Parents of Color, How diverse is your school? Is it going well for your child socially and academic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We recently began tours of private schools. What the schools say on their websites snd then what you see when you tour are two different things. We are AA and are seeing very few students who look like our kid. In any of the schools mentioned on this thread (we are not religious and are not looking at any of the religious schools, except those that might be quaker). We firmly believe schools are masking their low rate of black students by using the POC statistic. By the way, POC is not a category in the census, under discrimination law, etc. It seems disingenuous to us and when we have asked specifically about the black population, we are not getting a straight answer. Either because they don’t know or because they don’t want to tell us. As for the latino population - let’s not forget that many latinos consider themselves white and do not consider themselves POCs so it is shocking that all latinos are lumped into a POC category by these schools.

Good luck getting any school to give you the statistics in the black population even after you start paying full tuition. This something our POSC group asked for for many years at our K-8 and always got pushback. You need to take your request higher to AIMS or NAIS to push them on this issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We recently began tours of private schools. What the schools say on their websites snd then what you see when you tour are two different things. We are AA and are seeing very few students who look like our kid. In any of the schools mentioned on this thread (we are not religious and are not looking at any of the religious schools, except those that might be quaker). We firmly believe schools are masking their low rate of black students by using the POC statistic. By the way, POC is not a category in the census, under discrimination law, etc. It seems disingenuous to us and when we have asked specifically about the black population, we are not getting a straight answer. Either because they don’t know or because they don’t want to tell us. As for the latino population - let’s not forget that many latinos consider themselves white and do not consider themselves POCs so it is shocking that all latinos are lumped into a POC category by these schools.

Recommend you take a look at and visit Sidwell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We recently began tours of private schools. What the schools say on their websites snd then what you see when you tour are two different things. We are AA and are seeing very few students who look like our kid. In any of the schools mentioned on this thread (we are not religious and are not looking at any of the religious schools, except those that might be quaker). We firmly believe schools are masking their low rate of black students by using the POC statistic. By the way, POC is not a category in the census, under discrimination law, etc. It seems disingenuous to us and when we have asked specifically about the black population, we are not getting a straight answer. Either because they don’t know or because they don’t want to tell us. As for the latino population - let’s not forget that many latinos consider themselves white and do not consider themselves POCs so it is shocking that all latinos are lumped into a POC category by these schools.

The school would probably assert that it highlights ethnic diversity across the board as opposed to downplaying or masking low black enrollment. Schools and employers love to tout ethnic diversity; but that often still means that I or my child will be the only or one of a few AA persons in the room. That is fine(ish) with me because employers and school administrators should not place greater value on one ethnic minority group over another. But I get frustrated when I as an AA parent try to determine whether my child would be comfortable at a school and can't get a clear answer from the school re the number of AA children enrolled at the school. Someone should create a site like this for black families at private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where did the Biden’s, Clinton’s, Gores, Obama’s, Susan Rice, send their children to school?

Mostly Sidwell. Rice had nephew at Maret.

Gore attended STA and daughters attended NCS. Bush’s daughter attended NCS and son attended STA. Bush was also on NCS governing board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To add, DC children under 18 is 55% black.

Most of these schools are not located in the center of DC. McLean, VA is a lot closer to them than Anacostia.

Trying to shame them for not reflecting a community that is out of commuting distance by most people standards is absurd.

And who cares? In the scheme of things, these schools are small and unimportant. You want to educate kids of all colors? Focus on the public schools! They’ve already got the diversity, but they need more teaching staff.

Oh so now you think all the black kids live in Anacostia. Wow. Jackson Reed is around the corner and only 37% white. Hardy middle is 30% black and 40% white. These are schools that can’t hand select students. The point remains, GDS, the most liberal school in DC, is the whitest private school in DC and 2) many black families commute from EOTR to Georgetown to Upper NW so miss me with the “all black kids live in Anacostia. Even if that were true (which it’s not), there is nothing stopping the DEI of GDS from operating a bus from SE and NE. They have one to pick up in Crestwood.

There is no excuse for GDS to have the whitest population. Anyone trying to rationalize it doesn’t prioritize diversity and has no need on this thread. They should be called out.

