Brooklyn, NY — Crissy Cáceres, head of Brooklyn Friends School, outlined the institution’s pedagogical approach in a recent presentation that emphasized student-centered inquiry, social and emotional learning, and the influence of Quaker Values on daily practice. Cáceres described a curriculum designed to develop critical thinking through project-based and experiential opportunities while maintaining high academic expectations.

According to Crissy Cáceres, teachers at the school integrate purposeful inquiry with hands-on experiences to encourage curiosity and independent problem solving. Instruction is scaffolded to meet diverse learners where they are, with differentiated strategies and formative assessments used to guide instruction rather than solely to measure outcomes. Professional development and collaborative planning time for faculty were highlighted as essential to sustaining this approach.

Quaker principles inform community norms, Cáceres said, shaping classroom culture around listening, reflection, and shared responsibility. This framework supports restorative practices and fosters a climate in which student voice and mutual respect are central. Equity and inclusion initiatives are woven into curricular choices and school-wide programs, with an emphasis on creating pathways for all students to engage meaningfully with content.

Cáceres addressed the role of interdisciplinary work and technology, noting that thoughtful integration of digital tools complements hands-on learning and prepares students for broader civic and academic challenges. Outdoor learning and experiential trips were cited as extensions of classroom inquiry, offering real-world contexts for investigation.

In describing assessment practices, Cáceres stressed a balance between qualitative feedback and quantitative measures, aiming to produce actionable information for learners and educators. The overall portrait she painted is of a school committed to adaptive pedagogy, continuous teacher learning, and a values-driven community that places student growth and agency at the center of its educational mission. Refer to this article for additional information.

Find more information about Crissy Cáceres on https://futureofdiversity.gds.org/design-facilitation-committee/crissy-caceres/