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Upper School students

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

“Come as you are” is a saying we use at Country Day to encapsulate the meaning and day-to-day intention of our Affirmation of Community.

It’s another way to say we value a deep sense of belonging for all. Belonging means that students, faculty, and staff at Country Day feel secure and supported because there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity.

Creating a sense of belonging is more than a moral and ethical way to behave as a community. Research shows us that students learn best when they are known, seen, and valued for who they are and have a strong sense of security and belonging in the classroom.

DEIB Every Day

Stay up to date on the many ways we live as an authentic, inclusive community. 

Our Program

 We offer programming and events designed to acknowledge and celebrate multiculturalism.

Progress Updates

As part of our commitment to DEIB, we provide periodic community updates on our progress.

Meet Our Team

Meet our Office of Diversity Planning and dedicated faculty diversity coordinators.

Critical thinking skills are elevated when students are taught to view history and current events, literature, artwork, music, and so forth, from multiple perspectives. Children at Country Day learn to see out “windows” into the experiences of others, as well as look into “mirrors” of their own reality. These skills are preparing our students for the future as cultural competency and empathy are two of the top skillsets today’s employers are seeking.

Brian Wise Director of Diversity Planning

Our students come from different faith, socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, and they all bring their own passions, talents, and personalities. In order for ALL of our students to feel valued, they need to feel understood and supported. We must model for our children the power of living as an authentic, inclusive community.”

20%

of the student population are students of color (8% Black)

17%

Faculty of color

100%

Faculty and staff receive DEIB training

25%

of the Board of Trustees comprised of people of color

25

Upper School Diversity Awareness Forums ranging from mental health topics to learning about different religious traditions.

13

Literary giants have visited Country Day as part of our Diversity Guest Author Series since 2006.

Historical Milestones

1976

Eric Law becomes Country Day's first African American graduate and earns a National Merit Scholarship. He eventually returns to Country Day to serve on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Council.

1987

In an effort to increase diversity at the school, Country Day becomes affiliated with A Better Chance (ABC) to identify and promote scholarships for minority students. Nethea Rhinehart '89 and Joan Tolbert '89 are the first ABC graduates at Country Day. 

1988

The school receives a $35,000 grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation for scholarships for African American students.