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DEI statement
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational principles guiding Montessori education. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for children to thrive academically as we support them as they grow into their authentic selves. Counterpane values diversity in our faculty and students. Our commitment to kindness, tolerance, and productive communication leads to a more inclusive environment and supports healthy self-esteem in our students. Counterpane’s individual learning approach ensures equity in our academic environment as we meet the needs of all our students as individuals and as part of the collective.
Strictly Secular
One of our core tenets at Counterpane is the absence of any religious affiliation. We welcome children and families of all walks of life, we make space for their practices, and we fully support a student's desire to learn about world religions, but we will never prioritize or promote any specific religions in our school. We do not celebrate any holidays on campus and we absolutely do not tolerate any discrimination based on religion by teachers, staff, students or families.
Multicultural and Multilingual
In a Montessori classroom, guides integrate cultural activities and themes into a variety of subjects. For example, children may learn about the cultural significance of certain foods in a food preparation activity, or explore the cultural traditions and music of different countries in a music lesson. We have students from countries all over the world and English is a second language for many of them. We encourage them to speak their native language while helping them increase their fluency in English. The Primary classroom has a Spanish speaking assistant and Spanish conversation groups are also available for Upper School students.
LGBTQ Safe Space
Counterpane has always been and will always be a refuge for our LGBTQ youth. We are open and accepting of all orientations and identities and we will refer to a student by whatever pro-nouns and name they prefer. We have no antiquated standards for the length of boys hair or which gender may wear which type of clothing. We have single stall, gender-neutral bathrooms in each classroom and we have a zero tolerance policy for bullying of any kind.
Neurodiversity
At Counterpane, we believe all students are a part of the tapestry of this school and they each bring something special and unique to our community. Here all children are given the same opportunities for participation based on their abilities and preferences. Our focus is on independence and freedom and those who are high functioning, needing less structure and supervision will be the best fit. Staff, parents and student will work together to determine if Counterpane is the right place for your family.