Pine Crest promotes a diverse environment to support and strengthen the School's culture as a premier institution of learning. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are critical to fostering student success.

We honor and celebrate a range of cultures, backgrounds, talents, experiences, and opinions in our students, faculty, and administration, always seeking to expand our world view and create a community of sensitivity, openness, and acceptance. Pine Crest does not tolerate hateful, disrespectful, or discriminatory language or behavior by any member of our School; there is no place on our campus for bigotry, racism, or prejudice of any kind.
 

Overview 

An inclusive environment is one where students feel safe and welcome. They must have a sense of belonging and purpose. At Pine Crest, we believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give our students is being accepted in truth and authenticity. We want our students to feel valued and included by faculty and staff, but most significantly, by one another. When students are exposed to a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, they learn to think critically, to challenge their assumptions, and to explore alternative approaches and solutions. As the late Dr. Maya Angelou taught us, "In diversity there is beauty and there is strength." Pine Crest students are the future leaders of our diverse global community. 


Examples of ongoing opportunities for Pine Crest students include: 

Lower School

  • Author studies and visits 
  • Community Building Assemblies 
  • Festival of the Arts 

Middle School 

  • Author visits 
  • Guest Lecturers 
  • "Mix it Up at Lunch" Day 
  • Multicultural Club 
  • Multicultural Week 

Upper School 

  • Guest Lecturers 
  • Heritage Clubs
  • Institute for Civic Involvement Symposia 
  • Multicultural Assembly 
  • Multicultural Week 
  • "Words that Hurt" Student Presentations 


Contact Information 

Uche Pendergast
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
[email protected]

Ms. Pendergast works closely with Dr. Markham and a core committee, consisting of:
Dr. Whitney Walters-Sachs ’92, Vice President of School and Legal Affairs
Dr. Amy Varo-Haub, Head of Middle School (Fort Lauderdale Campus) and Executive Director of Innovative Learning and Student Experience
Mrs. Melanie Connors, Head of School (Boca Raton Campus) and Vice President of Admission