A Diverse Community

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Learning takes place best within the context of a vibrant, cohesive, supportive, and diverse community.

Overview

Haverford believes that a diverse and inclusive community is a better learning environment, and prepares our boys for the world they will face upon graduation. Haverford expects a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of trust, understanding, appreciation, and mutual respect for each individual. We reject all prejudices, particularly those based on race, ethnicity, national origin, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, learning styles, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

 

Lower School

Haverford’s Lower School focuses on inclusion and self-discovery. Our youngest students grow to understand themselves, their community, and their world through assemblies, curriculum, and outside presenters. Essential questions centered around diversity are discussed throughout this division as our youngest members of the community learn to value different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. From the classroom to recess, students work to better understand themselves and their positive role in the world.

  

Middle School

Haverford’s Middle School focuses on self-exploration and the concentrated effort of building community. Advisers discuss self-responsibility, social justice, and equality to foster dialogue and activism. Clubs, such as the I’m Not Kidding club, provide support for students of all grade levels and gives them the platform and tools to actively improve their community. Assemblies, conferences, and activities, like the Day of Silence, educate students about diverse topics. Peer Mediation allows students to resolve conflicts amongst themselves, buttressing their ownership in their community.

  

Upper School

Haverford’s Upper School focuses on dialogue and activism. All Upper School students are divided in small, Form-specific groups, with a trained faculty member, and discuss community related topics. Clubs, such as the Diversity Alliance, engage in exploring their identity and being exposed to others. The group shares with the community through town-meeting style reflections and hosting conferences. In 2009, two members of the group earned the Princeton Prize in Race Relations for their diversity work. Also, students attend national and regional conferences, like the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, which allows them to have broader conversations and learn best practices.

  

Faculty & Staff

Haverford’s faculty and staff implement diversity initiatives in line with the school’s mission. Supported by the Director of Community Life and the Senior Staff, faculty use diverse materials, attend conferences and trainings, and sponsor student groups. Through the Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) seminar, faculty and staff are provided with strategies to combat potential instances of intolerance in the community and, ultimately, create action plans to strengthen our community.

Contact

Chris Avery
Director of Community
610-642-4583, x1210
cavery@haverford.org

Videos

Severinghaus Scholar Shaoran Sun reflects on his experiences at Haverford in 2010-11
(Haverford School vimeo page)


Steppingstone Scholar Tim Spady '07 was featured on NBC10!
(Hosted by IMPACT on vimeo.)