Brooklyn Friends School

Guided by the Quaker belief that there is a Divine Light in everyone, the school cultivates an intellectually ambitious and diverse community. It is grounded in the Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. The school prioritizes a strategic vision centered on diversity, equity, and belonging; global social impact; and the wholeness and well-being of its students and colleagues.

The school provides a PreK-12 education, with the Upper School offering the academically challenging International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning, supported by a faculty where 80% hold advanced degrees. Academic offerings span from Early Childhood, where students engage in subjects like solar system studies, through a comprehensive Middle and Upper School program.

Brooklyn Friends School reports a 100% acceptance rate for its graduates at four-year universities. The school aims to develop compassionate, curious, and confident global citizens who are prepared for the academic rigor of competitive colleges and universities. Alumni are recognized for their leadership and service, embodying the school's mission to "let their lives speak."

The school is committed to wholeness and well-being, integrating a resilience and wellness curriculum within each learning community. It invests in resources and professional learning for colleagues to support the social-emotional, mental health, and learning needs of its students.

The admissions process begins with a preliminary application via Ravenna and a scheduled campus visit. The school maintains a non-discriminatory policy and offers financial aid for students from age two through 12th grade, with priority consideration given to Quaker families, school colleagues, alumni, and siblings. Financial aid decisions are made independently of admissions decisions, and all applications are processed through Clarity.

The school year typically runs from early September through mid-June, with major breaks including fall, winter, and spring recesses. The calendar includes professional days for faculty, observance of various religious and federal holidays, and specific milestone events such as 4th and 8th-grade moving-up ceremonies and Upper School commencement. Detailed, up-to-date schedules are maintained for families and colleagues via the myBFS portal.

The school operates across two campuses in Downtown Brooklyn: the Main Building at 375 Pearl Street, which houses Early Childhood through 8th grade, and the Upper School building at 116 Lawrence Street. Facilities include libraries, dedicated spaces for performing and visual arts, and athletic venues to support the school's 35 sports teams. Tuition for grades K-12 includes access to all school facilities, technology, and supplies.

Middle and Upper School students have access to over 50 clubs and activities. The school also maintains an active athletics program featuring 35 sports teams, as well as comprehensive performing and visual arts offerings. Additionally, the BFX program provides extended-day opportunities and Xplorations for students.