Our School

Center for Engagement

Community and Belonging

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Building a Diverse Learning Community

Grounded by our values of respect, responsibility, empathy, and belonging

Community and Belonging is an integral component of a healthy learning environment. Our purpose is to cultivate a school culture that pairs robust academics with interpersonal care in a way that supports each individual’s sense of belonging at The Steward School.

Recognizing the vast diversity of our personal experiences within our learning community, we are committed to increasing our collective capacity for empathy, civil discourse, and self-awareness so that our community is marked by mutual respect and accountability to one another and broader society.

Building Community through Empathy and Civil Discourse

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We use the following statement, which our Diversity and Inclusion Council developed and our Board of Trustees and school administration unanimously approved, as our guiding star:

The Steward School is committed to diversity and the development of an environment that fosters mutual respect, civic engagement, responsibility, and empathy in our school and in life. We value individuals of all ages, ethnicities, gender expressions and identities, learning styles, talents, abilities and disabilities, political views, races, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and family structures.

We believe in keeping our minds and hearts open to difference as a source of strength and a means of growth for the entire community. This openness enhances feelings of belonging and allows us to learn from and grow with one another through curiosity and empathy. We continue to work towards a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusivity and recognize that this is a process that requires open dialogue and constant attention.

Belonging at Steward

These words are meaningful; however, the most important thing is the actions they spur. Each and every member of our community should feel respected, honored, and equal in their experiences in the classrooms, hallways, offices, lunchroom, and colonnade, as well as on the athletic fields, or anywhere else we may find ourselves. Therefore, our community strives to realize this philosophy in our day-to-day lives.

Ongoing initiatives include:

Partnership with Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) on Prejudice Awareness Summit, Diversity Dialogue Day, and Connections Institute summer camp
Having been named a leader school in the Virginia Diversity Network
Diversity and Inclusion Council and working committees: Governance; Special Programming; Best Practices; Campus Resources; and Student Organizations.
Professional development, education, and skill-building opportunities for faculty and staff in each division
Restorative Practices for community building and responding to conflict
Learning for Justice resources
Student Clubs: Asian Student Alliance, Black Student Alliance, Jewish Student Union, FOCUS, GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance), Men Passionately Pursuing Purpose, SOMOS, and more.
Community and Belonging liaisons in each division
Curriculum audits

While we recognize the contribution of each of the above-listed activities, it is also our intention to enrich this list with further programming that enhances the community and belonging of our community. The Diversity and Inclusion Council welcomes your suggestions or feedback!

Please contact co-chairs Yaa Agyekum at yaa.agyekum@stewardschool.org or Elizabeth Crenshaw at elizabeth.crenshaw@stewardschool.org to share your thoughts.

Quick Links

Read our strategic plan, Compass 2028, which prioritizes holistic, whole-person experiences for every member of our community.