Belonging at Nightingale

Belonging at Nightingale

We are committed to an inclusive and welcoming community.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to the Nightingale experience. We are committed to fostering a school environment where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our community embraces diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities, ensuring that all who walk through our blue doors feel a deep sense of belonging.

At Nightingale, we believe that educating both minds and hearts means cultivating an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, engage with different viewpoints, and develop into compassionate leaders. This commitment is woven into our curriculum, programs, and daily interactions, strengthening our students’ experiences for generations to come.

Leadership

Leading with Purpose

Nightingale’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are led by the Assistant Head of School for Diversity and Equity, Johara Sealy, in collaboration with divisional coordinators. Together, they work to create an inclusive and thoughtful learning environment supporting curriculum development, faculty support, and student engagement.

This work is a shared responsibility across our entire school community. Through ongoing conversations, mentorship, and programming, we foster an atmosphere of respect, curiosity, and personal growth. Our team supports student-led initiatives, provides resources for faculty, and ensures that our approach to inclusion evolves alongside the needs of our students and families.

"We are committed to fostering a community where our students feel valued, respected, and supported in reaching their full potential."

Making Nightingale Stronger

We are creating a lasting culture of belonging.

In these early years of Nightingale’s second century, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that every student has a place where they feel seen, valued, and heard. Our approach to building a culture of belonging is guided by thoughtful reflection, research, and engagement with our broader community.

A Culture of Inclusion

We regularly assess our policies and practices to ensure that all students have the opportunity to grow in an environment that celebrates diverse perspectives. Faculty receive ongoing support to deepen their understanding of inclusive teaching strategies, and student programming fosters thoughtful dialogue and collaboration.

An Evolving Curriculum

A well-rounded education includes exposure to diverse perspectives and histories. Each year, our academic leaders review our curriculum to ensure that it remains relevant, reflective of the world around us, and aligned with the best practices in teaching and learning. Nightingale students engage with a broad range of voices and viewpoints in literature, history, and the arts. Our goal is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the word while fostering critical thinking and curiosity.

Recruiting and Supporting Outstanding Educators

Nightingale is committed to attracting and retaining a talented faculty that reflects a range of backgrounds and perspectives. We actively seek educators who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. We have built partnerships with organizations that help us identify outstanding candidates and ensure that our hiring practices align with our commitment to excellence. Once in the Schoolhouse, faculty receive progressional development and mentoring opportunities to grow as educators and leaders.

Upholding Our Community Values

We strive to create an environment where every student feels safe, respected, and empowered to succeed. As part of this commitment, we have implemented feedback mechanisms to ensure that students and families can share concerns and insights. Our student handbook is regularly reviewed to reflect our community’s expectations and values. Our approach is rooted in dialogue, accountability, and a shared commitment to strengthening our school community.

In Our Schoolhouse

Inclusion and belonging are embedded into every aspect of learning.

At Nightingale, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not separate initiatives—they are foundational to the way we educate and support students. These principles are embedded into our academic programs, student activities, and faculty development.

Understanding Community in the Lower School

As early as Kindergarten, we are dedicated to ensuring that we educate even our youngest minds and hearts on the importance of embracing and celebrating the diversity of cultures, languages, and identities throughout our community and our world.

Developing Comfort, Connections, and Courage in the Middle School

As students navigate their own identities and learn more about the cultures and experiences of their classmates, we believe it is important to provide outlets for expression, exploration, and appreciation of one another’s histories and heritage.

Empowering Catalysts for Social Change in the Upper School

As we prepare our older students to lead at Nightingale and after they walk out of our blue doors, we are dedicated to providing opportunities and responsibilities for critical engagement around topics of race, equity, and social justice that empower our students to be catalysts for social change.

In Our Community

Our commitment stretches beyond the blue doors

We believe that education extends beyond the classroom and that families play a crucial role in reinforcing our values of respect, inclusion, and cultural awareness. Throughout each school year there are many opportunities for parents and families to engage in meaningful conversations, learn from experts, and connect with one another.

  • Parent Affinity Spaces

    Nightingale’s parent affinity groups offer opportunities for families to connect, share experiences, and support one another. These spaces foster dialogue and strengthen our sense of community.

    Current affinity groups include: Jewish Affinity Group, Latine and Hispanic American Affinity Group, Muslim Affinity Group, Parents of Daughters of Color, South Asian Affinity Group

  • Parent Learning Opportunities

    Through speaker series and community discussions, parents are invited to engage in ongoing learning about topics related to identity, education, and belonging. These gatherings provide opportunities for deeper understanding and connection within our school community.

Still have questions? Reach out at any time.