Diversity
Students at CHS are continuously supported in the work of strengthening and celebrating their own identity. Understanding oneself in relation to others is essential not only for personal growth but for cultivating a full appreciation and respect for the abundant commonalities and differences within a diverse community.
Cross-Cultural Understanding
We encourage students to envision and experience the world—both its past and its present—from a perspective beyond their own. This global awareness is cultivated by a richly multicultural curriculum that crosses many disciplines. Our school’s emphasis on community service also instills in students an expanded sense of community membership. Our students learn to “think big” and to embrace and contribute to the diverse world in which they live.
Multicultural Forum
The Multicultural Forum serves to develop and nurture the principles of multiculturalism and community-building. Composed of families and school personnel from diverse racial, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, the group strives to promote understanding of and appreciation for multiple layers of cultural identity. Through discussion groups, special events and regular dialogue with teachers and administrators, forum members strive to create awareness, develop knowledge, find common ground and foster an appreciation for the differences that exist among people.
The Forum has implemented its goals in a number of creative ways including the Festival of Lights Celebration, the reception for prospective families, community building workshops and anti-racism workshops.
Families of Color United For Success (FOCUS)
FOCUS is open to all families of color at The Chestnut Hill School. The mission of FOCUS is to support children of color, with the awareness that their experiences in school and in their outside lives are often, to varying degrees, affected and shaped by being children of color. We strive to ensure that the environment and community of CHS assist them to flourish and be successful in the independent school world.
Outreach is continuous and we encourage interested families to attend. Children are welcome at all meetings to meet and play with other CHS children.
Gay and Lesbian Faculty and Families (GLFF)
Gay and Lesbian Faculty and Families (GLFF) is an affinity group of families, school faculty and staff, trustees, and administrators who identify themselves as gay and lesbian. Children are welcome at all gatherings to meet and play with other CHS children who are part of families with gay and lesbian parents/guardians.
Learning Differences Support Group (LDSG)
The Learning Differences Support Group was established by families interested in learning more about this rapidly growing field and in supporting each other with regard to the challenges of managing the needs of children with learning differences. Recognizing that children with differing learning profiles may require very different forms of support, the LDSG seeks to provide a safe forum for conversation and education. Discussion-oriented meetings will take place 3-4 times per year, with an additional goal of planning an occasional lecture program or similar educational activity.
