For nearly 160 years, Brooklyn Friends School has existed in the Brooklyn landscape, constantly evolving within the cultural, socio-political, economic, and geographic dynamics of this vibrant borough. Throughout it all, our center has been our Quaker identity, and we have strived to embody and realize Quaker principles within all aspects of our existence. Many BFS generations have been influenced by the principles of Peace, Integrity, Community, Simplicity, Equality, and Stewardship, and scores of individuals have dedicated themselves to ensuring that they are fully lived through actions that positively influence peoples’ lives.

Now, our school seeks to boldly push itself towards being an educational cornerstone of social justice and impact within local, national, and global spheres in an effective manner that embodies and punctuates our Quaker identity. It is through core queries and proposed actions, steeped in the Quaker practice of being open to continuous revelation and seeking to connect to our Light within, that we lift the work and humanity of all of our community members. 

The trials facing our youth are different today in both content and magnitude. The skills required to solve them challenge the norms that have influenced educational practice for generations. Our school’s expansive academic program, its strength, and its ethos of wellness and care for all students, compel us to think harder about what is needed now that will equip our students with all that they need to not simply make a difference, but to influence the trajectory of our world for the better.

Within our Strategic Vision, we have amplified the mission of our beautiful school and ensured that systems and decisions are aligned with our school’s guiding principles. Consistently, we work to have the diverse voices and perspectives of our community members heard and valued as they collaborate to shape the future of our beloved and needed Quaker School.

Thank you for your steadfast presence and support in realizing the optimal version that Brooklyn Friends School can be in this contemporary context of education.

In partnership, and with gratitude,

Crissy Cáceres, Head of School

Crissy Cáceres, a 30-year veteran in independent education, is in her seventh year as the proud head of Brooklyn Friends School. Currently, she serves as a Trustee for the Boards of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), the Friends Council on Education, the Caedmon School, and Leadership + Design. She is also a commissioner on the New York State Association Commission on Accreditation, and was a long-time member of Call to Action, an NAIS think-tank devoted to social justice efforts nationwide. She is currently on her 18th year as a faculty member at the NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute.

Prior to joining the BFS community, Crissy served in several leadership positions within the independent school landscape. She was the Assistant Head of School for Equity and Social Impact at Georgetown Day School (D.C.), and before that she served as Head of Lower School at Abington Friends School (PA). She also held the Assistant Head of Lower School position at Episcopal Academy (PA) where she began her independent school teaching career. Crissy is committed to utilizing her voice within collaborative settings centered on creating socially just and healthy experiences for our schools.

Crissy has served as a Middle States Accreditation Commissioner, co-chaired the People of Color Conference in Philadelphia, served on various leadership associations, and has partnered with schools and organizations nation-wide as a consultant, presenter, and facilitator on various topics. Some topics include Conflict and Change Management, Governance, and Strategic Frameworks. A graduate of Wellesley College, Crissy Cáceres then earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. At her core, she embraces the values of a love-based, joyful, and inclusive education for all.

Above all, Crissy cherishes her time with her family.