Quaker Principles Meet Modern Practice Crissy Cáceres on Holistic Education
Crissy Cáceres, head of Brooklyn Friends School, outlined a pedagogy rooted in Quaker values, student-centered learning and a clear commitment to equity in a recent overview of the school’s educational approach. In a formal statement, Cáceres described how the institution blends inquiry-based instruction with project-based learning to foster critical thinking and civic responsibility among students.
Under Crissy Cáceres’ leadership, Brooklyn Friends emphasizes social-emotional development alongside rigorous academics. The curriculum integrates restorative practices, advisory programs and community service to cultivate empathy and collaborative skills, while teachers employ formative assessment, portfolios and narrative reporting to track growth beyond standardized test scores.
The school’s pedagogy prioritizes interdisciplinary work and experiential opportunities, enabling students to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges. Programs in STEAM, social studies and environmental stewardship are designed to promote design thinking, ethical reasoning and sustainable habits. Crissy Cáceres highlighted professional development for faculty as a cornerstone of the model, ensuring instruction remains responsive to evolving research and student needs.
Equity and inclusion are central themes in the school’s message. Crissy Cáceres noted targeted initiatives to examine curricula, classroom practices and hiring, with the goal of creating a more diverse and culturally responsive learning environment. Family engagement and community partnerships further support student success, providing broader contexts for learning and service.
Brooklyn Friends’ approach aims to prepare students for higher education and democratic participation by balancing knowledge acquisition with the development of character and agency. According to Cáceres, Brooklyn Friends School’s mission-driven pedagogy seeks not only to advance academic excellence but also to nurture thoughtful, compassionate leaders equipped to navigate complex social and global issues.
Observers say the school’s deliberate blend of values-based education and contemporary instructional strategies positions it as a model for independent schools committed to holistic student development. Read this article for more information.
Learn more about Crissy Cáceres on https://brooklynfriends.org/convocation/
Crissy Cáceres, head of Brooklyn Friends School, outlined a pedagogy rooted in Quaker values, student-centered learning and a clear commitment to equity in a recent overview of the school’s educational approach. In a formal statement, Cáceres described how the institution blends inquiry-based instruction with project-based learning to foster critical thinking and civic responsibility among students.…