Founded in 1867 by The Brooklyn Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, Brooklyn Friends School is committed to educating each student intellectually, aesthetically, physically, and spiritually in a culturally diverse community. Guided by the Quaker principles of truth, simplicity, and peaceful resolution of conflict, we offer each student a challenging education that develops intellectual abilities and ethical and social values to support a productive life of leadership and service.
Our Quaker heritage defines our school and creates the context for our community. We value listening as well as advocacy, silent reflection and decision-making through consensus, balancing community needs with the individual voice, and the celebration of diversity.
Every school day begins with a few minutes of silence in the classroom. Middle and Upper School tudents also attend Quaker Meeting for Worship once a week, in the historic Schermerhorn Street Meeting House.
At Quaker Meeting for Worship, students and faculty sit in silence, and if they feel moved to say something to deepen and enrich the experience, they stand and speak. The practice of quieting the mind and opening the heart adds a spiritual dimension to the educational experience and encourages students to be thoughtful, active listeners.
At Brooklyn Friends School, Upper School students gain an intellectual understanding of Quakerism and world religions through required courses in religion, ethics, and Quakerism.
Our Upper School students annually participate in the Quaker Youth Leadership Conference, a national event affording students and faculty an opportunity to discuss leadership issues, school missions, and community issues within their schools and around the world.
Read more about the Religious Society of Friends and Brooklyn Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.