Social Justice

Every sixth grader at Friends Select is enrolled in a yearlong class called Identity and Society.

This class is led by middle school teachers and the director of equity and inclusion. Throughout the year, students focus on projects that examine their own identities and the impact that those identities have on the rest of society. Topics that are covered include: understanding the impact of assumptions, fostering belonging in the communities that they are part of, and the study of unsung heroes. They end the semester by completing a service project that they organize and plan around one of their passions.  

In middle school, several affinity groups meet on a regular basis including an Asian affinity group, GLOW (Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever), and a Jewish affinity group. Once a month, students of color have the option of attending an affinity group, and students who identify as white can work with teachers on understanding the importance of antiracism initiatives.  

Each spring, all middle school students participate in Social Justice Day. Teachers organize a day that includes thoughtful discussions, a keynote speaker, and activities that celebrate their personal identities and focus on what action steps students can take to become change-makers in their school and the world around them. 

Teachers in middle school are dedicated to finding places within their curriculum to uplift social justice topics. For example, in math class, students tackle real-world problems to practice the skills that they have learned throughout the year.  

Students finish middle school having had many opportunities to strengthen their discussion skills. They have learned how to tackle issues that are important to them, and how to navigate difficult conversations and topics as they move on to their upper school experience.