Diversity, Equity, and Justice at the Academy

E PLURIBUS UNUM “Out of many, one”

Norfolk Academy believes that the diversity of our community leads children to develop a greater sense of understanding, empathy, and responsibility. Our school strives to foster a climate of belonging, so that each member of our Bulldog family feels secure, respected, and valued as an individual. To that end, the school seeks to provide unrestricted access for all students to the enriching relationships and array of experiences that define a Norfolk Academy education. Our hope is that our students and graduates will carry forward these principles to create a just society where all people have the opportunity to flourish.

Our Commitment to DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND JUSTICE

Lower School (Grades 1-6)

110 New Students

DAILY PUBLIC SPEAKING

Building confidence: The foundation of the Norfolk Academy public speaking curriculum, the Girl and Boy of the Day program allows students the opportunity to present their learning to their peers. Students share stories of their family/cultural traditions and present research on historymakers of various races and ethnicities, among many other topics.

GUIDANCE PROGRAM

Understanding ourselves and others: The guidance program complements our purpose of meeting the needs of the whole child. During class conversations with guidance counselors, students dive into discussions about selfawareness, diversity, and healthy habits, as well as how to show respect and kindness towards each other, their teachers, and their community.

CHAPEL

Cultivating community: All students and faculty come together each month for what we call “Chapel,” a gathering that focuses on building moral character through themes such as showing kindness, listening with compassion, engaging honestly with others, and creating a close-knit community.

CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS

Broadening perspectives: Students explore American history and society as well as world cultures through reading, discussion, and creative projects that build depth of understanding. Sample topics include African and Ancient Egyptian kingdoms, dynasties, and cultures; the Civil Rights Movement and Leaders; the Holocaust; and World Religions. The Cooper Library offers a wide array of books which incorporate themes and topics to explore self-awareness, relationships, and belonging. Guest speakers, storytellers, and field trips build students’ curiosity.

507 Lower School Enrollment with 26% Racial/Ethnic Diversity

35 New Students

336 Middle School Enrollment with 23% Racial/Ethnic Diversity

NINTH GRADE SPEECH PROGRAM

Strengthening your voice: Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, each 9th grader delivers a 5–7 minute, researchbased, persuasive speech to all Middle School students and faculty, learning to harness the power of their voice. Many use this opportunity to educate their peers on topics including healthcare, education, technology, social justice, globalization, and the environment. Speeches provide an opportunity for students to explore new ideas, grow intellectually, and express their ideas with a public voice and confidence. As students and faculty gather each morning, their shared excitement about the daily speech strengthens our sense of community and connection through scholarship and individual discovery.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND STUDENT GROUPS

Building bridges: Students learn to identify and examine problems that matter to them and to their surrounding communities in order to better understand the role(s) they can play in creating positive change. Student-led clubs and organizations create a sense of belonging on campus. The CARE Club (Culture, Acceptance, Respect, and Equity), for example, is a student group that organizes activities that celebrate the diversity of our school community and help to raise awareness about social justice issues at our school and throughout society.

CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS

Widening the aperture: We anchor English courses in themes and explorations of social justice and fairness (7th), identity (8th), and shifting worldviews and emerging understanding that come with adolescence (9th). The curriculum encourages students to explore cultures and perspectives. In history courses, students have the opportunity to learn through analysis of primary documents and first-hand narratives. Students examine and consider history through geographical, cultural, and sociological lenses, understand the ways in which physical characteristics of places influence culture, and learn to broaden their worldview.

Mathematics and science offerings develop students’ critical thinking and communication skills and provide a foundation for modeling and experiencing the natural world. These disciplines provide challenging and relevant experiences and serve as a driving force in the growth of informed decision-making and problem-solving. We also afford students opportunities and leading-edge coursework in our distinctive and innovative Engineering, Design, and Innovation (EDI) curriculum.

“Norfolk Academy has taught me about the immense value of developing yourself as an individual and giving back to your community. Every class I take pushes me to question myself and the world around me, to expand my viewpoint and ask questions, especially questions like, ‘How does this help me grow?’ and ‘How can I use this education to better myself, my loved ones, and the community that built me?’”

— Tara ’23

SENIOR SPEECH PROGRAM

6 New Students

364 Upper School Enrollment with 25% Racial/Ethnic Diversity

Delivering a capstone experience: Every senior delivers an 8-minute persuasive speech in the Johnson Theater for an audience of all Upper School students and faculty. Students select their topics and develop rhetorical, argumentative, and oratorical skills with guidance from a faculty advisor. Topics range widely and include national and global issues, as well as relevant and current human challenges such as climate change, international relations, poverty, and healthcare. Alumni of the school recall their senior speech as a galvanizing experience that builds their skill and sense of confidence in critical thinking and public speaking.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND STUDENT GROUPS

Building meaningful connections: As a private school with a public purpose, the school’s relationships with community partners help students increase their awareness of local issues and hone problem-solving skills. Students and faculty work in partnership with a variety of local, national, and international organizations to continue strengthening connections between our school community and the larger world. The Upper School is home to more than 25 studentled organizations, councils, publications, and clubs through which students pursue their interests in service, social justice, and leadership.

CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS

Expanding academic horizons: A diverse, forward-looking, and dynamic curriculum gives students the opportunity to build depth of understanding and discover their passions. Our school’s Philosophy & Objectives call for a commitment to “the principles of academic freedom” and for “judicious experimentation with the new.” Students have the freedom to explore ideas and develop passionate interests, as they advance their learning with college-level coursework in all disciplines.

Maymester, a two-week program of experiential learning, gives sophomores and juniors the chance to combine domestic and international travel, research, and project-based learning. A sampling of more than 15 recent offerings included courses exploring environmental sustainability, architecture, immigration issues, archaeology, and wellness. Students also have myriad opportunities to pursue professional internships with local businesses and nonprofits.

Upper School (Grades 10-12)

“Norfolk Academy has instilled in me the value of helping others. Through its numerous volunteer opportunities and classroom experiences, I feel as though I have made an impact on my community.”

— Annabelle ’23

RACIAL/ ETHNIC DIVERSITY

GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY

Norfolk Academy enrolls students from cities in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.

Breakdown of enrollment: Virginia Beach (61%), Norfolk (23%), Chesapeake (10%), Suffolk (3%), Portsmouth (2%), Other (1%)

SOCIOECONOMIC DIVERSITY

Norfolk Academy provides for $3 million in financial aid, which is distributed annually in the form of tuition awards. Awards are based solely on a family’s demonstrated financial need.

89% of applicants received awards

Average size of award

17% of enrolled students receive aid

Awards range from to

$17,040 $750 $28,250

$3 MILLION in awards given

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Norfolk Academy admits students of any race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, and national or ethnic origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

1585 Wesleyan Drive Norfolk, VA 23502 757-455-5582

norfolkacademy.org

from Norfolk Academy’s Philosophy & Objectives

“... committed to the enrollment of boys and girls who show promise of intellectual curiosity and who come from families of varied social, economic, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.”

—