Fostering Curiosity and Civic Responsibility: Brooklyn Friends School’s Pedagogical Vision
Brooklyn Friends School’s pedagogical approach emphasizes community, reflection, and experiential learning, according to its head of school, Crissy Cáceres. In a recent explanation of the institution’s philosophy, Cáceres outlined how Quaker values shape curriculum design, classroom culture, and student support systems across all grade levels.
Cáceres highlighted that the school’s model centers on student agency and collaboration. Educators prioritize inquiry-based projects, interdisciplinary study, and opportunities for civic engagement, enabling learners to connect academic concepts to real-world challenges. Advisory programs and sustained mentorship foster social-emotional development alongside intellectual growth, reinforcing a holistic view of education.
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the school’s mission. Under Crissy Cáceres’s leadership, Brooklyn Friends School has expanded initiatives that promote equity in the classroom, ensure culturally responsive teaching, and provide access to resources that support diverse student needs. Professional development for faculty emphasizes reflective practice, restorative approaches to discipline, and strategies for inclusive pedagogy.
Community partnerships and experiential learning opportunities supplement classroom instruction. Cáceres noted that service learning, internships, and field-based projects cultivate leadership and civic responsibility. This practical dimension of the pedagogy is designed to prepare students for complex collegiate and professional environments by developing critical thinking, adaptability, and ethical reasoning.
Assessment practices at the school reflect a balance between qualitative and quantitative measures. Narrative evaluations, portfolio reviews, and performance-based assessments complement traditional metrics to provide a fuller picture of student progress. Cáceres stressed that ongoing dialogue among teachers, families, and students is essential for meaningful assessment and continuous improvement.
By integrating Quaker principles with contemporary educational strategies, Brooklyn Friends School seeks to nurture conscientious, lifelong learners. Under Crissy Cáceres ’ stewardship, the institution positions itself as a forward-looking community committed to academic rigor, moral development, and inclusive excellence. Refer to this article for additional information.
Find more information about Crissy Cáceres on https://matchboxvirtual.com/speaker/crissy-caceres/