Bay encourages its staffulty and students to tackle issues of social justice and equity, and to do the work required to advance the human condition.
Creating a community that fosters true belonging takes hard work and a certain comfort with discomfort, and we seek to ensure that our students have the skills and knowledge to examine unquestioned assumptions about the world and self, to listen and engage with respect and empathy, and to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world. The work of building a diverse, equitable community where all belong is—and always should be—an ongoing process, so our practices are not stagnant.
The Student and Staffulty Experience
We know that variety and difference help us achieve more creative, sophisticated work and solutions to challenges, and the research shows it. Our multidisciplinary, experiential approach to learning allows students to experience diversity as a strength. In leadership opportunities, affinity groups, clubs, and academic electives, students can engage their layered identities and interests with those of their peers.
Staffulty attend conferences and engage in professional development focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. And, like students, they enjoy peer relationships and affinity groups.
Institutional Commitment
Bay is unusual among its peer schools in having created an inclusive tuition model, and we offer flexible tuition rather than financial aid. The tools and services covered by tuition for every student include a laptop computer, scientific calculator, all classroom books and supplies, a daily multi-course lunch and snacks available all day, team uniforms, SAT or ACT test preparation, required class trips—including for Immersives—and more. These costs are typically in addition to tuition at other schools. By eliminating fees for all of the extras, Bay works to create a sense of belonging and to mindfully ensure that all students benefit equally from their experience here.
Learn more about our tuition model.
Diversity is a key component of our Strategic Plan, and The Bay School has adopted a formal statement defining our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bay's Precepts likewise ask each member of the community to attend to our perceptions and actions. Mindfulness practice, which the whole community engages in four days each week at Morning Meeting, helps to strengthen empathy and awareness, both of which are key to fostering an inclusive mindset and culture.