Our Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
Brooklyn Independent is redefining the private school education experience.
With sliding-scale tuition and intentional equity and inclusion practices, we interrupt New York City’s segregated schooling crisis during the pivotal middle school years. In service of a life lived to the fullest potential, we are committed to increasing educational access and opportunity to high school and beyond by providing an exceptional education that centers adolescent minds, hearts and voices.
Our Founders
Kelsey Jones
Co-Founder & Co-Head of School
Kelsey Jones has been both a teacher and leader in education for the past 14 years and is a Park Slope resident. Originally from San Diego, Kelsey earned a BS in Management and Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and her MA in Educational Leadership, Policy and Advocacy from New York University. She is a Teach for America alumnus and was the founding teacher at Uncommon Charter Middle School. During her time at Uncommon Charter Middle School, Kelsey taught grades 5-8, was the Grade Level Leader and Math Department Chair. Kelsey serves on BKI's Board as a Director Trustee.
Contact: kjones@bkindependent.org
Gabriela Tejedor
Co-Founder & Co-Head of School
Gabriela Tejedor has been both a teacher and leader for the past 11 years and is a Fort Greene resident. Originally from Miami by way of Colombia, Gabriela earned her BS at New York University in Educational Theater and her MA at RELAY Graduate School of Education. She is a Teach for America alumnus and has taught ELA in both elementary and middle school settings. While at Uncommon Charter Middle School she served as both a Grade Level Chair and Network ELA Curriculum Specialist. Gabriela is a 2020 CUP Fellow Alumnus. She serves on BKI's Board as a Director Trustee.
Contact: gtejedor@bkindependent.org
Our Values
Mind
We learn courageously. We strive for growth, not perfection. We believe in ourselves and each other. We give it our all.​
Heart
We value joy. We believe that happiness is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and others. We follow our passions.
Voice
We stand up for what’s right. We know that everything we do has the potential to influence others. We lift each other up.