![]() Some are reaching out to religious communities.įor example, The Oaks Academy in Indianapolis purposefully tries to ensure its three inner-city campuses have a range of family incomes and a balance of students that’s approximately 40% black 40% white and 20% Asian, Hispanic, or multiracial. Some are expanding their marketing outreach beyond their traditional audiences by attending community fairs and events in new neighborhoods. To reduce these disparities, schools must first rethink their approaches to recruit students. Similarly, independent school enrollment was 9% black and 11% Hispanic, while at public schools 15% of students were black and 27% Hispanic. independent school students were white in the 2017-18 school year, 48% of public school students were white. When students have a better understanding of differing cultures, they’re more prepared for an increasingly global economy and are more confident and empathetic outside of school.įigures from the National Center for Education Statistics paint a picture of the contrast in enrollment between independent and public schools. Increasing diversity and integrating a curriculum that includes learning from a variety of viewpoints has benefits for all students, educators say, including improving their critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. To help close that gap, independent schools are not just recruiting more students from various backgrounds but also finding ways to help them pay tuition and support them while on campus. Laurel has 620 girls in its K-12 program, as well as a coed preschool.ĭespite schools working to create a culture of inclusion, the number of students of color at independent schools differs markedly from the number at public schools. ![]() Now our clientele and students look very different from that, and it is our job to ensure we can support them,” she says. This is the tradition these schools are steeped in. “A very high percentage of independent schools were founded by white, Christian men. By middle school, students can join a variety of groups that explore identity, from the Asian Culture Club to the Black Student Union to, an affinity group for students of color in which students and teachers explore their experiences in and out of the classroom.įor Lauren Calig, the school’s director of multicultural education, increasing and supporting diversity at independent schools must be thoughtful and purposeful from day one. Storytime for 3-year-olds includes picture books such as Shades of People, with vibrant photos of a panoply of children, and Hats of Faith, featuring various head coverings. Learning about diversity begins early at Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, U.S. Fire up some fresh ideas in Atlanta this January at the must-attend, annual event for independent schools and advancement professionals.
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