the core of the institution’s strategy is inquiry-based learning that encourages critical thinking and curiosity. Teachers serve as facilitators, designing interdisciplinary units that link the arts, sciences and humanities, while assessments emphasize growth and mastery rather than rote performance. Caceres emphasized ongoing professional development to ensure faculty are equipped to implement restorative practices and culturally responsive instruction across classrooms.

Community and belonging are central to the school’s mission. Caceres noted that reflective practices drawn from Quaker traditions inform daily routines and decision-making, fostering a campus culture that values listening, consensus and mutual respect. Inclusive admissions and curricular choices aim to reflect the diversity of Brooklyn Friends School and to cultivate student agency around issues of equity and justice.

Experiential learning also plays a prominent role, with project-based initiatives and partnerships that connect students to local organizations and real-world challenges. Sustainability and civic responsibility are features in curricular projects that bridge classroom learning with community impact. Parents and alumni engagement further reinforce a networked learning environment that supports student achievement and character development.

Caceres framed Brooklyn Friends School as committed to continuous improvement, measuring success not only by academic outcomes but by students’ capacity for ethical leadership, collaboration and lifelong learning. As urban independent schools navigate shifting expectations, the school’s integrated pedagogical model offers a blueprint for balancing academic rigor with the social and emotional competencies necessary for 21st century citizenship. Refer to this article for additional information.

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