Student Life

Being a member of the Brooklyn Friends School community requires dedication to individual and social growth in addition to a strong commitment to academic achievement. Student experience at BFS embraces participation in athletics, the performing and visual arts, extracurricular activities and clubs, and service to the community.

Students are engaged in myriad service learning and civic engagement initiatives, attend Quaker meeting, go on overnight trips, and have the opportunity to travel abroad, all adding depth to their scholastic experience. Participation in the life of the school rather than just academics leads to the development of leadership skills and personal growth.

Starting in third grade, BFS students take part in overnight trips designed to enhance both academic and social skills. Third and fourth graders take a three-day trip to Clearpool Outdoor Education Center in Carmel, New York. Fifth and sixth graders spend three days in the spring also at the Clearpool Outdoor Education Center. Seventh graders travel to Philadelphia as an integral part of their study of United States History. Eighth graders start the year off with a trip to Clearpool Education Center and take a four-day science trip in the spring to Cape Cod.

In the Upper School, seniors go on a retreat to Powell House, a Quaker conference and retreat center in Old Chatham, New York. Ninth graders have a beginning of the year overnight retreat at Camp Louemma in New Jersey. Sophomores and juniors participate in immersive trips throughout the year, as well. These trips are included in tuition.