-
A Place for All
At The Woodstock Academy, we value diverse perspectives and foster an environment that ensures all students have equal access to outstanding educational opportunities. We acknowledge and celebrate the beauty of our differences while striving to achieve our common goals.
Embracing our Diversity
-
International students from 28 countries
-
Day and boarding students from 17 states
-
21 languages spoken on campus
-
Doing the Work
On Monday, September 18, the entire junior class will have the opportunity to enjoy scenes from Gem of the Ocean, the first play in August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of ten plays set in Pittsburgh's Hill District during various decades in the 20th century. Gem of the Ocean centers on Citizen Barlow's struggle for redemption as he seeks guidance from the wise Aunt Ester and discovers his true self. In addition to this in-school performance, American Classics Repertory Company will offer four shows for the community in the coming weeks. Tickets can be purchased here.
This March, three women-led galleries in the Quiet Corner are celebrating Women's History Month. Kicking off the exhibit openings is Loos Center for the Arts, followed by The Corridor Gallery and Silver Circle Gallery, both in Putnam, CT. On display; 24 artists works tell the stories of women through painting, mixed media, ceramic sculpture, textiles, and contemporary dance.
February is Black History Month. In continuation of WA’s year-round Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work, here are some recommended podcasts centered on Black voices:
The 1619 Project: Produced by the New York Times, WA’s Director of Equity and Inclusion, Mr. Washington, describes it as “the best podcast series on Black culture & identity.”
Black History Year: Short, daily episodes featuring lesser-known aspects of Black history
Code Switch: Weekly episodes hosted by journalists of color, centered on “fearless conversations about race”
Why Race Matters: Producer and host Angela Fitzgerald leads conversations with people committed to the cause of achieving racial equity
Historically Black: A limited series published by the Washington Post in 2016, featuring the personal histories that make up one exhibit in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
In February 2023, students from WA and local schools are invited to Warriors Don't Cry at Loos Center for the Arts. Warrior’s Don’t Cry is the one-woman play that dramatizes Melba Patillo Beal’s searing memoir of the battle to integrate Little Rock’s central high, through the lens of a contemporary young activist.
In October 2022, more than 1,600 students from WA and local schools attended Rhapsody in Black at Loos Center for the Arts. This inspiring one-man show follows writer and performer LeLand Gantt’s journey to understand and eventually transcend racism in America. Audiences were moved by his captivating storytelling and appreciative of the important conversations his performance sparked.
Meanwhile, The Gallery at Loos Center for the Arts opened Reflections, an exhibit featuring contemporary sculpture and drawings from artist Faustin Adeniran. His work is influenced by his experiences in Lagos, Nigeria and New Haven, CT, and it tells the story of his journey to achieve artistic freedom. The exhibit closed on November 17 and was free and open to the community.
In June, The Woodstock Academy partnered with The National Conference of Community and Justice (NCCJ) for our DEI Summer Institute. NCCJ is a human relations organization based out of Middletown, CT that promotes inclusion and acceptance by providing education and advocacy and building communities that are respectful and just for all. Teachers, administrators, and staff members spent two days building skills on identities, developing foundational work on race and racism, learning how to handle courageous conversation, and action planning for WA’s future. NCCJ did an amazing job pushing the room to be vulnerable while learning. The work that was done was not easy, but it was well worth it!
-
Meet the DEI Director
Denzel Washington
Director of Equity and Inclusion
dwashington@woodstockacademy.orgDEI Calendar
There are no upcoming events to display.
-
DEI Resources
View DEI educational resources and links below.
-
Get Involved
The Woodstock Academy offers many clubs and activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Join us!