Diversity at VBFS

Virginia Beach Friends School, as a member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and Friends Council on Education, we are committed to providing an academic experience and community that recognizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at every level.

Guided by the Society of Friends Testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship (S.P.I.C.E.S): diversity, equity, and inclusion work are at the heart of our school's mission and ingrained into our school's curriculum through S.P.I.C.E.S.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT Virginia Beach Friends School is committed to maintaining an environment in which all people are respected and valued. To that end, discrimination in any form, such as that based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status will not be tolerated. The School actively strives to recognize, respect, and celebrate the differences and commonalities that shape the individual and collective identities of its members. VBFS admits qualified students regardless of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected classification in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

What does this mean to our students, families, and community members?

• As a school, we are committed to asking, answering, and listening to questions regarding issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at all levels.
• As a school, we are committed to recognizing each individual's unique self.
• As a school, we are committed to working with families and students on the micro and macro issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This may range from incorporating S.P.I.C.E.S into a classroom discussion to understanding an individual's gender pronoun identifiers to having discussions on race at the local, state, national, or international levels.
• As a school, we are committed to helping students, families, and community members navigate the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with an unbiased attitude and perspective.
• As a school, we are committed to providing a dedicated school counselor who provides a safe place to help address issues and questions surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for students and families.