Jackson Reed most of its students come from outside of the boundary.

GDS was founded for students that were not allowed in other schools including Jewish students. I am not even a GDS parent yet find your posts annoying. No one owes you or anyone else anything. The sooner you realize that and teach your kids that the better off you will all be in life. Life is not fair. I can give countless examples of people just strolling through life with wealth and connections most will never have. Repeat life is not fair.

New poster here. This is incorrect. Most of Jackson Reed’s students live in boundary.
GDS is over the top hypocritical but everyone knows that already. Even GDS families just roll their eyes at all the social justice talk at the school.
Everyone knows it is mostly for show.

+1. It’s the hypocrisy in it all from GDS.

Being Jewish is diversity. You sound bigoted to me. There are more minorities and diverse families than being black. Once you accept and realize this things will be better for all. There are Asians, Latinos, Indians, etc… it sounds like you don’t want diversity - you just want the kind of diversity you seek. I neither Jewish or a GDS parent btw but the hypocrisy I am seeing is from you. What about the Latino families in DC? They are certainly not represented and I do not hear you complaining about that.

Not bigoted at all. How is pointing our GDS’s hypocrisy bigoted? You sound silly and racist. Again, DC area is 5% Jewish, GDS meets that quota and then some. That’s great and fantastic for Jewish students. Now don’t you think GDS should start working on meeting the Black and Hispanic quota they tout so much in their DEI talking points? They only have 15% black and 2% Hispanic.

From what I hear and see online, Maret has 20% black and 5% Hispanic while also have a relatively proportionate International, Asian, Jewish, and Muslim population. You’d be surprised how much of a difference a 3-5% increase in Black or Hispanic students could be. It could be the difference in having another student that looks like you or not.

What is your issue with GDS? Did you not get admitted? What’s the issue? GDS is very diverse racially and religiously. If that is an issue for you apply or attend another school. Simple. Your ranting and raving on this listserve is pointless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To add, DC children under 18 is 55% black.

Most of these schools are not located in the center of DC. McLean, VA is a lot closer to them than Anacostia.

Trying to shame them for not reflecting a community that is out of commuting distance by most people standards is absurd.

And who cares? In the scheme of things, these schools are small and unimportant. You want to educate kids of all colors? Focus on the public schools! They’ve already got the diversity, but they need more teaching staff.

Oh so now you think all the black kids live in Anacostia. Wow. Jackson Reed is around the corner and only 37% white. Hardy middle is 30% black and 40% white. These are schools that can’t hand select students. The point remains, GDS, the most liberal school in DC, is the whitest private school in DC and 2) many black families commute from EOTR to Georgetown to Upper NW so miss me with the “all black kids live in Anacostia. Even if that were true (which it’s not), there is nothing stopping the DEI of GDS from operating a bus from SE and NE. They have one to pick up in Crestwood.

There is no excuse for GDS to have the whitest population. Anyone trying to rationalize it doesn’t prioritize diversity and has no need on this thread. They should be called out.

Jackson Reed most of its students come from outside of the boundary.

GDS was founded for students that were not allowed in other schools including Jewish students. I am not even a GDS parent yet find your posts annoying. No one owes you or anyone else anything. The sooner you realize that and teach your kids that the better off you will all be in life. Life is not fair. I can give countless examples of people just strolling through life with wealth and connections most will never have. Repeat life is not fair.

New poster here. This is incorrect. Most of Jackson Reed’s students live in boundary.
GDS is over the top hypocritical but everyone knows that already. Even GDS families just roll their eyes at all the social justice talk at the school.
Everyone knows it is mostly for show.

+1. It’s the hypocrisy in it all from GDS.

Being Jewish is diversity. You sound bigoted to me. There are more minorities and diverse families than being black. Once you accept and realize this things will be better for all. There are Asians, Latinos, Indians, etc… it sounds like you don’t want diversity - you just want the kind of diversity you seek. I neither Jewish or a GDS parent btw but the hypocrisy I am seeing is from you. What about the Latino families in DC? They are certainly not represented and I do not hear you complaining about that.

