We cultivate a school that acknowledges each of us as we are, recognizes our potential, and helps us to achieve. We believe that education occurs within social, political, and cultural contexts; therefore, we celebrate diversity as it draws us into the common endeavors of teaching and learning.
(Approved by Board of Trustees, January 21, 2006)
Diversity Philosophy Statement
Worcester Academy maintains a diverse community because the presence of multiple perspectives contributes to curricular integrity and promotes academic excellence.
Worcester Academy maintains a diverse community in order to best serve the City of Worcester and its environs, which house a diverse population, and because national and global trends predict significant demographic shifts.
Worcester Academy maintains a diverse community because its graduates will enter a global marketplace where the presence of difference will be a common occurrence and cross-cultural competency will be a major asset.
Worcester Academy maintains a diverse community because a commitment to diversity supports our school's mission to "instill the qualities necessary to be leaders in a changing world" as we "Achieve the Honorable."
Worcester Academy's diversity lies within the multiplicity of identities that enhance the educational environment and enrich the social climate. The WA community includes people of different ages, abilities, interests, racial and ethnic ancestries, socio-economic backgrounds, family structures, sexual orientations, religious traditions, genders, and political affiliations. Understanding that there is a process to engaging and embracing our ever-changing diversity, the school expects all members of the WA community to see the value in a diverse campus and to challenge themselves in recognizing and respecting those qualities that make each person distinct and distinctive. The curriculum, policies, programs, and practices of the school must be responsive to and reflective of creating and sustaining a diverse population.
In addition to a Director of Diversity, there are several groups that support the school's efforts: a Diversity Committee comprised of faculty, administration, board members, and students; Mosaic, the school's multicultural club; a Gay-Straight Alliance; International Students Club.
For more information on diversity at Worcester Academy, contact Rodney Glasgow, Director of Diversity.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Worcester Academy adheres to a longstanding policy of admitting students of any race, color, religious belief, gender, protected sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Worcester Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, gender, protected sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs and other school programs.
