Woven into Mount Vernon’s identity is our commitment, “we commit to creating and sustaining a school culture where all members feel valued and safe, sharing their authentic selves to design a better world…together.” This is just a part of our broader IDEA statement which was adopted in 2018.
Anchored in Christian values – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – relationships at Mount Vernon are foundational to learning. Preparing students to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders calls us to lean into inclusion, diversity, equity, and action. Creating and cultivating connections between all people, ideas, and sectors, the School welcomes all learners to wrestle with voices and perspectives that challenge our assumptions, biases, stereotypes, and privileges. Not allowing our differences to divide us requires each of us to engage in honest, vulnerable, and courageous conversations through empathy, reflection, examination, and action. Being real agents of change is a continuous journey. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, our trust in each other strengthens our sense of identity, autonomy, and interdependence. As a school of inquiry, innovation, and impact, we are committed to creating and sustaining a school culture where all members feel valued and safe, sharing their authentic selves to design a better world….together.
At Mount Vernon, learning goes far beyond the classroom. It’s designed to help students develop the knowledge, empathy, and global perspective they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world. In Georgia Bickel’s Modern Journalism class in Upper School, a... Read More
At Mount Vernon, learning extends beyond the classroom—it thrives in meaningful conversations that strengthen our community. This year, Middle School students participated in a transformative Student Dialogue Series aimed at fostering self-leadership and integrity. Through seven structured discussions, students developed... Read More
At Mount Vernon, we believe that expanding our knowledge and understanding of the world is essential to fostering a culture of empathy, curiosity, and global readiness. This belief is at the heart of the Upper School’s World Religions course, Believe... Read More
In 2018, The Mount Vernon School began to have courageous conversations around the most challenging issues of our day, including diversity, equity, and inclusion. Seizing the moment to effect change, the school set out to build strategy, develop programs, and most importantly cultivate relationships.
MV is grounded in the principles of design which call our organization to remain mission-focused and people-centered in all we do. Our drive to become a fully inclusive and equitable community is no different. The Office of IDEA is strategically connected to every aspect of school life to support access and opportunity for all learners: faculty/staff, students, and families.
Moments of belonging created through shared experiences have long-lasting results and directly increase a sense of belonging. Giving community members opportunities to see themselves reflected in our daily work and celebrated is perhaps the most recognizable work of IDEA. Through the Inclusion Network: Affinity & Alliance program we celebrate our individuality and common connection.
Relationships are foundational and they do not form by accident. While the organic nature of relationships often brings people together through common ties, we are committed to equipping all members of our community with the literacies, skills, and attributes to foster deep relationships both within and beyond our school walls. We are working to achieve this through the art of dialogue – to more deeply understand others and ourselves.