Not bigoted at all. How is pointing our GDS’s hypocrisy bigoted? You sound silly and racist. Again, DC area is 5% Jewish, GDS meets that quota and then some. That’s great and fantastic for Jewish students. Now don’t you think GDS should start working on meeting the Black and Hispanic quota they tout so much in their DEI talking points? They only have 15% black and 2% Hispanic.

From what I hear and see online, Maret has 20% black and 5% Hispanic while also have a relatively proportionate International, Asian, Jewish, and Muslim population. You’d be surprised how much of a difference a 3-5% increase in Black or Hispanic students could be. It could be the difference in having another student that looks like you or not.

What is your issue with GDS? Did you not get admitted? What’s the issue? GDS is very diverse racially and religiously. If that is an issue for you apply or attend another school. Simple. Your ranting and raving on this listserve is pointless.

It is diverse in terms of Jewish students but not much else

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where did the Biden’s, Clinton’s, Gores, Obama’s, Susan Rice, send their children to school?

Mostly Sidwell. Rice had nephew at Maret.

Gore attended STA and daughters attended NCS. Bush’s daughter attended NCS and son attended STA. Bush was also on NCS governing board.

Rice’s niece was the basketball star that just left Sidwell for UCLA isn’t she?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We recently began tours of private schools. What the schools say on their websites snd then what you see when you tour are two different things. We are AA and are seeing very few students who look like our kid. In any of the schools mentioned on this thread (we are not religious and are not looking at any of the religious schools, except those that might be quaker). We firmly believe schools are masking their low rate of black students by using the POC statistic. By the way, POC is not a category in the census, under discrimination law, etc. It seems disingenuous to us and when we have asked specifically about the black population, we are not getting a straight answer. Either because they don’t know or because they don’t want to tell us. As for the latino population - let’s not forget that many latinos consider themselves white and do not consider themselves POCs so it is shocking that all latinos are lumped into a POC category by these schools.

So these schools are exploiting their current POC students for their own marketing and branding purposes. Lovely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where did the Biden’s, Clinton’s, Gores, Obama’s, Susan Rice, send their children to school?

Mostly Sidwell. Rice had nephew at Maret.

Gore attended STA and daughters attended NCS. Bush’s daughter attended NCS and son attended STA. Bush was also on NCS governing board.

Rice’s niece was the basketball star that just left Sidwell for UCLA isn’t she?

Yes. And her nephew (Kiki’s brother) graduated from Maret and plays for Yale. Her kids graduated from Maret and I believe she was on the board at one time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We recently began tours of private schools. What the schools say on their websites snd then what you see when you tour are two different things. We are AA and are seeing very few students who look like our kid. In any of the schools mentioned on this thread (we are not religious and are not looking at any of the religious schools, except those that might be quaker). We firmly believe schools are masking their low rate of black students by using the POC statistic. By the way, POC is not a category in the census, under discrimination law, etc. It seems disingenuous to us and when we have asked specifically about the black population, we are not getting a straight answer. Either because they don’t know or because they don’t want to tell us. As for the latino population - let’s not forget that many latinos consider themselves white and do not consider themselves POCs so it is shocking that all latinos are lumped into a POC category by these schools.

So these schools are exploiting their current POC students for their own marketing and branding purposes. Lovely.

Basically this.

But when even slanting/exploiting it (counting potentially 1/4 Hispanic and 3/4 white students as POC), it really makes it look even worse that some schools have only 40% “POC”.

Yes, I know a 1/4 Hispanic or 1/8 Hispanic kid has every right to check what they identify with but to PP’s point, it would be nice to see actual rates of Black, Asian, Hispanic to at least be able to tell if your kid is going to be an only.

PP, I had this same concern and opted to investigate online via SM to get the basic answer. I know visual assessments aren’t always the best but it helped us get an idea when campuses were closed for tours/shadows. It helped when choosing which schools to apply to for our AA kid.

