Inclusion & Belonging
When Marin Country Day School was established in 1956, our founders were committed to creating a diverse community comprised of families from both Marin and San Francisco. The Bay Area is one of the most diverse places in the country and we are committed to reflecting the vibrant mix of cultural, economic, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and family structures that are part of our everyday lives.
We believe an inclusive school community makes us better informed, more compassionate, and better prepared to effect positive change in the world.
Our families, faculty and staff represent an increasingly broad spectrum of economic backgrounds, family compositions, racial, ethnic, and gender identities. We believe this diversity of experience equips our students with the perspectives and skills necessary to thrive in a complex, multicultural, and increasingly connected world.
Inclusion and Belonging is one of the major strategic initiatives set forth by the Board of Trustees. Setting this initiative has led us to set thoughtful goals and make progress among our students, faculty, staff, and parents in this work.
Affinity Groups @ MCDS
MCDS fully supports affinity groups as a way of fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging. Affinity groups are intentionally designed to create a safe space for students, faculty/staff, or parents to discuss topics of interest, support one another, and explore one’s affinity experience. Most affinity groups meet several times during the school year.
Parent/Guardian affinity groups are parent-led and organized, with support provided by the MCDS Family Association. Current affinity groups include: Adoptive Family; Asian/Pacific Islander; Being Understood (Neurodiversity); Black/African American; Familias Unidas; LGBTQIA+; Jewish Families; Solo Parent/Caregiver.
Student affinity groups in Upper School are optional and student input is used to form the desired affinity spaces. Student affinity groups are supported by a faculty or staff member who shares the group's affinity.
Faculty & Staff affinity groups are peer-led and provide space for members to connect and explore their affinity experience.
Affiliations & Community Partnerships
MCDS maintains partnerships and affiliations with the following organizations:
- Breakthrough San Francisco
- Bridge the Gap (Marin City)
- Next Generation Scholars (Marin)
- Our Family Coalition (Bay Area)
- People of Color in Independent Schools (POCIS)
- Schools Mentoring & Resource Team (SMART San Francisco)