Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At the heart of Montessori philosophy is the belief that every child is an individual with specific needs, identities, talents, and backgrounds. With this philosophy in mind, the school community embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the child at the center of it all. We seek to break down barriers that cause injustice and to equip staff, faculty, families, and students with tools to understand and dismantle injustice.

As a community, NNM seeks to develop cultural humility through embracing and honoring identity, developing a deepened understanding of all members of our School community, and cultivating a School-wide atmosphere of windows and mirrors.

What Equity Means to Us

DEI in Curriculum

On a continuum from 0-6 to 12-14, our goal is to embed anti-biased and anti-racist pedagogy, recognizing students need knowledge and tools related to mitigating bias as well as to civic engagement, all of which allows them to access their power in transforming the world around them.

Culture of Belonging

At NNM, we encourage students to honor and build authentic relationships with peers from diverse identities and backgrounds. We use the language of windows and mirrors. Windows are moments that allow us to understand and acknowledge the realities of other’s experiences. Mirrors are moments in which we see our lives, experiences, identities, and culture reflected.

NNM supports parents in this necessary work through family groups, student affinity groups, guest speakers, parent education opportunities, film screenings, shared resources, and other opportunities.

Opportunities for Parent Engagement

Diversity, in its most simple form, means difference. At NNM, diversity includes race, ethnicity, religion, family composition, family traditions, sexual identity, gender expression, ability, and socioeconomic status. NNM acknowledges and celebrates our differences through events like the Festival of Lights and parent programming via our family groups, where we demonstrate a willingness to learn from, and about ourselves and one another.

Family Groups

Family Groups

AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander): An inclusive community of people who identify as AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) and their families. Our mission is to support and celebrate AAPI identity by offering social, educational, and cultural events throughout the year.
CALS (Celebrating All Learning Styles): A space for parents of children who have learning differences and/or are neurodiverse with a focus on connecting to learning support resources, and to provide a supportive space for parents to discuss their children's needs.
Latine/Hispanic Montessori: A space for all parents of Latine/Hispanic heritage and/or have children who identify as Latine/Hispanic.
MOCHA Montessori (families with Black and biracial Black children): A community of families that provides cultural, social, and parenting support to NNM families with Black children. Mocha Montessori hosts both child-friendly and parent-centered events throughout the year, offering families the opportunity to build relationships and connect with mirrors.
MASALA Montessori (families with South Asian, biracial South Asian, or multiracial South Asian Children): A space for families of children who identify as South Asian, biracial South Asian, or multiracial South Asian.
MENA Montessori (Muslim, Middle Eastern, and/or North African): A space for parents who identify with the greater Muslim, Middle Eastern, and/or North African diaspora.
Montessori Mishpacha (Jewish families): A space for Jewish families.
PRIDE Montessori (parents and/or parents who have children who identify as LGBTQ+): A space for all parents who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or have children who identify as LGBTQ+.