Campus Life

Equity & Inclusion

Diversity Statement

Respect for diversity, which includes the differences among peoples’ identities, experiences, perspectives and beliefs, is essential for a quality education. Diversity enriches the world through the customs, traditions, and perspectives of various religions, ethnicities, and socio-economic groups, and through individual characteristics such as gender, gender identity, age, race, appearance, sexual orientation, physical ability, and learning profile.

The John Cooper School seeks to empower students as individuals who foster understanding and cooperation and who discourage prejudice and stereotypes. While striving to create a place of learning where all members—students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni—experience safety, respect, and acceptance, the school actively pursues an inclusive climate that affirms individual self-worth and promotes cooperation, in an environment where all individuals are valued for their contributions.

Diversity is an integral part of the educational program at The John Cooper School, as seen through our formal curricula, meaningful dialogue, and educational events, and this commitment stems from the school’s mission to create “…responsible citizens and leaders.” In order to fulfill this aspect of our mission, we must continually educate our community about diversity, so that we may all better contribute honestly and respectfully to today’s global society. Toward that end, the school exercises equitable and inclusive admissions and employment policies, and commits to ongoing attention to and enrichment of diversity issues.

As the community and world change over time, our dedication to diversity will require continued reflection and evaluation. With open minds, we will continue to develop programs and policies that enhance diversity as a vital and important element of our shared humanity. The deliberate actions of trustees, faculty, administration, and staff will help sustain Cooper as a school that values every individual for his or her unique perspective and contribution.

 

Upper School Student Groups

List of 3 items.

  • Student Diversity Committee (SDC)

    The Student Diversity Committee (SDC) is committed to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the rich diversity within the Cooper community, with a mission to deepen understanding and appreciation of how our differences strengthen us collectively. Through educational initiatives, SDC aims to foster collaboration and inclusivity, encouraging an environment where every student feels valued and understood. SDC conducts regularly scheduled Dragon Dialogues, encouraging all Upper School community members to share aspects of their identity and interests. SDC seeks to empower our community to thrive in unity and respect, celebrating the unique contributions of each individual and learning about ourselves and each other.
  • Women and Equity (WE)

    The Women and Equity (WE) club aims to positively impact the Cooper community by promoting women’s rights and by bringing awareness to gender inequity in the world. The club advocates for the rights of women and girls, and in accordance with the School’s statement on Diversity, will sponsor thoughtful discussions and events related to gender equality.
  • International Club

    The International Club celebrates the international diversity of our students, staff, and community, to share and learn about global cultures, and to ignite curiosity and pride for the identities and experiences of people from all around the world.

Middle School Student Groups

List of 1 items.

  • Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (IDEA)

    The Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (IDEA) is a student-centered group whose purpose is to uphold and promote the School’s Mission and Diversity statements through student-organized and student-led discussions, presentations, and activities, all centering around inclusion, diversity, equity, empathy, respect, belonging, and community. IDEA is open to all Middle School students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Through student leadership, the alliance provides activities for students to learn more about each other and the world around them and allows for the possibility for students to share their knowledge and experiences with others.

From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.

The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.