Diversity

Diversity is central at Friends School of Baltimore. Founded in 1784 to provide a “guarded education” for Quaker children, the school shunned worldliness – yet also sought to share the ways of Friends through sending graduates and good works out into the world. Two centuries later, Friends School is committed to a vigorous and sustained effort to attract, welcome, cultivate and retain a diverse community of students, faculty, administration, staff and trustees.

At Friends, we cherish differences as essential for teaching and learning. The potential of each person and of classes and groups is realized in settings that strengthen knowledge of and sensitivity to the full spectrum of race, ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, income, age, sexual orientation, and physical disabilities and learning differences. Understanding broad historical and cultural patterns and developing a world view are integral to the school’s curriculum. Faculty use an array of teaching practices that capitalize on resources for exploring diversity. In support of the classroom education, the school encourages students and faculty to travel near and far during the year and in the summer – at times, together.

Our location on the Eastern seaboard in Baltimore City encourages our success in preparing young people to live in a complex world. Special events, visitors and speakers, and conferences help students, faculty, administrators, staff, and trustees to look beyond the Friends School campus. The school has a long record of devotion to community service during the school year. Community outreach is a significant part of the summer program. The Friends School Diversity Council was formed by the Board of Trustees as a part of the Strategic Plan of 2000. The Diversity Council is composed of Board members, teachers, administrators, parents, and students. The goal of the Council is to increase the diversity of all constituencies of the school and to create an atmosphere at the school in which all people feel included.

Respect for diversity and celebration of differences are at the very foundation of Friends School. Committed to the belief that there is that of the divine in everyone, our search for knowledge resides in a community enlightened for more than two hundred years by its care for, and contact with, the whole human race.

Overview

History of Diversity at Friends School

Programs (Past and Present)

Diversity Council

Parent Affinity Gatherings

Appointed in 2010 by the Head of School and Board of Trustees and Upper School faculty member since 2004

Responsibilities include:

to promote the school’s Diversity Mission
to work toward creating an inclusive community by
- increasing diversity representation on campus (students, faculty)
- creating a culture where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed