School Life
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Carlthorp School’s DEI work is grounded in our school’s mission statement—in our shared commitment to providing “a strong academic foundation in a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respectful values, responsible work habits, and excellence in order to prepare our students to achieve their highest potential in education and life."
Carlthorp firmly believes that creating an environment of belonging for each and every member of our community should be central to everything we do. We understand that each individual is unique, and honor each person's background and experiences. We aim to discover our similarities and celebrate our differences to promote understanding, reflective of the world around us. We want every member of our community to know that they are seen, they are heard, they are validated, they are affirmed, and that they belong.
In support of our mission, we strive to continuously create an environment that nurtures growth for our students and the entire community. Impactful educational communities are inclusive, collaborative, and ever-evolving. Our school works to explore issues of racism, sexism, religious intolerance, heterosexism, and ableism. Our approach includes empathy, connection, questioning, sharing, curiosity, listening, and understanding. Carlthorp School is strategically and thoughtfully addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our school constituencies. It is vital that each member actively engages and participates and is seen as a valuable contributor.
Led by Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tasha Johnson and Director of Community Engagement and Belonging Cyreeta Sharp, our work is fluid, allowing for our community to be reflective and intentional in the ways we ensure a sense of belonging for all. Our approach to DEI is holistic and inclusive of all constituencies, especially the students, parents, faculty and staff, and Board of Trustees.
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Students
Our students are educated in an age-appropriate way to be exposed to diverse thoughts, to synthesize information, to think critically, and to offer opinions. It is critical for our students to understand the world around them through varied perspectives and experiences. Our curriculum, events, activities, and extracurricular clubs incorporate the histories, beliefs, and experiences of people from various diverse cultural backgrounds and lenses. -
Faculty and Staff
Our faculty and staff participate in ongoing professional development that addresses how to acknowledge and teach through a social justice lens with regards to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical abilities, religious and political beliefs. Through the shaping of a culturally responsive curriculum and classrooms to after-school clubs, our faculty and staff work tirelessly to engage each unique student's needs and interests. -
Parents
Our parents play an integral part in the planning of school-wide events, the execution of classroom initiatives, and participate in special volunteer opportunities. We place a high level of importance on parent involvement and engagement. The partnership between school and home is vital to creating affirmative attitudes, skills, and knowledge for an inclusive community.The IDEA Committee (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness) is the Parent body that provides a forum for parents to engage in supporting a culture of reflection, perspective-taking, and empathy that fosters a sense of belonging. Formerly the DEI Committee, our parents have been working together to promote inclusivity through the committee for over 15 years.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion rests in every aspect of our community and institution and is the perfect space for our students to learn how to navigate the world beyond Carlthorp. No matter who you are, it doesn’t happen without each member of our community. We actively seek opportunities for our community to join us in openly sharing their authentic self and the experiences they bring that will continue to make our school a beautiful and diverse place where everyone belongs.
Established in 1939, Carlthorp School is the oldest independent coeducational day school for grades K-6 located in Santa Monica, California.