Home Community Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
At Park Day School, equity and inclusion are core values that shape our relationships and program. We believe that diversity makes the world a better place, and that anti-racist and anti-bias teaching alongside cultural education can foster and shape healthy communities. Through thoughtful educational practices around equity and inclusion, we prepare students to be informed, courageous, and compassionate people who shape a more equitable and sustainable world.
All of us, regardless of age, must learn specific competencies in order to fully participate in diverse environments. As a faculty and staff, we engage in continuous professional development and work with each other every day to challenge assumptions and engage in equity work to strengthen our school community. Our approach includes best practices from Teaching Tolerance and Anti-Bias Curriculum.
Students at Park Day School come from many diverse backgrounds: just over half of our students are students of color, including 35% of the student body who identify as multiracial. These are the words students’ families use to describe their racial identities.
4% of students are from LGBTQ-headed households. 3% of students identify as transgender or nonbinary.
Affinity + Inquiry Groups
Our Affinity Groups bring together students who share aspects of identity – including Black/African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander/South Asian, Latin/a/e/o/x (Somos Cultura), Multiracial, Jewish, and White (Allies Making Change) students, along with our Critical Inquiry Group on Mental Health, Identity and Equity. Facilitated by staff members who share these identities, affinity groups provide space to speak authentically about their experiences, celebrate shared cultures and traditions through food, community events, and heritage celebrations while building meaningful mentoring relationships with younger students.
GSA
Our GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance) provides a welcoming, student-led space where middle schoolers explore topics of gender, sexuality, and identity while building community. Members take leadership in educating our whole school community – from organizing Pride month activities and creating informative bulletin boards to leading assemblies about inclusion and allyship. Through peer support and advocacy, the group helps create a school environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Young Men's Group
Middle School students in our Young Men’s Group create a supportive space for exploring masculinity, emotions, and identity together. Through open dialogue and trust-building activities, students develop authentic connections while challenging stereotypes and discovering their own paths to leadership. Student-led discussions tackle meaningful topics like healthy relationships, positive self-expression, and what it means to be an ally in our community.
Young Women's Group
Middle School students in our Young Women’s Group come together to share experiences, explore identity, and build lasting friendships. Through student-led discussions, peer support circles, and leadership initiatives with younger students, participants develop their voices while addressing real-world topics like gender equality and representation.
Families with Children of Color Affinity Group (FWCOC)
Families who self-identify as having children of color are invited to join FWCOC. We meet throughout the school year to build community, engage in service & social activities and encourage parents to pursue leadership/stewardship roles at Park Day.
Families Built by Adoption Affinity Group
Families built by adoption are invited to join this group to connect, share experiences, and build community. Throughout the year, we gather for social events like park meetups and coffee chats, fostering relationships and support within the Park Day community.
Gender Justice Alliance (GJA)
The Gender Justice Alliance is a family affinity group whose goal is to create a safe, supportive environment for gender expansive students and families, normalize gender diversity, and contribute to an inclusive school culture that celebrates diversity and promotes empathy, respect, and the pursuit of social justice at Park Day.
LGBTQ+ Community Affinity Group
LGBTQ+ families are invited to join this group to connect, share experiences, and build community. Throughout the year, we gather for social events like park meetups and coffee chats, creating a space where LGBTQ+ families can celebrate their identities, support one another, and foster belonging within the Park Day community.
"Mi Gente" Family Affinity Group
"Park Desi" South Asian Family Affinity Group
Park Desi is a space for families with ties to the South Asian diaspora to connect, celebrate, and build community. Through cultural events and other shared experiences on campus and in the community, this group builds a space to connect, affirm and celebrate among families within the group and across the broader Park Day community.
Single Parent Families Affinity Group
"The Village" Black Parents Affinity Group
The Village’s intention is to offer a safe space to assist Black parents in finding connection, sharing resources, offering support, igniting inspiration and celebrating Black joy at Park Day School. This group is for Black parents who identify from the “I” perspective.
When everyone in our community is able to bring their whole selves to school and feels empowered and celebrated, we all thrive.