Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

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Newark Academy's Back-to-School BBQ with Seniors

At Newark Academy, students are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to a welcoming and inclusive community that values diversity of background and thought. All are celebrated and all belong. The values of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) are infused in every aspect of school life and grounded in the school’s mission statement — to contribute to the world engaged individuals instilled with a passion for learning, a standard of excellence, and a generosity of spirit.

Newark Academy has an Office of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (EIB) that consists of divisional EIB coordinators who are dedicated to guiding students along their educational journey. The office also includes an EIB team of students who work to support their peers' personal growth and development. Students are selected to join the team through an application process.

In This Section

EIB Student programs & initiatives

How Do We Live Our Values?

Each year, all Newark Academy community members, including students, parents, faculty and staff, are asked to review and commit to the school’s Community Commitments for Belonging, which uphold the following five values: to promote inclusivity, choose kindness, require responsibility, foster trust, and practice a growth mindset. In doing so, we hope to cultivate a joyful and inclusive school culture and community where everyone feels seen, respected and valued.

We promote Inclusivity	We respect people, actively value diversity, and are committed to equity, dialogue, and restorative practices. We promote a dynamic and intentional environment that fosters understanding, collaboration, participation, and a sense of belonging.
We choose Kindness	Being friendly, generous, and considerate to yourself and others often require courage and strength, as it involves the willingness to acknowledge and celebrate others. Choosing to promote care for others and practice camaraderie.
We require Responsibility	Responsibility for personal conduct, community well-being, and educational excellence. Awareness and appreciation for differences are constantly reinforced through accountability for one’s choices, words, and actions.
We foster Trust	We build trust in every relationship to foster a culture of integrity, honesty, empathy, listening, reliability, and fairness. Respect for and trust in oneself, the school, and each other.
We practice a Growth Mindset	We nurture a growth mindset in all aspects of school culture, modeling lifelong learning, fostering resilience, and encouraging learning from mistakes. We recognize that Newark Academy’s work is never done in building an inclusive community and we are committed to ensuring all members of the community feel valued.