Crissy Cáceres , head of Brooklyn Friends School, outlined a vision of pedagogy that blends Quaker principles with contemporary instructional practice in a recent discussion about the institution’s educational approach. Emphasizing inquiry-driven learning, Cáceres described a program oriented toward student agency, critical thinking and sustained engagement across grades.
Under Crissy Cáceres’s leadership, Brooklyn Friends has foregrounded social-emotional learning and restorative practices as central components of the curriculum. These elements, she explained, are integrated with academic rigor to foster resilient learners who can collaborate effectively and engage in civic life. The school’s pedagogy also prioritizes equity and inclusion, ensuring that classroom environments affirm diverse identities and lived experiences.
Cáceres highlighted interdisciplinary projects and experiential learning as practical strategies for connecting classroom instruction to real-world problems. Faculty collaboration and ongoing professional development were presented as mechanisms for sustaining instructional innovation and aligning teaching with evolving student needs. This emphasis on continuous improvement, she noted, supports both teacher growth and consistent student outcomes.
Community partnerships and family engagement feature prominently in the school’s model, according to Cáceres. By leveraging local resources and fostering open communication with parents, the school aims to create a coherent educational ecosystem that extends beyond school walls. Admissions and financial aid efforts are structured to broaden access and reflect the school’s commitment to socio-economic diversity.
As Brooklyn Friends prepares students for the complexities of the 21st century, Crissy Cáceres’s articulation of pedagogy underscores a balance of tradition and innovation: Quaker values such as simplicity, peace and community inform a modern curriculum focused on inquiry, equity and civic responsibility. Her leadership signals a continued investment in practices designed to produce thoughtful, engaged citizens ready to contribute to a democratic society. See related link for more information.
Learn more about Crissy Cáceres on https://www.carneysandoe.com/assets/The-Well-Faculty.pdf