Brooklyn Friends School Maintains Quaker Values While Offering IB Curriculum

Brooklyn Friends School, founded in 1867 by the Religious Society of Friends, stands as one of New York City’s oldest continuously operating independent educational institutions. Located in Downtown Brooklyn, the school has maintained its Quaker identity while adapting to contemporary educational needs. It serves students from age two through high school, reflecting the diverse community of its surrounding area.

The school began as a grade school and expanded over time, adding kindergarten in 1902, high school in 1907, and preschool programs in 1985 and 1992. Despite the Brooklyn Monthly Meeting of Quakers ending its ownership affiliation in 2010, Quaker values remain central to its educational approach. Half of the board of trustees must be Quaker by charter, ensuring the school’s continued alignment with its founding principles.

Guided by the Quaker belief in the Divine Light within every individual, Brooklyn Friends School fosters an environment that celebrates each student’s unique gifts. The school’s mission emphasizes intellectual ambition and diversity, shaping a community that values personal growth and collective responsibility.

Academically, Brooklyn Friends School distinguishes itself through its International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th grade students. This program prioritizes critical thinking over rote memorization, encouraging students to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers. The IB curriculum includes six subject categories and three core components: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity-Activity-Service.

The rigorous framework of the IB programme prepares students for higher education while cultivating their ability to engage in independent research and civic responsibility. College admissions officers globally recognize IB credentials, with over 300 U.S. universities accepting IB course credit. This emphasis on intellectual rigor and community service reflects the school’s dual commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility.

Brooklyn Friends School organizes its educational approach across four academic divisions, each tailored to meet the developmental needs of its students. The Early Childhood division focuses on foundational skills through play-based learning, while the Lower School (K-4) offers a diverse curriculum that includes language arts, mathematics, and the arts. The school continues to evolve, ensuring its educational model remains responsive to the changing needs of its community.

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