As a community that is committed to valuing and supporting all identities and experiences, Pacific Ridge School strives to foster inclusivity and equity to prepare students for life in a diverse society. - crafted by students, administrators & trustees, 2019
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
At Pacific Ridge, we value the unique perspectives and experiences within our community and believe that each elevates the learning experience for all. Over a third of Pacific Ridge students identify as people of color as defined by the National Association of Independent schools, and diversity is represented on our campus in many other ways. We provide a supportive environment in which students can explore their own understanding of gender, ability, race, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation, as well as notions of equity and justice.
Our Priorities
A key initiative in the 5-year Strategic Plan introduced in the fall of 2019 is to “Cultivate a diverse, empathetic, and inclusive community of learners by fostering a safe environment where all voices feel a sense of value and belonging.” The ten initiatives of this plan fall under three main priorities:
Build a trusting environment where all voices feel safe and valued; build an empathetic and inclusive community that nurtures a sense of belonging
Recognize and uplift diverse experiences and perspectives
Shape our individual and collective narratives to show that we value diversity and inclusion, hold ourselves accountable, and empower the community to uphold our ethical standards
"I learned the difference between calling in and calling out, and how having a conversation with someone instead of shaming them can be much more impactful." – Sarah W. '22
"I am so proud to have taken part in this conference—I know that this weekend has inspired a lot of people to start, continue, or finish projects that advance DEI work. I’m so happy that it was student-led and executed too." – Camille C. '21
"After attending the conference, I feel like I need to work not only to further DEI in my community but also to share the messages that were shared with me. I can't wait for next year's conference." – Brady B. '22
"The conference was amazing. When I reflect on how it made me feel, I would say it made me feel like I was seen. I felt like I was in a space where I was learning and growing, and everyone valued everyone." – Hannah T. '23
Hispanic Heritage Month Presentations
Black History Month display
Holocaust survivor Jerry Weiser speaks to sophomores
Diwali celebration
Black History Month
Latinx Unidos Border Trip
Japanese internment camp survivor and veteran Jack Yasuo Kubota speaks with students.
Million Knots Fashion Show Fundraiser
Social justice advocate and mayoral candidate Tasha Williamson speaks with 9th graders.
Holocaust survivor Rose Schindler speaks with students.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Lunar New Year
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Latinx Unidos visits with migrants in Tijuana.
Diwali
Million Knots Fashion Show Fundraiser
SDSU Diamonds bring their HBCU majorette-inspired dancing to campus.
You are encouraged to follow this link to sign the No Place for Hate Pledge as part of our community's commitment to challenge bias and bullying. We are asking all students, parents, staff, teachers, admin and trustees to sign this pledge.
The wide range of human characteristics used to mark or identify individual or group identities. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, and linguistic preferences. (The NAIS AIM Users Guide)
Diversity acknowledges that people are different from each other; differences are neutral in the absence of bias. However, diversity does mean equity; instead, equity begets diversity.
A condition that balances two dimensions: fairness and inclusion. As a function of fairness, equity implies ensuring that people have what they need to participate in school and can reach their full potential. Dimensions of diversity such as ability, ethnicity, or socioeconomics should not be barriers. (Diversity Group Resources)
With equity comes inclusion; equity ensures that all students have access to what they need to be successful and thrive at PRS.
Encompassing all; taking every individual’s experience and identity into account; creating conditions where all feel accepted, safe, empowered, supported, and affirmed; expanding the sense of community to include all and giving all an equal voice.
Being inclusive means ensuring co-ownership and shared responsibility among all members of the school community. It authorizes individuals to carry out their role or roles successfully. (The NAIS AIM Users Guide)
Affinity, Alliance, and Interest Groups
Equity and inclusion work helps us better recognize, understand and embrace both our differences and our similarities. A number of student groups on campus support this important effort.
Affinity groups allow students and faculty connect, build trust and affirm their identity and experiences. In alliance groups, students explore how their experiences position them to be supporters and allies.
American Asian Pacific Islander
Anti-Racist Group
Black Student Union
Feminists United
Gender Sexuality Alliance
Jewish Affinity Group
Latinx Unidos
Middle Eastern North African
Multicultural Alliance
South Asian Alliance
A large number of service learning groups and clubs are also involved in equity and inclusivity work.
Amnesty International
Conservative Club
El Savaldor - Becas Nonualco
Global School Connections
Global Vantage
Hands of Peace
H.E.R.O.
Leftist Club
Million Knots
New Haven Night Shelter
Priceless
Rainbow Connection
Revere
Young Centrists
Leadership
Both a Student Equity Advisory Board and Faculty Equity Advisory Board provide input into school initiatives. For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Pacific Ridge, please contact Susan Woods, Director of Community and Inclusion at swoods@pacificridge.org.