Sidwell class of 2022: https://twitter.com/sidwellfriends/status/1535654208929767429?s=46&t=VwEJ5gVbXYGV3vgPY0FTSA
Maret class of 2022 (hard to see): https://www.instagram.com/p/CewqIx0lFsL/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Maret current 9th graders: https://www.instagram.com/p/CiicINmOdCy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
GDS current 9th: https://www.instagram.com/p/CemWE_CvnnW/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
GDS class of 2022: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeuQqfXPLvU/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
STA (all US grades): https://www.instagram.com/p/CjBI9OsMA7v/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
STA c/o 2027: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci2XCo7s91e/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Landon c/o 2022: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeEtCoIuxM4/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:White parrot if a black daughter. She is only has 1 other black girl in her grade. She is doing well academically but is disappointed socially. Seems like most of the grade lives near each other in Chevy Chase. School is in DC and we live further north in MoCo.

Some black parents have not welcomed our family into the school community and specifically uninvited me from an event that was initially advertise for black students and their parents. DEI coordinator is inexperienced and overworked. It’s sad because the community could be really great. It’s a school that was founded to bring different kinds of students together.

So was your daughter invited and not you? This seems like it could be distressing to children in multi-racial families.

yeah. It would seem so, but you need to read up on "safe spaces". people really do not feel free to be open and speak of shared lived experiences while in presences of people without said experiences.

they know that 'gaslighting", discounting and ridicule of genuine experiences and concerns happen in "mixed company". it can make people feel less free and open to share.

think of how different it is for girls sometimes to shine in mixed gender classes while being more open in all girls. It's like that kinda.

wanted to add. the purpose is not to exclude or make those not invited feel bad. it's about the majority and their mental health and feelings.

I would hope those excluded would empathize and understand that history of being burned by people outside their community has been the result of thngs like "safe spaces" --- if everyone were nice and fair, these things wouldn't need to exist.

The problem, of course, with the situation as PP describes it, is that the school is (was?) creating a situation where a child is told they can attend an event only if they exclude their own parent just because their parent is not of a particular race. What kind of tension do you think that creates in that child’s mind? In that family?

My child cried when I told them I was uninvited. They said they wanted me to be there since it was advertised initially as an event for black students and their parents.

Was the school that did this confirmed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:White parrot if a black daughter. She is only has 1 other black girl in her grade. She is doing well academically but is disappointed socially. Seems like most of the grade lives near each other in Chevy Chase. School is in DC and we live further north in MoCo.

Some black parents have not welcomed our family into the school community and specifically uninvited me from an event that was initially advertise for black students and their parents. DEI coordinator is inexperienced and overworked. It’s sad because the community could be really great. It’s a school that was founded to bring different kinds of students together.

So was your daughter invited and not you? This seems like it could be distressing to children in multi-racial families.

yeah. It would seem so, but you need to read up on "safe spaces". people really do not feel free to be open and speak of shared lived experiences while in presences of people without said experiences.

they know that 'gaslighting", discounting and ridicule of genuine experiences and concerns happen in "mixed company". it can make people feel less free and open to share.

think of how different it is for girls sometimes to shine in mixed gender classes while being more open in all girls. It's like that kinda.

wanted to add. the purpose is not to exclude or make those not invited feel bad. it's about the majority and their mental health and feelings.

I would hope those excluded would empathize and understand that history of being burned by people outside their community has been the result of thngs like "safe spaces" --- if everyone were nice and fair, these things wouldn't need to exist.

The problem, of course, with the situation as PP describes it, is that the school is (was?) creating a situation where a child is told they can attend an event only if they exclude their own parent just because their parent is not of a particular race. What kind of tension do you think that creates in that child’s mind? In that family?

My child cried when I told them I was uninvited. They said they wanted me to be there since it was advertised initially as an event for black students and their parents.

Was the school that did this confirmed?

Burke?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To add, DC children under 18 is 55% black.

Most of these schools are not located in the center of DC. McLean, VA is a lot closer to them than Anacostia.

Trying to shame them for not reflecting a community that is out of commuting distance by most people standards is absurd.

And who cares? In the scheme of things, these schools are small and unimportant. You want to educate kids of all colors? Focus on the public schools! They’ve already got the diversity, but they need more teaching staff.

