Decoding School Mission Statements Pt.3: Community

“Diverse community learners,” “inclusive,” and other key terms present in mission statements that give you a sense of the school community.

School mission statements are truly on a mission. In just a few sentences, schools set out to identify and distinguish themselves, as well as captivate you. Schools want you to believe that in their educational environment your child will thrive and become the fullest version of themselves. In capturing this abstract idea of your child’s bright educational future, you are left to figure out the hard facts.

We are here to simplify it for you. School “mission statements” (or “values” or “about” or “philosophy” or “why _____,”) are a mix of buzzwords (which are attached to genuine sentiments) that can be boiled down to three tenets:

• Educational philosophy 

• Academic excellence 

• Community   

We covered educational philosophy and academic excellence in our first two posts in this series, and so here we will explore perhaps the most intangible sentiment schools are trying to capture: community. 

Mission Statement Tenet 3: Community 

Community encompasses all that “stuff” that extends beyond classroom learning. Yes, it is the activities students engage in outside of the classroom, the school-wide events and connection with the world outside the school building. But, the concept of “community” is also how the school fosters a sense of belonging, where students feel connected to others and proud of a collective (school pride) and individual identity. We will be breaking down the related concepts of “community,” and what they really mean for your child’s experience and school world.

“Diverse Community of Learners”

This quasi-ubiquitous phrase on  school websites captures the sentiment that there are students with different perspectives, backgrounds, learning styles, etc. Of course, this is true at most schools. Therefore, one must dig a bit deeper for a true sense of the “diverse community of learners.” Many schools have an “at a glance,” “by the numbers,”  or “snapshot” page that may highlight boroughs (or even countries) represented, as well as the racial or socioeconomic diversity of the student body.

“Joy”

Including “joy” in a mission statement communicates that a school fosters a positive learning environment, and that your kid will want to go to school. In isolation, “joy” may not tell you much about a school’s program or community, however when paired with descriptions of a school’s educational philosophy, you can get an idea of how a school is sparking this joy.

“Global Community”/ “Connecting with the World”

When a school’s mission statement mentions a “global community” or engagement with the larger world, it is capturing the sentiment that schools are microcosms, not bubbles. In other words, this phrase does not relate to the international composition of the student body, but rather speaks to a sense of engaging with cultures, events, and topics that may not directly impact your individual student. 

Parents typically want their children to grapple with complex topics in a developmentally appropriate and safe environment, and by mentioning the outside, global world, schools are stating that they foster this exact type of growth and learning. 

“Community Based” 

This phrase is more common for public schools. If a school specifically emphasizes that it is “community based,” it likely means that the vast majority of families come from the school’s direct neighborhood. 

“Inclusive”

Inclusive means two things in the education world. One definition refers to the general inclusion of all students, and all identities, in a community that affirms and supports differences. However, more often when present in a mission statement, “inclusion” specifically refers to the education of students who are neurodiverse or who have  specific learning disabilities (or any sort of learning needs). 

If a school states that they are inclusive to “all learners” or “diverse learners,” it means they support neurodiversity to some extent. You can expect these schools to have explicit resources and services (in or out of the classroom) to support students with specific learning needs. Conversely, the absence of any mention of “inclusive learning” can indicate that educational services beyond the mainstream classroom are not provided or prioritized.  If you are looking for a school that will support your neurodivergent child, it is especially important to ensure that this is mentioned in a school’s mission statement. 

• “Inclusion Classroom” or “Integrated Classroom:” These terms specifically refer to a classroom in which students with and without learning differences are educated together. 

The Community Fluff:

We call “the fluff,” generic template terms and words that can be applied to virtually any educational institution, regardless of its unique strengths or challenges. While these words indicate sincere sentiments (the school really cares about fostering a positive community where your child can learn and grow), they, in isolation, do not indicate any hard facts about a school. 

• Dynamic/Changing World

• Interconnected 

• Engaged/ positive  learning environment 

• Kindness/ Empathy (We are here to assure you that whether or not a school explicitly states it in their promotional materials, they likely work towards nurturing a community of kindness and empathy)

Off the Walls and into the Halls

Some school statements will elicit a gut reaction eye-roll, others may resonate, and even inspire you. Above all else look for evidence of how schools are, to use a favorite cliche, taking their missions “off the walls and into the halls.” In other words, uncover how and what students learn by decoding which aspects of the educational experience are emphasized.

And remember, BetterEd is here to help take some of the pressure off. We can “read beyond the words” alongside you to come up with a school list that fits just right. You know your child. We know education. Sign up for a free 15 minute consultation below or contact us for more information.