At LREI, our diversity is our strength and community is our foundation. We understand that an environment comprised of people with different backgrounds, talents and beliefs enriches our lives and helps us continue to challenge our perspectives as individuals and as a school.

Diversity is alive in our community and in our curriculum. We are an inclusive school that celebrates the unique identities of our students, family members, faculty, staff and neighbors. Together, we encourage kids to talk openly about the differences around them (age, gender, family structure, religion, race, ability, ethnicity) as we support their desires to address social inequities. Our 14-year progressive curriculum includes diversity and community themes in every grade. As students progress, they gain a deep understanding of a variety of cultures, both historically and in today’s context.

Our dedication to diversity and our dedication to social justice go hand in hand. As Elisabeth Irwin wrote, “The foundations of democracy and of our school are built by daily habits of recognizing the rights of those who differ from ourselves.” LREI students learn what it means to be an ally, an advocate who makes the community a safe place for all and stands up against individual and systemic bias.

Every year, LREI offers faculty, parents and students opportunities to expand their cultural competencies. This year, our theme is adoption. Find out more from our Director of Diversity and Community, Sandra “Chap” Chapman, who also serves as co-chair of the New York State Association of Independent Schools' Diversity Committee and chairs this committee's annual Diversity Conference.