Make this a better world and let it begin with me.

We view diversity holistically and value it as a strength in our community in which equity and inclusion ensure that every member of our community has access to a full St. Thomas’s Day School experience. The school community finds much joy in embracing and celebrating each individual’s uniqueness along the lines of age, gender, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture and family structure. We seek to strengthen the commonalities that bind us as a community and view diversity as a way to provide us the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to navigate in a complex society of human differences. We believe that children who learn and grow together in a diversified community develop an openness and appreciation for others.

St. Thomas’s actively welcomes families and students of all faiths and backgrounds. At St. Thomas’s, social and emotional development of students is a core part of their school experience. Multiple perspectives, multicultural themes, and issues of equity and justice are integrated into the curriculum. This creates a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all.

52% students of color
22% students are bilingual and speak 11 different languages
23 zip codes represented

Lower School

While all grades focus on identity work, grades K-3 spend significant time developing a strong sense of self. It fosters respect, social connections, and an understanding and appreciation for differences. Goals of identity work:
– Develop a positive self-esteem
– Learn about children, people, families, and communities across the world
– Explore different cultures, geographical locations, languages, customs, and traditions

Upper School

Having already developed a strong foundation of identity, students in grades 4-6 begin to expand their understanding of the world. They analyze resources, ask questions, form opinions supported by facts, and effectively express their ideas.
– Social Studies intentionally represents a variety of perspectives
– During discussions of historical narratives, groups that have historically been ignored are highlighted
– Exploration of many (sometimes competing) versions of a story to construct informed interpretations

Grade 6 ‘This I Believe’ speeches

“I believe in the power of empathy. To have respect for yourself and all people and to care about others feelings and not just yours. You have to have compassion and concern for other people. And that is what I love about empathy!” -Samara, Class of 2024

“I believe that you can do it. Remind yourself that you are your own special self and no one can change that, and no matter what life throws at you I believe in believing in yourself.” -Emilie, Class of 2024

Identity Work Across the Grades

“In Kindergarten, we focus on character traits like kindness, courage, honesty, and not being a bystander. We treat each other with respect and develop a sense of belonging.” Erin Clark, Head Teacher Kindergarten

 

“In second grade, we begin the year with a Class Charter, which outlines our promises to one another on how we will treat each other and qualities that we hope to emulate. We begin to understand our sense of belonging in a greater community: family, school, community, country, world.” -Mikaela Zhou, Head Teacher, Second Grade

“Through the lens of change makers and conflict resolution, sixth graders look at our country’s history and discuss who were the people who stood up and wanted to make a difference. How did they find the courage and bravery to speak up amidst opposition.” – Leslie Reyes, Head Teacher, Sixth Grade

Community Events:

Morning Gathering

The entire community at St. Thomas’s Day School begins each day in Morning Gathering. The daily experience is a blend of intellectual, emotional, moral, ethical and social understanding; it is here that the entire community learns and understands together. We explore core values, we sing, and building upon our Episcopal Day School foundation, we celebrate and explore world religious holidays and observances: Hanukkah, Passover, Christmas, Purim, Easter, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Lent, Holi, Eid al-Adha, Juneteenth, and many others.

Where there is hatred, may I bring love.
Where there is darkness, may I bring light.
Where there is pain, may I bring healing,
Where there is discord, may I bring harmony.
Where there is dispair, may I bring hope.
Where there is strife, may I bring peace.
Make this a better world, and let it begin with me.