Our differences define us as unique individuals and make our human experience complex, fascinating, and healthy. We’re committed to ensuring that all Perkins students, families and staff always feel welcome, respected, included, and appreciated.
BUILDING A TRULY INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Our emphasis on inclusion goes far beyond simply valuing diversity in the student body. A wide-ranging awareness and effort imbues the student experience in all grades and informs administrative and faculty decisions at every level. These tenets include:
Continual self-reflection to understand our own identity, biases and privilege
Looking at diverse sources to learn additional perspectives
Honest, brave dialogue
PARTNERING WITH EXPERTS
Bringing in outside resources to understand our school helps us to hold a mirror up to ourselves and think critically about our work. Perkins partners with Hooks Global, a consulting company which specializes in diversity, equity and inclusion (D.E.I.), Gender Spectrum, an organization focused on gender identity, and other experts in the field.
STAFF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
We recognize that building a truly diverse, empathetic, and inclusive community requires mindful evolution. Staff-run discussion groups give fresh insights into trends, techniques, and findings. Teachers attend outside conferences and professional development where they gather information to share with their colleagues. Each faculty member participates on an “Equity Team” to continually analyze and improve our curriculum, empathy teaching, and administrative practices (including admissions and financial aid).
INTENTIONAL CURRICULUM & CONVERSATIONS
In-class books, materials, and projects are carefully reviewed and continually analyzed for inclusivity adherence or discrepancies. Activities and units are designed to expand students’ worldview and expose them to ideas and perspectives they might not otherwise encounter. Teachers are deliberate about bringing in additional viewpoints beyond those represented in the classroom, thoughtfully building a curriculum to include opportunities for discussions on issues, and how to respectfully disagree.