Brooklyn Friends School

My kids love it., are learning at an extremely high level, not stressed out and are grounded. What more could you ask for.
—Submitted by a parent

I have attended this school my entire life I cannot imagine being happy anywhere else.

I go to school at BFS and it is amazing. Of course a teacher may not be my favorite, that's how it always works in school but in general everything about that school is amazing. The new head of the Middle School is fantastic, she's opened minded and she's extremely polite. I have no problems with the school. The academics are phenomenal. No matter what you are learning, any teacher is willing to help and they won't let you struggle on your own. They enforce diversity (a little too much sometimes) and they enforce Quakerism. Most kids at that school are polite and like any other school, there are a few children who aren't the nicest, but it's generally a loving community. Again the academics are amazing, more than half the things I have learned in that school I would have if I stayed at my old school so I'm happy I stayed. Overall, the school is a safe place and full of kind students and staff. Sending your child there would be wonderful. It is costly, but they do have a scholarship program and even if you don't get a regular scholarship, 8th graders can get the merit scholarship which allows the child to get $10,000 off of their tuition for high school.

Brooklyn Friends is a school that has to be pc about everything. My child deserved the merit scholarship but did not get it. The teachers are unsatisfactory. The curriculum is extremely poor. I am very displeased with this horrible school.

My two children have had fantastic experiences in the pre-school, lower school, and middle school. The current head of the middle school, who arrived last year, is outstanding; the teachers are fabulous; and the curriculum is rigorous and exciting. (I'd love to learn about the rise of Islam in 6th grade!) It's a warm and welcoming community, and my kids still skip to school every day.
—Submitted by a parent

As a matter of fact I am writing here to try to connect with any parent at the school right now, because we are going to be relocated due to work, from Brazil to NYC and our house is in Brooklyn. Can anyone give me some advice on how the school is right now? Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

I went to BFS for my first years of Elementary school, and i really was worried about my learning, so i transfered to another school that quickly got me back on track. I am now a major stockbroker, but I remember BFS as a school that almost set me away from what I am today. I also broke my left arm at BFS because one of the numerous bad kids there pushed my and slammed me on the ground when i was 5 years old, and i had to get surgery. If you want a good school for your child, Make sure you think carefully about your decision

My daughter is a student in the lower school at Brooklyn Friends and I couldn t be happier. Her teachers actively seek out and enhance my daughter s talents and work to shore up areas where she has challenges with love and affection. The community offers strong connection for parents and works to share the Quaker values that make the school strong. I enjoy hearing about what my daughter is learning and impressed by the innovative methods used to teach her. The teaching staff is truly inspired.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended the middle school. For the most part, the teachers are very good. I thought the academics were quite rigorous, in contrast to the school's laid-back reputation. A smart, motivated kid would do well here. Many kids leave the middle school for great public high schools. Unfortunately, the school seems to have no idea what to do with children who are unmotivated or have even mild 'issues' of any kind. The head of the middle school is unresponsive to parent concerns and unpleasant to deal with. Communication from the administration is practically nonexistent (except for constant demands for donations to the incessant fund-raising campaigns). The school's Quaker values do not appear to be reflected in the behavior of its students.
—Submitted by a parent

Pre-K 3 was a wonderful. We decided to apply elsewhere for elementary school and have never looked back. The Headmaster asked to meet with us prior to our decision to leave. After hearing our concerns, he was unable to offer any compelling reason to stay.
—Submitted by a parent

A warm, stimulating, diverse place, with great values. Nice facilities -- playground on the roof, gym, art facilities, with dance and music 'extras.' Provides structure and love. Academics are strong, though supposedly a bit looser in the upper grades. Very accepting place. Parents can be as involved as they want to be in supporting the school (but probably not in changing curriculum -- haven't come across this yet, in any case).
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the preschool. I believe thta the preschool is fabulous, warm, nurturing and exciting environment for kids. They do science experiments, dance, art and play. The focus is learning about their world and communities. Great school
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been in this school since 1995 and it was the best for Lower School. The teachers were warm and friendly and the children truly loved going to school and learning. She started at age 4 and I thought I would leave her until high school but I am sad to say that I have found the past years in middle school to be very disturbing. Children are not prepared for the National test, the ERB's and the academic program is lacking. There is not as much of a challenge for my child anymore. I am looking into moving her to a stronger academic Independent School next year. They are friendly but just not as strong in the academic arena in the middle and upper schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My family has been at Brooklyn Friends since 1994. It is a warm and caring environment, and instills wonderful values in the student. Just walking in the door, you can feel the pulse of the school, and the sense of acceptance and belonging. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, and the faculty outstanding. What sets Brooklyn Friends apart from other schools is the 'heart'. In today's world, if everyone sent their child to a school like Brooklyn Friends, we would have a truly caring, kind and peaceful world, where people look at the bigger picture beyond themselves and give back to the world.
—Submitted by a parent