Oh so now you think all the black kids live in Anacostia. Wow. Jackson Reed is around the corner and only 37% white. Hardy middle is 30% black and 40% white. These are schools that can’t hand select students. The point remains, GDS, the most liberal school in DC, is the whitest private school in DC and 2) many black families commute from EOTR to Georgetown to Upper NW so miss me with the “all black kids live in Anacostia. Even if that were true (which it’s not), there is nothing stopping the DEI of GDS from operating a bus from SE and NE. They have one to pick up in Crestwood.

There is no excuse for GDS to have the whitest population. Anyone trying to rationalize it doesn’t prioritize diversity and has no need on this thread. They should be called out.

Jackson Reed most of its students come from outside of the boundary.

GDS was founded for students that were not allowed in other schools including Jewish students. I am not even a GDS parent yet find your posts annoying. No one owes you or anyone else anything. The sooner you realize that and teach your kids that the better off you will all be in life. Life is not fair. I can give countless examples of people just strolling through life with wealth and connections most will never have. Repeat life is not fair.

New poster here. This is incorrect. Most of Jackson Reed’s students live in boundary.
GDS is over the top hypocritical but everyone knows that already. Even GDS families just roll their eyes at all the social justice talk at the school.
Everyone knows it is mostly for show.

+1. It’s the hypocrisy in it all from GDS.

Being Jewish is diversity. You sound bigoted to me. There are more minorities and diverse families than being black. Once you accept and realize this things will be better for all. There are Asians, Latinos, Indians, etc… it sounds like you don’t want diversity - you just want the kind of diversity you seek. I neither Jewish or a GDS parent btw but the hypocrisy I am seeing is from you. What about the Latino families in DC? They are certainly not represented and I do not hear you complaining about that.

Not bigoted at all. How is pointing our GDS’s hypocrisy bigoted? You sound silly and racist. Again, DC area is 5% Jewish, GDS meets that quota and then some. That’s great and fantastic for Jewish students. Now don’t you think GDS should start working on meeting the Black and Hispanic quota they tout so much in their DEI talking points? They only have 15% black and 2% Hispanic.

From what I hear and see online, Maret has 20% black and 5% Hispanic while also have a relatively proportionate International, Asian, Jewish, and Muslim population. You’d be surprised how much of a difference a 3-5% increase in Black or Hispanic students could be. It could be the difference in having another student that looks like you or not.

Now check how far Maret’s diversity extends beyond their athletes and international students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rice’s kids went to Maret. Gore did Cathedral Schools (BVR/STA). Obamas chose Sidwell.

Gore’s two daughters graduated from NCS. His son graduated from Sidwell after being expelled from STA.

I thought it was Sidwell that expelled him? I posted that on another thread about favoritism for VIPs at private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:White parrot if a black daughter. She is only has 1 other black girl in her grade. She is doing well academically but is disappointed socially. Seems like most of the grade lives near each other in Chevy Chase. School is in DC and we live further north in MoCo.

Some black parents have not welcomed our family into the school community and specifically uninvited me from an event that was initially advertise for black students and their parents. DEI coordinator is inexperienced and overworked. It’s sad because the community could be really great. It’s a school that was founded to bring different kinds of students together.

So was your daughter invited and not you? This seems like it could be distressing to children in multi-racial families.

yeah. It would seem so, but you need to read up on "safe spaces". people really do not feel free to be open and speak of shared lived experiences while in presences of people without said experiences.

they know that 'gaslighting", discounting and ridicule of genuine experiences and concerns happen in "mixed company". it can make people feel less free and open to share.

think of how different it is for girls sometimes to shine in mixed gender classes while being more open in all girls. It's like that kinda.

wanted to add. the purpose is not to exclude or make those not invited feel bad. it's about the majority and their mental health and feelings.

I would hope those excluded would empathize and understand that history of being burned by people outside their community has been the result of thngs like "safe spaces" --- if everyone were nice and fair, these things wouldn't need to exist.

The problem, of course, with the situation as PP describes it, is that the school is (was?) creating a situation where a child is told they can attend an event only if they exclude their own parent just because their parent is not of a particular race. What kind of tension do you think that creates in that child’s mind? In that family?

My child cried when I told them I was uninvited. They said they wanted me to be there since it was advertised initially as an event for black students and their parents.

Was the school that did this confirmed?

Burke?

Super misguided. I haven’t heard anything about this though IRL.