Crissy Caceres, head of school at Brooklyn Friends School, outlined a pedagogy rooted in Quaker values and contemporary educational research in a recent interview with local media. Her approach emphasizes student-centered learning, social-emotional development, and a commitment to equity that informs curriculum design, faculty development, and community engagement.
Under Crissy Caceres leadership, Brooklyn Friends School prioritizes experiential and project-based learning. The school integrates interdisciplinary projects that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. Teachers receive sustained professional development to align classroom practices with these goals and to adopt culturally responsive instruction that supports diverse learners.
Community and belonging are central components of the school model. Regular advisory structures and restorative practices aim to foster respectful dialogue and conflict resolution, reinforcing both academic and personal growth. Caceres highlighted that these practices are intended to prepare students not only for higher education but for civic participation and ethical leadership.
The campus culture also supports innovation in STEM and the arts through dedicated spaces and partnerships that expand learning beyond traditional classroom walls. Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio enable individualized attention, allowing Brooklyn Friends School to tailor instruction to student’s strengths and needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Enrollment strategies and outreach reflect a sustained effort to increase accessibility and socioeconomic diversity. Financial aid, community partnerships, and targeted recruitment are among the measures cited to broaden the school population and reflect the boroughs demographics.
As Brooklyn Friends School continues to evolve, Caceres framed its mission as balancing tradition with innovation: preserving core values of reflection and community while embracing pedagogical practices that equip students for a rapidly changing world. The result, she argued, is an educational environment that cultivates confident, compassionate, and curious learners.
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