Equity and inclusion are woven into daily life here, shaping how you grow as a student, a friend, and a member of a diverse community. Guided by our Vision for Inclusive Excellence, we’re building a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and like they belong.
Vision for Inclusive Excellence
The SLS Vision for Inclusive Excellence (VIE) is a clear framework that ensures belonging is woven into the fabric of an exceptional education. It focuses on three foundational pillars:
- Community
- Curriculum
- Culture
Vision for Inclusive Excellence (VIE)
These pillars shape how we build relationships, approach teaching and learning, and foster a shared culture of respect and understanding.
Community: Where Belonging Begins
At SLS, you’ll be part of a community that values the identities and experiences that make each person unique. You’ll be encouraged to explore and appreciate differences—across race, gender, ability, religion, sexual orientation, and more—with empathy and respect.
Through open dialogue and thoughtful conversations, you’ll build the skills to think critically, act with integrity, and lead with understanding.
SLS Community Forums
One of the ways that comes to life is through school-wide gatherings that bring students, educators, and families together to explore meaningful topics and connect across differences. These forums offer practical tools for thoughtful communication and help foster a more inclusive, compassionate community.
Recent examples include:
- Every Word Counts – a student-led mini-conference on courageous conversation and civil discourse.
- Building Campfires – a community workshop with author Charles Vogl on creating inclusive spaces.
- Equity Leadership Conferences (ELCs) – past events that invited storytelling, reflection, and collaboration around equity and belonging.
Curriculum: What We Teach Shapes Who We Become
At SLS, equity and inclusion aren’t add-ons—they’re part of what makes your education here exceptional. When you feel respected and heard, you’re more willing to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow.
Across all grades, the curriculum invites you to reflect on your beliefs, consider multiple perspectives, and think critically about the world around you. Along the way, you’ll develop both academic strengths—like analysis and creativity—and personal ones, like empathy, resilience, and leadership.
Culture: Rooted in Respect, Rising Together
Culture at our school isn’t just what surrounds you—it’s something you help create. Through shared values, traditions, and everyday experiences, you’ll be part of a community that lifts each other up.
Affinity groups, multicultural events, and open conversations give you space to connect, reflect, and learn from others. It’s how we make sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Students as Changemakers
Affinity Groups
Affinity groups on the Hilltop provide space for you to connect with others, reflect on your identity, and feel a deeper sense of belonging. In these communities, you’ll build confidence and pride in who you are—while also helping the broader school community better understand and appreciate the diverse identities and experiences within it.
To learn more about the various affinity groups in Middle and Upper School, please reach out to our Office of Equity and Inclusion at [email protected].
Equity Leadership Teams (ELT)
If you’re looking for a way to get involved and help build a more inclusive community, the Equity Leadership Teams in Middle and Upper School are open to all students. These student-led groups bring together a range of voices to foster empathy, spark respectful curiosity, and lead meaningful discourse that strengthen our community.
Educators Who Lead the Way
Professional Development (PD)
SLS fosters a culture of belonging through continuous faculty and staff growth—on campus and beyond—to deepen equity and inclusion practices across the school.
- On-campus opportunities include a wide range of professional development workshops, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and affinity groups.
- Off-campus, they have the opportunity to take part in conferences and institutes that bring fresh ideas and new perspectives back to the Hilltop.
Board of Trustees Leadership
Guided by the Vision for Inclusive Excellence—first approved by the Board of Trustees in 2017 and reaffirmed in 2022—the Board’s Equity and Inclusion Committee guides strategy and accountability to ensure every student can thrive.
Families Strengthen the Circle
MOSAIC is a group of SLS families of color and multicultural families, supported by the Office of Equity & Inclusion in collaboration with RIISE. Through events held throughout the year, MOSAIC fosters belonging, encourages participation and leadership, and promotes community service and connection across the school. Signature gatherings include the MOSAIC Summer Potluck, Leadership Dinner with the Head of School, and Family Gathering.
Our Commitment Over Time
Our equity journey is grounded in sustained action. From the formation of the Board Diversity Committee in 2004 to today’s vibrant and evolving programs, SLS continues to learn, grow, and lead. See some notable dates and milestones below.
Increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion have long been institutional priorities at St. Luke's. Please see some notable dates below.
May 2023
Launch of racial equity assessment administered by the research company FLAIR
Spring 2024
Developed Grades 5-12 "Curricular Belonging Expectations"
Fall 2023
Redesigned faculty-staff recruitment process, yielding most racially diverse class of new faculty
Fall 2023
Expanded the Office of Equity & Inclusion to include a Grades 5-12 E&I Coordinator and two E&I Integrators who are focused on curricular enhancements
November 2022
Board reaffirmed the enhanced Vision for Inclusive Excellence
September 2021
Established middle school and upper school student Equity Leadership Teams
January 2021
Launched St. Luke’s inaugural Equity Leadership Conference
September 2020
Established the faculty and staff Equity Leadership Team
August 2020
Established the standing Equity & Inclusion Committee of the Board of Trustees
June 2020
Seven Commitments made by the St. Luke’s Board of Trustees
March 2019
Hired and announced the appointment of St. Luke’s new Director of Equity and Inclusion
May 2017
Board approved and published Vision for Inclusive Excellence
2017
SLS pioneered the creation of the Fairchester Alliance, a regional consortium of peer, independent schools to increase faculty diversity through collaborative, action-oriented hiring practices
2014
Social Justice Leadership Summit (SJLS) was a student-organized and facilitated full-day exploration of social identity, privilege, and ally work. Launched in 2014, this annual summit brought students and faculty together with the goal of inspiring social change. The Equity Leadership Conference (ELC), described further up this page, now continues the exploration work that SJLS began.
2013
Hired St. Luke’s first Director of Diversity which evolved into Director of Inclusive Excellence and Leadership
2010
Asst. Dean of Students evolved to Dean of US Student Life and Director of Community Affairs
May 2006
St. Luke’s Diversity Plan drafted by Mark Davis - seven goals: develop multicultural teaching curricula and practices, est. a leadership structure for diversity, develop signature programs, develop a marketing and communications plan, increase faculty and staff diversity, increase student body diversity, build a relationship with Waterside
2005
Established first Black Student Alliance as an Upper School student affinity group
2004
Established first Diversity Committee on the Board to examine the culture and ethos of the school and assess the commitment to diversity with an emphasis on multicultural curriculum
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs are designed to address common questions and encourage further conversation. We encourage you to reach out to the Office of Equity and Inclusion ([email protected]) if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Community FAQ
Supporting Racial Diversity FAQ
