Multiculturalism

Building and Sustaining a Diverse and Inclusive Learning Community at Burke's

To prepare all of our students for participation in an increasingly global community, the Katherine Delmar Burke School is dedicated to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive community with a strong and comprehensive multicultural curriculum. We value diversity as essential for educational excellence. We strive to create a community in which learning from and with others who bring different backgrounds and experiences to our campus, and building critical thinking skills by considering information from a variety of perspectives, are the cornerstones for academic success. We emphasize the value of both similarities and differences as central for helping our girls grow beyond their natural tendencies toward conformity, underscoring our conviction that there are "400 ways to be a Burke's Girl."

We are dedicated to supporting each of our students and families in order to create a unified and thriving school community in which all individuals are valued for what they bring to the community. We recognize that cultivating a diverse and inclusive community is a complex and challenging process that requires a common framework for understanding as well as openness, awareness, commitment, support and collaboration from all of our school constituents. We actively seek opportunities to learn about, and engage in the practice of honest and respectful dialogue--both with agreement and disagreement--knowing that this practice raises the level of discourse and enriches the learning experience for all of our students, faculty, staff, parents, trustees and alumnae.

We define diversity as a full range of cultures, families, interests, backgrounds, perspectives, learning styles and talents. We strive to provide our girls with a broad educational experience in which they will benefit from learning in a strong, equitable and just environment; be prepared for a life beyond Burke's; and be empowered to effect positive change in their world.

-Approved by the Board of Trustees: June 2008, revised March 2009

This statement furthers the objectives outlined in the school’s 2007 Strategic Plan.

Defining Diversity and Multiculturalism

The Katherine Delmar Burke School is a member of School Mentor and Resource Team Program (SMART) and People of Color in Independent Schools (POCIS) and a supporter of Project Discover (a program affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America).