Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The Power of Belonging
Together, we celebrate everyone’s uniqueness.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at King School is integrated into every area of school life. Ensuring that every member of the community enjoys a sense of belonging is paramount to the school’s mission and aligned with its virtues of Integrity, Kindness, Perseverance, and Respect.
At King, we are empowered by our diverse talents and inspired by our different backgrounds and perspectives. In our diverse and inclusive environment, children as well as adults learn from one another and create a stronger community.
Students and faculty come from 40 neighboring communities and over 70 countries and engage in an expansive curriculum that spurs conversation on culture, religion, ethnicity, and lived experiences.
King School's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
King School's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is a collective endeavor that is integral to the school's culture, educational philosophy, and dedication to excellence. Our goal is unwavering: to empower our students to find their voice and respect the voice of others.
We work to build a welcoming community inclusive of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Harnessing the power of our similarities and differences, we pave the way for mutual understanding and joyful connection. We build bridges and help shape engaged global citizens who are ready to thrive at King and beyond.
Inspired by our mission and virtues, we challenge stereotypes and promote equitable experiences to ensure that every person in our community feels seen, heard, and valued – so that every story finds its space.
Recognizing the complexities of this journey, we commit to continually learn and improve.
At King, we are enriched through our appreciation of diversity’s many faces, including gender, race, religion, ethnicity, family makeup, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, physical ability, geographic background, viewpoints, citizenship status, learning style, and age.
Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome.
Arthur Chan
Meet the DEIB Team
The DEIB team at King School is composed of a director as well as divisional and departmental coordinators. The team works in every area of the school and offers guidance and support to ensure that the King School curriculum, pedagogy, recruiting, retention, and school culture are a reflection of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal is to educate, engage, and empower our community members.
Jennifer Guevara
Middle School Counselor, Middle School DEIB Coordinator
Lindsey Rossler
History Faculty, Director of Talent Development, Upper School DEIB Coordinator
Asante Robinson
Registrar for College Counseling, AP Coordinator, DEIB Coordinator for Athletics
All-School Integration of DEIB
- DEIB Definitions
- Governance
- Culture
- Curriculum
- Human Resources, Recruitment, and Retention
- Faculty and Staff Professional Development
- Community Engagement
- Admission
- Annual Conferences
DEIB Definitions
Governance
Culture
Curriculum
Human Resources, Recruitment, and Retention
Faculty and Staff Professional Development
Community Engagement
Admission
Annual Conferences
Highlights of DEIB
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Action
From the flavors of international cuisine to the sounds of global music, this year’s Global Fair transformed the Lower School Gym into a vibrant celebration of culture and community. The event highlighted King’s ongoing commitment to celebrating its global community, embracing the diverse backgrounds and traditions that enrich the school, and fostering meaningful connections across cultures. The occasion invited every member of the community to share, connect, and take pride in the cultures that shape King.
Seven King School Grade 10 students participated in the Girls in Math at Yale 2025 competition on February 22, facing challenging math problems and gaining valuable insights from professionals in the field. The team included Marilyn Sommerville, Sammi Tillman, Lilah Mehta, Camila Pajares, Avery Murphy, Olivia Ajayi, and Mia Jakubowsky. With sharp skills developed in King’s advanced math classes, the team tackled Olympiad-level questions and embraced the power of collaboration.
Throughout Black History Month, students from all divisions came together to celebrate Black culture and excellence through a variety of engaging events. The month-long celebration highlighted the significance of community, empowerment, and cultural appreciation while creating an opportunity for important discussions on the complexities of identity and heritage within the Black community. Black changemakers were recognized through lively trivia games and research presentations. The culminating event, an upbeat presentation from Step Afrika!, provided a nuanced insight into the African American stepping art form that encouraged participation from all students, making it a truly inclusive and memorable celebration.
Lower school students welcomed author, actor, and entrepreneur Karyn Parsons for a day of storytelling, discussions, and inspiration. Class groups were captivated during Parsons’ presentations, where she shared her journey from acting as Hilary Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to writing, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and following one's passions. She also highlighted the mission of her nonprofit, Sweet Blackberry, which brings little-known stories of Black achievement to children. A special lunch with selected students provided an intimate opportunity for deeper conversation, leaving a lasting impression on the young learners.
