Tower Hill School embraces a broad definition of diversity that acknowledges the many ways each of us is unique including, but not limited to, our various talents, perspectives and goals. Diversity also includes our varied cultural, racial and ethnic identities.
With this broad definition in mind, we hope to create an educational environment in which each person is genuinely valued, respected, included and feels a sense of belonging. We believe that diversity, equity and inclusivity enrich the educational experience and strengthen our overall community.
Creating opportunities for equity, inclusion and belonging where everyone is inspired to explore their authentic selves.
Diversity and inclusivity, in all aspects of identity, broaden and enhance the educational experience. Varied perspectives are a source of strength, creativity, enrichment and renewal in the Tower Hill community. These values are found in both our mission statement and in our institutional goals:
DEI Mission
Tower Hill School prepares students from diverse backgrounds for full and creative engagement with a dynamic world. Each student is provided with an educational experience that emphasizes the development of an inquisitive, discerning and critical mind; the value of being creative and aesthetically sensitive; the appreciation of physical well-being; the ability to collaborate and to function as part of a team; and the growth of character.
Institutional Goal on Inclusivity and Student-Centered School Culture
We will continue to focus on inclusivity and belonging, both celebrating and challenging ourselves to ensure a student-centered school culture, an exhilarating academic and extracurricular experience, and a community that knows, welcomes and respects all of our students, faculty, staff and families.
Tower Hill School’s DEI program also includes guest speakers, professional development workshops, community conversations and other initiatives that invite students to engage in courageous conversations about building and engaging a more inclusive and student-centered community.
Ongoing Social Justice Initiatives
- SEED: new faculty and staff training (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity)
- MCRC@ADVIS: MultiCultural Resource Center at Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools’ multi-state diversity, equity and inclusion conference
- LEAD@Tower Hill (Leaning into Equity Awareness and Diversity): LEAD is a multi-school diversity conference sponsored and held by Tower Hill School.
- Community Conversations: small group DEI conversations for fifth and sixth grade and whole group conversations for seventh and eighth grade students designed to create a more aware, kind and compassionate Middle School community
- Upper School Social Justice Symposium: annual diversity, equity and inclusion conference held at Tower Hill School for Upper School students
- PAATH (Parents of African Americans at Tower Hill) and DISTINCT (Diversity and Inclusion at Tower Hill) hosts many events throughout the year
- Black History Month Dinner Celebration
- Continuing faculty/staff professional development
- HBCU events
- Guest speakers
Social Justice Team
PAATH and DISTINCT
PAATH (Parents of African-Americans at Tower Hill)
PAATH sponsors activities and programs that celebrate the African-American experience as a valued and integral component of a Tower Hill education. We also foster an appreciation for diversity, promote cultural competence and help create a supportive environment for African-American families.
DISTINCT (Diversity and Inclusion at Tower Hill)
DISTINCT is a parent affinity group dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community that reflects and celebrates the variety that makes up our culture-rich community at Tower Hill School. Diversity enriches learning and strives to create an environment where every family feels valued, understood and connected.
Collaborating with the Director of Social Justice, our mission is to support school-wide programs that promote awareness and appreciation of all cultures, advocate for the needs of Tower Hill students and empower our community to engage in meaningful dialogue and action to advance equity and inclusivity in our school and beyond. We:
- Organize events that celebrate the diversity of cultures and heritages;
- Advocate for and encourage parents to participate in parent workshops and educational training sessions conducted by the school; and,
- Support community-wide conversations with other stakeholders (students, parents, the school) on DEI efforts as conducted by the school.