Belonging & Engagement

For over a century, the Cathedral school has opened its doors to people of all faiths, traditions, and backgrounds. We are shaped by the conviction that every person carries inherent dignity and that a community thrives when it embraces diversity. We are committed to laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and compassionate society where students learn to embrace each other, challenge inequities, and advocate for a more fair world. 

A defining aspect of Cathedral's academic experience is the school's Identity Curriculum. Our work is at the forefront of the nation's inclusion, belonging, and justice work in independent schools. The Lower School focuses on guiding students to building a confident understanding of who they are and respecting people whose identities differ from theirs. In Upper School, students explore group and individual identity. Through the curriculum and affinity groups, they examine their own lives, question assumptions, and imagine the future. The service learning component of the curriculum stresses personal responsibility, global citizenship, and activism. We prepare our students to be leaders in a complex world, possessing the personal and intellectual skills to succeed.

At Cathedral:
  • Diversity represents the wide range of differences within our community including race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and dis/ability
  • Equity begins with the understanding that people require different access to support and opportunity to thrive. In practice, it means removing barriers to ensure fair outcomes for everyone, even if it isn’t always the same 
  • Inclusion is the intentional practice of creating environments where people can express themselves in safe, courageous, and creative ways
  • Belonging is the outcome of intentionally centering diversity, equity and inclusion: a community where people’s dignity is upheld, humanity is celebrated, and authenticity is valued.
A culture of belonging not only recognizes and appreciates differences. It involves actively fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, seen, and supported. Through different aspects of school life, we cultivate environments where students can show up as their best selves and meaningfully contribute to their community. 

Amina Mohamed (she/her)
Director of Equity and Engagement
amohamed@cathedralnyc.org

A Parent's View

"My wife and I truly value the diversity that The Cathedral School offers. It is so much a part of students becoming citizens of the world, one of the school’s primary goals. It allows them to talk and interact with so many types of people and be so much more comfortable doing so. In the end, I believe it makes them more well-rounded – and happier."

- Brian Kramer, P ’20
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