Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

NAPS values and respects diversity in race, culture, gender, socio-economic means, and learning styles. We strive to create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where students can recognize their self-worth, build confidence and self-esteem, and appreciate all others as contributing members of society.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Since our founding, NAPS has had the distinct privilege of serving families from all branches of the military alongside our civilian community. This history shapes our identity. Our students come to us from across the country and around the world, bringing a rich diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and cultures that strengthens our entire school. We understand that building a strong, inclusive community is essential for students who are frequently asked to adapt to new environments.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is a direct reflection of the community we serve and the world we are preparing our students to lead. We believe that educational excellence is achieved when every student feels known, valued, and respected. By fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, we empower our students to become compassionate, open-minded leaders and engaged global citizens.

Defining Our Principles

To ensure clarity and a common purpose, we define our core DEIB principles as follows:

Diversity: We actively seek and celebrate a broad range of human experiences, identities, and perspectives. This includes, but is not limited to, diversity in race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, family structure, and religious and political beliefs.

Equity: We are committed to providing every student with the tools and support they need to thrive. Equity requires us to identify and dismantle barriers to access and opportunity, ensuring that outcomes are not predetermined by identity or circumstance. It is about ensuring fairness for all.

Inclusion: We cultivate a culture where every voice is heard, respected, and actively engaged in the life of the school. An inclusive community is one where individuals feel safe to bring their whole, authentic selves each day and where their contributions are integral to our collective success.

Belonging: Belonging is the profound sense that each student is a vital and valued member of the NAPS community. It is the feeling of security, connection, and support that allows individuals to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our Commitments to Action

To transform our philosophy into practice, NAPS is dedicated to the following actions:

Curriculum and Instruction: We will deliver a curriculum that allows students to see their own identities reflected and to gain insight into the experiences of others. We will equip our faculty with the tools for culturally responsive teaching to foster inclusive classroom environments where every student is challenged and supported.

Recruitment and Retention: We will strive to build and maintain a diverse student body, faculty, and staff that reflects the rich multiplicity of our society, ensuring our community is strengthened by a wide array of talents and experiences.

Professional Development: We will provide ongoing, mandatory professional development for all faculty and staff focused on DEIB best practices, equipping them with the skills to lead with cultural competence and empathy.

Community Engagement: We will foster a welcoming environment through community events, parent education, and open dialogue that promote understanding and strengthen the bonds between all members of our school family.

Review of Policies: We will regularly review our institutional policies and procedures, from admissions to student life, through an equity lens to identify and eliminate systemic barriers and ensure fairness in all aspects of school life.

A Foundation of Respect

NAPS is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from harassment, intimidation, and discrimination in all its forms, including racism, sexism, and bigotry. Such actions undermine the psychological safety required for learning and stand in direct opposition to the respectful, supportive community we are committed to building. We pledge to address any and all such incidents seriously and transparently to protect the well-being of every member of our community and to uphold the integrity of our educational mission.