Educational equity means that each child receives what they need to develop to their full academic and social potential.

WSG Equity Statement

We believe that students of all backgrounds deserve to be challenged, supported, and inspired in school; but educational equity is not yet a reality for Black and Brown girls. They urgently need schools that believe in their gifts, talents, and potential, and are designed specifically for their success. For over 25 years, WSG has been steadfast in our commitment to racial and gender equity.

To live up to our values, we pledge:

To celebrate our students for their achievements and aspirations, rather than define them by society’s failure to support them

To challenge them, rather than practice the racism of low expectations

To design and deliver teaching and learning that is culturally responsive, and accurately depicts the presence and contributions of Black and Brown people in our society

To engage ourselves personally and professionally in continuous learning about equity

To engage our partners and stakeholders in equity conversations to share our knowledge and contribute to progress in our broader community

To ensure that our students regularly see and engage with adults who look like them in a variety of positions both within the school and within our community of stakeholders

From admissions to graduate support, our programs are intentionally designed to combat the inequity our students and families experience elsewhere. When making a decision, we interrogate it through the lens of equity: is student enrollment accessible for a guardian who is unfamiliar with a private school admissions process? Are family engagement opportunities flexible and abundant for parents with challenging and unpredictable work schedules? Do disciplinary actions remove students from the classroom unnecessarily, taking away opportunities for academic growth? Does our language as a school community reinforce or challenge racial and gender stereotypes? Do students have the opportunity to experience various world-views and perspectives beyond their community?

While WSG is an affirming community for our students, we can only do so much to prepare students for an inequitable world. We rely on our friends and partners to do their part to eradicate injustice and racism in our larger community, to make the world a better place for our students.

Curated Research

WSG has a strong commitment and focus on what it means to support, educate and affirm elementary and middle school girls, specifically girls of color, each day in a school setting. We recognize that our work today with them supports their educational journey now and propels them into their futures.

Our work is informed by the insightful and compelling work of others who study, research, and write about girls of color.

Increasing School Connectedness in Girls
Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality, 2024
A report on how Restorative Justice policies help girls achieve higher educational attainment and lifelong health benefits and success.

The Case for Strong Family and Community Engagement In Schools
Elizabeth M. Ross, March 2023
A summary of recent research and book review.

The Crisis in American Girlhood (Washington Post subscription required)
Donna St. George, Katherine Reynolds Lewis, and Lindsey Bever, February 2023
An article on the rising mental health issues facing girls in 2023.

Cultivating Joyful Learning Spaces for Black Girls
Dr. Monique Morris, 2022
An educator’s guide to rebuilding education to better serve Black girls

Racial Justice, Gender and Generosity
Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy, March 2022
A report on philanthropic support of racial and gender justice causes

Indispensable but Overlooked: A Research Review of Girls’ Caretaking and Household Responsibilities and their Effects on Girls’ Lives
Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality, 2022
A report on girls’ role in the household and its impact on learning

Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues
Dr. Monique Morris, 2019
A call to action to improve the educational experience for Black and Brown girls

Girlhood Interrupted, The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood
Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality, 2017
A research study on Adultification Bias 

Declare Equity for Girls, it’s time
Crittenton Services, 2017
A report highlighting the unique challenges girls face in the Washington area and beyond

Featured News

Creating a Curriculum With Black Girls in Mind
The Hechinger Report

Leadership Series Speakers

This series brings notable women (and men) on campus to engage in discussion with students about their lives and experiences, sharing insight and perspectives on future career goals and planning. This experience allows students to see a wide variety of pathways to success and learn how they can pursue their interest different professional fields.

If you are interested in participating in the Leadership Series, please contact Joey Adams.