History came to life for middle and upper school students through immersive experiences that deepened their understanding of the experience of Jews and Gentiles during the Holocaust.
In the Upper School, the Jewish Students Affinity Group (JSAG) hosted a presentation and a Q&A session with art teacher Ran LaPolla and her mother, Willy van Koten, whose family risked their lives to hide Jewish families during the Holocaust. Middle school advisory groups used the artificial intelligence program ChatGPT to hold virtual conversations with AI-generated characters depicting youth in Nazi-occupied Poland.
Both discussions highlighted resilience, moral courage, compassion, and the importance of standing against injustice.
King School commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with presentations that encouraged students to reflect on the civil rights leader’s legacy and on how they can make a positive impact in their communities. At divisional assemblies, Dr. Clyde Beverly, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, spoke to students about Dr. King’s teachings and their parallel to the school’s virtues. Students were challenged to actively shape their environment and stand up for what is right through Dr. King’s inspiring words: "The time is always right to do what is right."
Grade 2 students embarked on a deep exploration of identity as they investigated the driving question, “How do we share and celebrate our identity to create a classroom community where everyone belongs?” Over the course of six weeks, they engaged in interdisciplinary lessons that celebrated their individuality and cultivated an appreciation for the similarities and differences around them. The unit promoted academic growth and strengthened social-emotional skills, helping students build a stronger sense of community.
The annual Grade 8 cultural exchange program between King School and the Greenwich Japanese School (GJS) continues to build connections and global understanding. Following King students' visit to GJS in December, this year’s program concluded on Thursday, January 9, with King students welcoming their GJS peers for a full day of events and activities. The exchange provides real-world insights into global citizenship, leaving students and educators inspired by the connections forged across cultural boundaries.
The lower school courtyard was filled with a sense of belonging and pride as over 120 members of the King School community came together for the second annual Families of Students of Color BBQ. The lively event fostered a sense of connection and inclusion, underscoring King’s commitment to building a strong sense of belonging for all families. Families enjoyed food, music, games, and socializing throughout the beautiful evening prior to the start of school.
The lower school gym transformed into a vibrant culture hub during King School's annual Global Fair on Friday, April 26. Hosted by the PA KInD Committee, the event showcased the diverse tapestry of King's community, underscoring the school's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Each table offered a unique perspective, nurturing a sense of global citizenship. Lower school students collected flag stickers and participated in interactive activities, while live music performances added to the festive atmosphere.
Last weekend, King School’s Performing Arts Center reverberated with passion as 160 students, 20 professional musicians, and numerous dedicated parent volunteers convened for the ninth annual El Sistema residency. The beloved event was a testament to King’s commitment to music and its ability to foster connections between communities of different socioeconomic backgrounds, give voice to diverse cultural identities, and amplify lived experiences.
As Black History Month drew to a close this week, students in all divisions enjoyed presentations detailing Black history and the Black experience. In a lower school assembly, students enjoyed presentations and performances highlighting Black culture and change-makers.
Upper and middle school students welcomed New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi, who discussed how her life inspired her to become a writer and the power young people have to make a difference in the world.
The fifth grade Advocacy Café returned for a second year, showcasing students’ passions for social issues through presentations detailing student-driven research. Building upon the success of last year's event, this year's Advocacy Café encouraged students to delve into a broader range of topics. The work culminated on Friday, February 22, in fifth grade classrooms transformed into hip cafes where friends and families were invited to hear the final presentations.
During Black History Month, the Black Student Union (BSU) and advisors recommended initiatives for the Upper School to celebrate Black excellence. This week, students learned about Black history through the lens of hip-hop culture with an informative King Talk from Staff Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator and BSU Advisor Lakeya Newton.
Over 100 students and coaches participated in last weekend’s Male Athlete Leadership Day at Pickleball America. Attendees discussed resilience, honed pickleball skills, and participated in a tournament, making the event a huge success. This weekend is positioned to be just as successful as momentum builds for the Winter Showcase. Teachers and students will face off on the court for a basketball game that is sure to be a blast. Varsity Basketball and Hockey games will continue the action, food trucks and raffles will add to the fun, and the Project Music Band will make the event even more festive. Don’t miss it!