Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
We seek to foster and promote a community of belonging through classroom practices, campus experiences, and community-wide initiatives.
At The John Thomas Dye School, we are committed to ensuring that our students are prepared to be culturally competent members of society and that every member of our school community feels a sense of belonging.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Action
There are three leadership groups within the School working to further the School’s commitment to fostering a community of belonging.
Inclusivity & Diversity Team (IDT)
This faculty and staff group is co-led by two appointed leaders who hold the position for a two-year term. IDT meets monthly and is responsible for helping coordinate programming that supports our Diversity & Inclusion Mission.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Subcommittee, comprised of members of the Board of Trustees, helps set the strategy for the School that supports the School’s Mission and Values while ensuring that Board and School set policies that promote diversity equity, inclusion, and belonging.Collage
Collage is a joint effort of the JTD staff and the Parent Education Committee of the Parents’ Association committed to engaging parents/guardians in inquiry, conversation, and action related to issues of diversity, equity, social justice, inclusion, and belonging. Read the Charter for Collage ›
A Journey of Continual Improvement
At JTD, we acknowledge that the important work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a school community is never done, and rather we are on a journey of continual improvement.
By setting annual priorities and tracking progress, we hold ourselves accountable to the goals set forth in our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Mission Statement. Below are some of the ways we bring these commitments to life.
A Culture of Belonging
- The JTD Family Program, which pairs each child with a buddy in another grade and joins together students and faculty/staff across grades and departments into family groups
- Social emotional learning programs that foster identity development while honing skills such as empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution
- A variety of programs to explore different cultures, such as special assemblies, Community Time for parents/guardians to share in classrooms, and Culture Club for students
- Service learning partnerships at every grade level, Lower and Upper School student service learning clubs, and school-wide partnership with Big Sunday, a local non-profit
An Inclusive, Growth-Oriented Workplace
- Ongoing anti-bias and cultural competence training for all faculty and staff, including community reads
- Dedicated funding for faculty and staff to participate in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging professional development
- Intentional recruitment and hiring processes to ensure a diverse pool of candidates who possess cultural competence skills
- Faculty/Staff affinity groups to deepen connections and foster learning and growth
- Annual culture & climate survey for faculty and staff to provide insights into how JTD can ensure all employees feel seen, heard, and valued
A Commitment to Family and Community
- Annual parent survey as a way to measure community and climate and identify areas of growth
- Collage meetings several times a year, including guest speakers and a young alumni panel
- Facilitated individual conversations between current parents and prospective parents on topics such as racial, religious, and socio-economic diversity
Diversity, Equity Inclusion, and Belonging Statement
The John Thomas Dye School affirms its commitment to a diverse and inclusive school community as integral to our mission and as an expression of our core values, The 5C’s. Developing and applying cultural competence fosters an inclusive community, deepens learning, and prepares our graduates to understand and appreciate different perspectives in order to thrive in a constantly changing world. We welcome and benefit from the viewpoints of people who differ in age, culture, ethnicity, family structure, language, learning style, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
At JTD, we are committed to building an inclusive community that understands and values the diverse world in which we live. We provide a caring, respectful, and welcoming environment in which to work, play, and learn. We actively seek to attract and retain students, faculty, and staff from a wide range of backgrounds. We continuously strive for growth through professional development and ongoing curriculum review. We promote an appreciation for all people, and we strive to create responsible, global citizens.
At JTD, we are committed to building an inclusive community that understands and values the diverse world in which we live. We provide a caring, respectful, and welcoming environment in which to work, play, and learn. We actively seek to attract and retain students, faculty, and staff from a wide range of backgrounds. We continuously strive for growth through professional development and ongoing curriculum review. We promote an appreciation for all people, and we strive to create responsible, global citizens.
In the Spotlight
List of 3 news stories.
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TeachAAPI Spotlight: JTD's Own Hayley Roberts
Hayley Roberts, Director of Teaching and Learning at The John Thomas Dye School, has been recognized as a 2024 Educator Honoree by TeachAAPI for her exceptional commitment to advancing education and her advocacy for inclusive, culturally responsive teaching. With more than 25 years of experience in various educational roles—ranging from administrator and curriculum developer to instructional coach and teacher—Hayley has continually demonstrated her dedication to fostering equitable learning environments.Continue reading › -
JTD and The Independent School Alliance
Since its founding in 1985, The Independent School Alliance has been a champion of educational equity in Southern California, focused on recruiting, educating, counseling, and advocating for families from racially underrepresented and economically under-resourced communities. The John Thomas Dye School shares a long, collaborative history with the Alliance that began when the School’s former head, Ray Michaud, spearheaded the creation of the organization and worked with other Los Angeles independent schools to ensure its success. Today, The Alliance has over 50 member schools and has served over 4,500 students in its four decade history.Continue reading › -
Shining Light on Gratitude
Our third gathering as JTD families gave us an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Diwali. Grade 6 students took the reins and led a discussion about the significance of Diwali. They shared stories from Indian mythology, explaining the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama after defeating the evil king Ravana.Continue reading ›
Collage, a group for JTD parents
We've enhanced the parent experience by creating a safe space for open conversations about a topics that affect our community.
Ready to apply?
Applicants for admission are accepted one year prior to the student's enrollment. If you have just found out you are moving to Los Angeles or if you have any questions, please feel free to call the admissions office for information.
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and 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, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
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