Multicultural Affairs at The Benjamin School 

"...to provide a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body..."

These words from The Benjamin School Mission Statement reflect our belief that a diverse school community broadens awareness and appreciation of the many ethnic, cultural, and religious values and traditions informing our world.  We believe that differences enrich and strengthen our community. 

Following our school motto of "Nulli Secundus" (Second to None), The Benjamin School is committed to becoming the model institution for teaching the value of multiculturalism.  We are also working to ensure that all of our constituents become ambassadors for diversity and of diversity, both within and outside of our school grounds.  In order to reach these goals, we are guided by the following objectives:

Recruitment and retention of students, faculty, staff, and administrators from diverse backgrounds
The Benjamin School, through specific efforts and programs, strives to support and reflect in its constituency, the socio-economic, gender, racial, ethnic, and religious diversity that exists not only in Palm Beach County, but in the world in general.  We are also implementing both inclusion and affinity programs to help everyone remain a part of the Benjamin family once they choose to come here.

Creation of a multi-cultural and reflective curriculum
We believe that every student must "see" themselves - culturally speaking - in the lessons presented to them.  They must also simultaneously see cultures that differ from theirs in these lessons.  We are training the educators at Benjamin to be able to do these tasks, and ideally The Benjamin School will become a resource for local educators seeking to implement this type of curriculum.  It is vital in engendering in students a self-identity, a respect for difference, and an accurate view that is inclusive of the vast diversity evident globally.

Assessment
Finally, we must consistently use quantitative, qualitative, and anecdotal assessment to make sure that the above two objectives are being met.  With this constant assessment come both the critique and the celebration of successes that will help us attain our ultimate goal.

Brad Pazant, Director of Multicultural Affairs
bpazant@thebenjaminschool.org
(561) 626-3747 ext. 3321