Inclusive Community

We believe that an Inclusive Community embraces cultural agility, civic action, and a broad definition of human potential.

Seattle Academy nurtures empathetic connections between people with different life experiences. We are committed to recognizing and addressing the causes and effects of bias and discrimination, as well as the historic and ongoing relationship between privilege and power. We strive to see, hear, and value all members of the community and work to build a strong foundation for meaningful dialogue, informed advocacy, and effective action.

Andrés Arteaga

Director of Equity and Inclusion

School: 206-676-6834

Shavette McGhee

Assistant Head of School for Student Experience

School: 206-676-6837

Rick DuPree

DEIB Coordinator

School: 206-676-6893

Affinity Group Events

Education & Community

Key Programs

Parents & Guardians

Family Affinity Night

This Spring event brings SAAS families together to participate in student-led affinity sessions. Families and friends are invited to join sessions based on their identity to learn from US student affinity leaders. Food, music, dessert, and community-building all make this event a highlight of the year.

SPARRC

SPARRC (SAAS Parents/Guardians for Awareness, Race Relations, and Community) is a strategic partnership with the Family Association and Parent Education. SPARRC serves as a learning space for SAAS parents/guardians of all backgrounds and experiences to discuss matters of race and equity. Learn more about SPARRC.

Faculty & Staff

Affinity Group Leaders

Faculty & Staff have the option to advise and support student affinity groups as each group navigates identity-based conversations, explores advocacy, and develops learning opportunities for the SAAS community.

Faculty & Staff Belonging Committee

Through the Faculty & Staff Belonging Committee, Faculty & Staff work together to plan community-building gatherings for our SAAS community.

Faculty & Staff Professional Development

Faculty & Staff partake in mandatory bi-annual professional development to equip them with the necessary skills and awareness to work with our diverse student and adult population. Funding for outside professional development opportunities are also available.

Students

Student Affinity Groups: SAAS offers multiple affinity groups for Middle and Upper School students. Our student affinity groups meet every other week during community time with faculty advisors present to help facilitate.

The goals of the Affinity Group Program include:

Creating a sense of community and belonging among members of the group
Developing leadership ability and an understanding of its importance
Building a sense of self-worth, possibility, and confidence in SAAS Students
Assisting SAAS Students as they build their social, racial, and cultural identities
Promoting a sense of belonging and a long-term attachment to SAAS

Assemblies
The DEIB office plans and supports various DEIB assemblies dedicated to social justice education within our community. These assemblies are developed and led by the DEIB team and student affinity leaders.

Student Leadership Development
Throughout the academic year, the DEIB Team offers various opportunities for students to attend DEIB-centered conferences and retreats.

Learning Opportunities

Upper School Educational Forums
Educational forums provide Upper School students with opportunities to engage with and learn about complex, current issues.

Middle School: DEIB Advisory lessons
Throughout Middle School, students engage in DEIB learning through age-appropriate, grade-level DEIB lessons.

SAAS Heritage Months
Student Affinity group leaders can lead monthly assemblies to honor heritage months connected to their affinity.