Serving Preschool Through 8th Grade in the San Francisco East Bay Since 1962
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
At Seven Hills School we are a community of faculty, staff, students, families, and caregivers that is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We prepare our students to be lifelong advocates for change with the goal of creating a just and equitable global society.
As the Seven Hills School community, we commit to:
- Adopted January 2021
As the Seven Hills School community, we commit to:
- Enriching the student experience and school community through cultural competency, which promotes understanding and respect for each person, and their individual experiences.
- Promoting an inclusive environment for all regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or ability.
- Expanding accessibility and affordability through outreach, community service, and by removing financial barriers for families.
- Adopted January 2021
Seven Hills is committed to welcoming and supporting many forms of diversity, including socioeconomic, racial, cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation, family structure, and geographic diversity. We believe that multicultural learning environments benefit children in all areas of learning—academic, intellectual, social, and emotional—and prepare our graduates to engage in a changing, global world. We know that diversity does not describe any single individual or group’s identity, but rather honors all of the differences within our collective Seven Hills community.
We also believe that understanding and exploring a variety of perspectives and worldviews—families, cultures, traditions, and beliefs of others, as well as a range of perspectives and opinions–enriches learning outcomes. At the classroom level, through professional development, in admission and hiring practices, and through the Parent Involvement Association, Seven Hills seeks to advance our effectiveness as an equitable school community. We are also aware that DEI work is an ongoing, dynamic, and lifelong journey, and we strive to be lifelong learners just like our students.
We also believe that understanding and exploring a variety of perspectives and worldviews—families, cultures, traditions, and beliefs of others, as well as a range of perspectives and opinions–enriches learning outcomes. At the classroom level, through professional development, in admission and hiring practices, and through the Parent Involvement Association, Seven Hills seeks to advance our effectiveness as an equitable school community. We are also aware that DEI work is an ongoing, dynamic, and lifelong journey, and we strive to be lifelong learners just like our students.
- The Seven Hills Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty/staff, parents and students regularly meet and work with educational consultant Dr. Derrick Gay to dialogue and explore affinity, diversity, and inclusion within our classrooms and community.
- Seven Hills' Assistant Head of School for Strategic Priorities, Jase Turner, brings an in-house leadership model to Seven Hills’ DEI efforts, examines curriculum across disciplines and grade levels, facilitates parent education topics, and assists with professional development.
- Authors Jason Reynolds and Matt de la Peña have led student workshops and spoken on the power of children's literature to inspire diversity.
- Seven Hills hosted a sold-out virtual lecture with acclaimed author, speaker, and activist Julie Lythcott-Haims on the topic of talking to your kids about race and racism.
- Members of our faculty and staff regularly attend the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC)—the flagship event of NAIS’ commitment to equity in teaching and learning.
- Administrators, alumni, faculty, parents, students, and trustees attend the Pollyanna conference to discuss challenges and effective practices around DEI and generate action plans.
- Seven Hills maintains membership with POCIS (People of Color in Independent Schools) Northern California Chapter.
- Seven Hills engages its entire community in the NAIS Assessment of Inclusion and Multiculturalism (AIM), a survey that provides the school with a deep understanding of the campus climate, with tangible data to measure progress and set goals.
- Professional Development days often include professional cultural competency and anti-racism training.
- Seven Hills brings together families from over 45 zip codes.
Did you know?
Seven Hills will host independent school teacher and administrator turned international diversity and inclusion strategist, Dr. Derrick Gay, on campus on November 3, 2022.
The Seven Hills School
975 North San Carlos Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
P | (925) 933-0666
E | info@sevenhillsschool.org
F | (925) 933-6271
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
P | (925) 933-0666
E | info@sevenhillsschool.org
F | (925) 933-6271
