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多元、平等和包容 (DEI)

When we talk about diversity, we’re talking about navigating difference. Some differences are visible, and some are beneath the surface. We are all constantly navigating differences with others around us. To do that well, we need cultural competence. We need to communicate across lines of difference. We need generosity of spirit from every member of the Avenues community."

Christopher Mizell

Diversity Cabinet Member and Associate Division Head, Upper Division

Our Diversity Framework

Our core principles serve as the anchor in our work on diversity, guiding our efforts to cultivate an inclusive community where every individual is valued and respected. These values are integral to fostering a sense of belonging and promoting equity throughout the Avenues experience.

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We are a pluralist community.

As a pluralistic community, we practice acceptance of and respect for one another's full cultural selves. We acknowledge and celebrate our diversity in all its forms: cultural, generational, socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, geographical, philosophical, and political, including those related to gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, and more.

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Our inclusion practices focus on building cultural competence.

Cultural competence refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own. The skills and awareness of cultural competence apply whether visiting a foreign continent or interacting with those different from you in your own community. In order to be at ease beyond their borders, our students must build cultural competence through trial and error, with the guidance of excellent teachers and supportive parents

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Progress in pluralistic communities is slow and difficult work.

Pluralism can be difficult work. It requires learning, patience, and understanding. Today, anywhere on the globe, various groups, cultures, and religions are grappling with what it means to coexist peacefully and effectively. At Avenues, we embrace the challenge. Our community does not exist in a vacuum. Avenues is situated in a city and country with a rich and complex history. Our mission as a world school uniquely positions our community to serve as a model for peaceful and productive coexistence and engagement across multiple lines of difference, locally and globally.

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Every adult at Avenues is accountable for supporting belonging and inclusion.

Belonging is defined as the fundamental human need to feel like a part of a group or community. One’s sense of belonging is influenced by many factors, explicit and implicit. At Avenues, we seek to nurture a culture where all students, families, faculty, and guests feel a sense of belonging and welcome. We recognize that creating a thriving culture of belonging requires focused coordination, cooperation, and perspective across various dimensions of our organization. Because of this, at Avenues, all have a role in supporting belonging and inclusion. The adults, in particular, are accountable for supporting belonging and inclusion.

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We focus on what schools do best.

We care for our students’ physical and psychological safety, and therefore we respond to harmful incidents promptly and directly. We strive to build resilience in our students, developing the mental and emotional skills to navigate the inevitable challenges and conflicts that life will present. We seek to provide safety without creating fragility. We focus on sharpening our students’ core literacies. Some familiar literacies are numeracy, language, science, and reading. However, students also need to practice crucial skills such as listening, communication, and empathy in order to uphold welcome, safety, and respect. Thus, cultural competence and social-emotional learning are crucial forms of literacy that help Avenues students live out the Avenues mission of becoming world-wise leaders.

Our Diversity Cabinet

Meet our cross-functional Diversity Cabinet, a dedicated team of leaders representing every division at Avenues. This group works collaboratively to advance equity and inclusion across all areas of the school, ensuring that every individual in our community is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Building Community

15+ Student affinity groups and clubs... and growing.

Upper Division: Asians @ Avenues; Avenues Anti-Racist Association; Black Student Union; DEI Committee; Gender Sexuality Alliance; Indian Community Club; Jewish Culture Club; Latin American Student Union; Men of Color Association; Sisterhood; Women of Color Association. Lower Division: APISA (Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian/American); Black/African-American Club; Jewish Culture Club; Latin-Heritage Club; Mixed Race Club.

Annual Traditions

+ Avenues Parent Association (APA) Inclusion Awards + Avenues World’s Fair + Awareness Day + Black History Month + Carnaval Celebrations + Family Community Day + LGBTQ+ History Month + Lunar New Year + Chinese Cabaret + Spanish Cabaret + National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Person of Color Conference + Student Diversity Leadership Conference

Avenues Parent Association (APA) Annual Inclusion Awards

The APA Annual Inclusion Awards recognizes staff, students and faculty who take on an inspirational role in helping to create an inclusive community at Avenues. Winners are nominated by the Avenues community.

Upper Division

  • Asians @ Avenues
  • Avenues Anti-Racist Association 
  • Black Student Union
  • DEI Committee
  • Gender Sexuality Alliance
  • Indian Community Club
  • Jewish Culture Club
  • Latin American Student Union
  • Men of Color Association
  • Sisterhood
  • Women of Color Association

Lower Division

  • APISA (Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian/American)
  • Black/African-American Club
  • Jewish Culture Club
  • Latin-Heritage Club
  • Mixed Race Club