Celebrating the Uniqueness and Purpose of Every Individual at Oak Knoll School


At Oak Knoll School, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) is more than just a set of ideals—it is woven into the very fabric of our community. We believe that every student brings something unique and valuable to our school, and we work tirelessly to create a space where all voices are heard, respected, and celebrated.

Our Mission: A Foundation of Inclusion

As a Holy Child school, our mission calls us to foster an environment where every individual is welcomed and empowered to thrive. We believe that by embracing diversity in all its forms—cultural, religious, and experiential—we create a stronger, more compassionate community. Our DEIJ initiatives are rooted in a deep respect for the dignity of every person, ensuring that all members of the Oak Knoll family are supported on their personal and academic journeys.

We are guided by our core values of empathy, respect, and justice, which inspire us to turn our beliefs into meaningful actions. Through our curriculum, activities, and daily interactions, we challenge our students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, preparing them to be leaders who will work for justice, peace, and equality.

Diverse Clubs and Activities: A Celebration of Cultures and Perspectives

Our DEIJ efforts are brought to life through a variety of student-led clubs and activities that celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and create lasting connections across different backgrounds.

  • Asian and Pacific Islander Society (APIS): Open to students in grades 7-12, APIS provides a platform to explore and discuss Asian and Pacific Islander culture through art, media, and meaningful conversations about the community’s challenges and triumphs.

  • Culture Club: For students in grades 5-6, Culture Club offers a space for younger students to share their cultural backgrounds, engage in discussions about diversity, and participate in activities that broaden their understanding of the world.

  • Native American Interest Club (NAIC): Focused on raising awareness about Native American communities, NAIC invites students to explore First Nation cultures, challenges, and histories, fostering empathy and understanding.

  • SHADES: This Upper School multicultural association promotes discussions on current events, diversity issues, and personal experiences. Through educational trips, events, and assemblies, SHADES encourages students to think critically about inclusion and social justice.

  • Society of Black Scholars: Students in grades 7-12 come together to celebrate the rich culture and history of African Americans, organizing activities that honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Black History Month, and more.

  • Unity Club: In a time of increasing societal division, Unity Club creates a safe space for Upper School students to engage in open dialogue about their identities, fostering mutual understanding and a stronger sense of community.

DEIJ Events: Building Community and Understanding

Our annual events further promote inclusion and provide opportunities for the entire school to come together in celebration of diversity.

  • Culture Festival: A vibrant event where students, families, and faculty celebrate the richness of global cultures through food, music, and performances.

  • Dialogue Nights: Thought-provoking conversations on DEIJ topics, encouraging students and faculty to share perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions.

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: A day dedicated to giving back to the community, inspired by Dr. King’s message of justice and equality for all.

Empowering Student Leadership

At Oak Knoll, we believe that students should take an active role in shaping our DEIJ efforts. The Student Diversity Leadership Board (SDLB) empowers students to advocate for their peers, play a key role in DEIJ initiatives, and develop leadership skills rooted in empathy and justice. By offering this platform, we give students the opportunity to be catalysts for positive change within our community.

Additionally, our Sister for Sister mentorship program, designed for students of color in grades 7-12, offers a safe space for bonding, sharing experiences, and supporting one another. Mentors guide younger students, helping them navigate their school experiences and building a sense of community.

A Commitment to Continuous Growth

At Oak Knoll, we know that fostering a truly inclusive community requires ongoing commitment and education. We offer a variety of professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, including workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive language. By equipping our educators with the tools they need to create inclusive classrooms, we ensure that our commitment to DEIJ extends to every corner of our school.

Join Us on the Journey

At Oak Knoll, we are proud to be a community where every student is seen, heard, and celebrated. Our dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice shapes not only our curriculum and programs but also the very spirit of our school. We invite you to learn more about how Oak Knoll is fostering a community where every individual can thrive, and how we are preparing the next generation of leaders to create a more just and compassionate world.

Visit us https://www.oakknoll.org/about-us/deij to discover more about our mission and DEIJ initiatives.

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