Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging | Community

Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At Princeton Friends, belonging isn’t a goal—it’s a foundational principle and our commitment is simple and steady: every child deserves to be known, respected, and able to thrive.

Rooted in Quaker values and progressive practice, we work for equity—not as a label, but as daily choices that widen access, remove barriers, and nurture a deep sense of belonging across identities.

We hold ourselves accountable to create a school where care, curiosity, and dignity guide how we learn and live together.

As a Quaker school, we are only as strong as our community is diverse, and our students and families represent a wide range of cultural, racial, religious, linguistic, socioeconomic, and neurodiverse backgrounds.

Belonging in Action at PFS

Taking Care Classes (grades 3-5 and 6-8)

A weekly SEL class co-taught by the school counselor and Assistant Head of School for Community & Belonging that builds identity awareness, perspective-taking, restorative problem-solving, and the skills to advocate for self and others.

Literature (grades 4-8) & Library (grades PS-5) Classes

We intentionally select texts through a “windows, mirrors, and doors” lens so students see themselves, encounter others, and step into new worlds in what they read and uphold discussion norms that emphasize listening, evidence, and empathy.

English, Social Studies & Humanities Classes

Primary sources, multiple perspectives, and Article of the Week assignments help students practice civil discourse and connect learning to the world around them.

Community-Wide Heritage Months & Awareness Days

Supported by faculty, these celebrations are often co-designed and led by students and integrated into the school day, with families participating through sharing traditions, histories, and as audience members.

Service Learning

We practice stewardship and reciprocity, serving with and not for, so engagement is respectful, age-appropriate, and rooted in real partnerships.

Access and Support

Differentiated instruction, learning support, counseling, and universal design principles help all of our learners participate fully and confidently in their learning journeys.

Professional Learning

Ongoing training in anti-bias teaching, restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, and equity-centered design for learning.

Restorative Culture

Shared agreements and restorative conflict resolution for students and adults alike.

Heritage Months & Awareness Days at Princeton Friends

Princeton Friends School recognizes Heritage Months & Awareness Days as an opportunity to honor historical moments, celebrate cultures, and deepen our understanding and commitment to inclusivity, equity, and justice. Heritage Months and Awareness Days are important in providing the space to teach and learn about cultural history and contributions to American and global society, as well as to examine social justice issues. These days can inform curriculum, expand empathy, and inspire action.

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How we Select Themes

The heritages and themes we highlight are based on student interest, curriculum, and what the United States government has federally designated. Additionally, these days are meant to raise awareness of historically marginalized groups. These groups were (and some continue to be) denied full participation in mainstream cultural, social, political, and economic activities through United States laws, practices, or belief systems. A community-wide invitation is extended to those who would like to share about a specific cultural holiday or tradition, including, but not limited to, Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, Lunar New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, Ramadan.

Objectives of Heritage Months & Awareness Days

Provide asset-based opportunities for students to lead and/or inform activities, lessons, and presentations
Create culturally responsive learning opportunities within classes and during Morning Gathering and Friday community time
Deepen family/school partnerships
Promote opportunities to participate in observances inside and outside of school through exhibits, service learning, lectures, workshops, and performances

DEIBA at PFS

When diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA) are lived in our classrooms, programs, and community practices, we fulfill our school's mission to ensure every student is seen, valued, and able to thrive—honoring our Quaker belief that each person carries an Inner Light that deserves to shine.

Diversity
The active practice of noticing, respecting, and weaving our many intersecting identities, including cultures, languages, beliefs, lived experiences, personalities (and many more) into the daily life of our school community.
Equity
The ongoing work of removing barriers that limit fair treatment, access, opportunity, and participation—especially for communities historically pushed to the margins. Equity asks us to create conditions where each person can thrive, move beyond a “one size fits all” approach, practice continuing revelation, and honor all progress on a longer journey toward justice.
Inclusion
The intentional creation of a school culture where students, families, and colleagues can bring their whole, authentic selves without fear of judgment or consequences, inviting connection, shared voice, and respect for everyone’s contributions.
Belonging
The felt outcome of effective inclusion: people experience being seen, accepted, valued, affirmed, connected, safe to grow, and encouraged to advocate for change. Belonging strengthens trust across the community and unlocks access to greater academic and personal achievement.
Accessibility
The proactive design of physical, digital, and social environments so everyone can participate with dignity and independence. Accessibility blends universal design with individualized accommodations for sensory, mobility, cognitive, and language needs. In prioritizing accessibility, all community members are better able to thrive.

For a more comprehensive resource, check out the United Nations Glossary by clicking here!