Community & Belonging
St. Andrew’s is committed to growing an environment that builds belonging for each student through a valuing of diversity, equity and inclusion. This work aligns with and is directly in service to our mission as a school, striving to develop engaged, well-rounded individuals by inspiring a passion for knowledge, a commitment to personal integrity, and a deepened social consciousness within a supportive educational community. We work to examine, consider, and respect all perspectives during the development of academic and extracurricular school programming by embracing the many differences that make us unique and add to our school community. We work to inspire deeper and more comprehensive conversations within the community with the goal of true appreciation of our diverse school body. Our work aims to foster an inclusive environment based on respect, tolerance of differences, and multiculturalism.
Work in this area in recent years includes
The creation of a dedicated position to help inform, direct, and lead this work
Ongoing support of Horizons Savannah.
We previously engaged in a partnership with RIISE, an organization dedicated to supporting our current and prospective families of color. During this time, RIISE provided valuable consultation to inform our efforts, worked closely with our community, and offered ongoing professional education.
Formation of a Parent Diversity Council to bring together parents and stakeholders to help inform the vision, direction, and steps in our DEIB efforts and create collective ownership in it.
Formation of an Upper School student led club dedicated to DEIB work.
Formation of multiple Upper School student led affinity groups.
Parent Diversity Council-sponsored initiatives that encourage us to explore diverse perspectives and enhance our communication across differences. Each year, a new focus and relevant activities are selected to guide meaningful discussions.
Annual attendance and participation in the NAIS People of Color Conference.
Co-founding of the Lowcountry Student Diversity Conference. This annual event consist in Upper School students from independent schools throughout the southeast to discuss ways to lead and make progress on creating more equitable and inclusive communities
Curricular and programmatic intentionality, guided by the frameworks of Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors.
Director of Equity & Inclusion Mel Abrams