Crissy Cáceres, head of Brooklyn Friends School, has articulated a vision for education that unites Quaker principles with modern pedagogical research. In a recent discussion with local media, she emphasized student agency, equity, and community engagement as the cornerstones of the school’s approach—an approach she describes as interdisciplinary, experiential, and deeply attentive to both academic and social-emotional growth.
Under Crissy Cáceres’s leadership, Brooklyn Friends has expanded project-based and inquiry-driven learning, moving beyond traditional lecture formats to emphasize collaboration and applied understanding. Teachers are encouraged to connect classroom content with broader civic and ethical questions, helping students link knowledge to real-world issues. Reflection and dialogue, key elements of Quaker education, serve as tools for cultivating empathy, integrity, and critical self-awareness.
Diversity and inclusion remain central priorities. Crissy Cáceres notes that curriculum development now intentionally incorporates multiple perspectives and histories, creating a learning environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. Ongoing professional development ensures that faculty stay current with research on equitable, student-centered instruction, while also strengthening cultural responsiveness in the classroom.
Technology and the arts complement this academic framework. Brooklyn Friends School continues to invest in digital literacy and creative disciplines, encouraging students to express ideas through multiple mediums. Yet, Cáceres emphasizes balance—advocating for technology as a means of connection and creativity rather than as an end in itself.
Beyond academics, Brooklyn Friends integrates community partnerships and service learning to extend education beyond campus walls. These experiences, Cáceres says, are vital to preparing students for engaged, compassionate citizenship.
As articulated by Crissy Cáceres, the Brooklyn Friends School model blends tradition with innovation—an education grounded in values, shaped by inquiry, and designed to prepare young people to think critically and act with purpose in a complex world. Read this article for more information.
Learn more about Crissy Cáceres on https://www.carneysandoe.com/assets/The-Well-Faculty.pdf