Diversity and Inclusion
Athenian’s mission statement includes the following, "We instill an appreciation of the reciprocal relationship between the individual and cultures . . . we value the power and beauty of multiculturalism within our diverse community.”
Diversity and inclusion are much more than social principles at Athenian; they are educational imperatives. Embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment is at the core of Athenian's educational philosophy, as first articulated by founder Dyke Brown. His original vision for the school, as a community welcoming diversity of thought, economic backgrounds, races and cultures, continues to serve the school as powerfully today as it did at the school's founding in 1965.
Educating and Cultivating a Diverse Community
Today’s students will enter a world unprecedented in its globalism and its diversity of cultures, languages, sociopolitical issues, religions, and economic issues. Athenian strives to prepare students well for the world that awaits them upon graduation. Introducing young people to others whose backgrounds are different is one of the most powerful educational experiences possible.
At Athenian, we seek a student, faculty, and staff that reflect the larger, diverse community in which we live. Diversity includes many types of differences, such as race, gender, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, learning style, and family composition. Athenian strives to affirm each individual. Inclusion, therefore, means creating and fostering a productive learning environment for everyone with their differences, not despite them. In its simplest form, inclusion is honor and respect for each individual.
The Student Body
The Athenian student body exhibits a rich variety of ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a community, we welcome students of different religions, sexual orientations and political perspectives and emphasize respect for each individual. At Athenian, international students represent more than a dozen countries. More than fifty percent of the student body lives outside of the San Ramon Valley. Thirty-seven percent of Athenian students are people of color (African-American, Asian, Asian-American, Hispanic/Latino, Indian/Native American, Indian and Middle Eastern). Ten percent come from outside the United States to study at Athenian. Twenty percent of our students receive some form of financial aid. A significant portion of the Athenian student body will travel outside the United States as part of their Athenian experience.
The Faculty, Administration, and Staff
Athenian’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in hiring efforts, and every employee is an Athenian community member. Currently, Athenian’s faculty includes twenty-five percent people of color with the staff including twenty-three percent people of color. Each adult is asked to embrace the cornerstones of Athenian’s philosophy: respect, open communication, honesty, fairness, responsibility, and dedication to the students in their intellectual and personal growth. Diversity, inclusion, and international understanding are deeply embedded in the school’s philosophy. The Athenian School seeks diversity in its community and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Curriculum
Athenian's curriculum is rich in offerings that seek to reflect the multi-faceted world where our students live. Athenians challenge students to engage in understanding diverse views of different races, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic groups, and genders.
The social studies curriculum in the Middle School begins in sixth grade by developing an understanding of culture and how basic human needs are met. Thus, students begin their social studies work with an appreciation for the commonality of humanity and for the origins and value of cultural differences. Examples of integrated opportunities to develop understanding of diverse views can be found across the curriculum, as well as through Middle School Friday Focus days.
In the Upper School, cultural diversity and understanding, the study of human history, cultural expressions in religious imagination, and expressions of human thought in literature and philosophy are studied by students in the Upper School Humanities Department. The curriculum also features issues of diversity in the study of language and culture and fine and performing arts, as well as integrated aspects of the Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE) and community service/service-learning programs.
International Program
Athenian’s International Program is unique and thriving. Ten percent of Athenian's students are from outside of the United States, most of whom live on Athenian's campus as boarding students. Recent Athenian international students have come from China, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam. International students achieve fluency in English, in part due to Athenian's rigorous and highly respected ESL curriculum, which is one of the oldest programs of its kind in California.
Round Square
Athenian is a founding member of the Round Square Conference of Schools, a world-wide association of more than fifty schools on five continents. Athenian is one of only four schools in the United States that belongs to Round Square. Athenian students have access to international experiences at Round Square schools that include opportunities such as academic exchange, conferences, and service projects.
Student Activities
To promote an environment where students can feel known and comfortable with one another, many multicultural and educational events support diversity. Cultural celebrations, affinity groups, neighborhood groups, and all-school activities and events foster education, awareness and dialogue.
In the Upper School, more than 20 clubs meet regularly and are open to all students. In addition to clubs that revolve around common interests—debate or poetry, for example—there are affinity groups such as the Asian Club, Conservative Club, Feminist Club, Interweave (Gay-Straight Alliance), Jew Crew, Latino Club, Middle Eastern Club and Students of Color Club where students may discuss common issues, celebrate culture and work together to expand school-wide awareness. In all of these endeavors, students have the opportunity to discover, evaluate, and articulate individual viewpoints and develop valuable leadership skills.
Students, faculty, and staff also take part in conferences and events sponsored by a variety of organizations that offer dialogue and learning to encourage diverse and inclusive schools. These conferences include the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Annual People of Color and Student Diversity Leadership Conferences and the Bay Area People of Color in Independent Schools (POCIS) events for students and adults alike.
A Community Commitment
Ensuring diversity and nurturing an inclusive environment is much more than an initiative or a special project. It is an ongoing process that informs every aspect of school life, including admissions, hiring, the academic curriculum, and student life. It requires ongoing education, monitoring, and accountability. At Athenian, this process is supported with financial and human resources, and requires a visible commitment in words and in actions by all community members.
For more information, contact Lizette Ortega Dolan, Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, by email or phone 925-362-7286.
Voices
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"Athenian welcomed me with open arms. I have flourished here and can feel myself becoming academically stronger. I can be myself at Athenian and go to teachers for help or just to talk. My friends are family to me, and I cherish that will all of my heart. I will leave Athenian with a better understanding of myself, other people, and the value of being open to new experiences and ideas."
-- Eric Wishom, Upper School Student (pictured above to the left)
"Athenian opened doors I never knew existed. I discovered myself and my capabilities. I met many people from varied places. I learned to appreciate our differences and similarities. Athenians care about the environment, the arts, and athletics. They value individuals as community members. Diversity is such a buzz word. At Athenian it is a way of life."
-- Jackie Thomas '82, Alumna and Athenian Trustee (pictured above in center)
"Athenian's impressive, stimulating teachers brought their global and multicultural experience to the classroom. The academic instruction, coupled with the unique international student body, gave me my first lessons in tolerance, empathy, and understanding. The Athenian School was a precious educational experience."
-- Korshied Nusratty '81, Alumna (pictured above to right)
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"Athenian contributed to my growth as an intellectual and individual. The Athenian community helped me understand my role as a citizen of the world. I will be able to contribute to the greater society thanks to Athenian's rich ideals and supportive atmosphere. I will always cherish and stay connected to this amazing place."
-- Carmen Jimenez-Robbins '05, Alumna (pictured above to left)
"Athenian celebrates everyone for what makes them unique. You can be your best and everyone feels like they belong. Teachers and students respect each other, so we can focus on learning. Athenian teachers give you the tools to work at a higher level than you ever have done before."
-- Jack Bodine, Middle School Student (pictured above in center)
"My daughter has grown miraculously at Athenian. She exhibits self confidence and logical reasoning when communicating. She interacts well with classmates of varying backgrounds. Athenian has enabled her to compete comfortably in the world of academic achievement but, most importantly, she has developed an understanding, appreciation, and respect for human differences."
-- Karen White, Parent (picture above to right)
