An independent day school serving grades Pre-K to 12 | St. Paul, MN

Everyone Belongs at SPA

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

At St. Paul Academy and Summit School, our vision is a diverse school where all feel a sense of belonging, and our commitment to this vision is enduring.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are part of the everyday student and community experience at SPA. While the following are just a few examples, these ongoing events and programs help support and celebrate our DEIB mission throughout the year:

  • Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) participation
  • Families of Color seasonal gatherings and events
  • Annual school-wide MLK Day of Service
  • Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month assemblies


 

38%

of students identify as BIPOC, PK-12
 

15%

of full-time employees identify as BIPOC
 

Getting Involved: Students and DEIB Opportunities

Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)

Ever year, SPA sends students to participate in the annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). Led by a diverse team of trained adult and peer facilitators, participating students develop cross-cultural communication skills, design effective strategies for social justice practice through dialogue and the arts, and learn the foundations of allyship and networking principles.

Sonia '26

"I love being part of the South Asian Student Alliance because it allows me to celebrate my culture and heritage with students from a similar background. We often spend our meetings playing traditional games like carrom, watching Bollywood movies, and eating South Asian food. It's nice to have a safe space of students to connect with and share common experiences."

Sonia '26

Naomi '28

I love being a part of Mischpacha because it gives me a space and community to celebrate my religion and connect with people who share my identity.

Naomi '28

Shefali '26

"I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the South Asian Student Alliance because I get to frequently interact with students who have had similar lived experiences to me."

Shefali '26

Violet '26

"I loved being a part of the Black Student Union at SPA. It provided a space where I felt supported and surrounded by people who look like me and share similar experiences."

Violet '26

Thomas '26

"Getting to host a ramen party for fellow Asian students really made me feel like I was supporting my culture and community."

Thomas '26

Nijah '26

"We all understand each other in a different way and are able to connect on a different level, which has been very comforting."

Nijah '26
Black Student Union

DEIB and Professional Development

SPA is committed to ongoing DEI professional development for all employees: 

  • Yearly Diversity Forum
  • Intercultural Life Liaisons
  • NAIS People of Color Conference
  • Faculty/Staff Affinity Groups
  • Workshops for Student Affinity Group Advisors

Faculty and Staff Recruitment

SPA is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff and maintaining a workplace culture in which all are treated equitably.

These values are an important piece of our hiring processes, as are attending hiring events focused on candidates of color and marketing open positions with the goal to attract the most diverse hiring pools. 

Please contact Courtney Barker, SPA’s Director of Human Resources, with questions or visit our Careers page for more information.

DEIB in Action at SPA

Our Culture and Community

Mission and Values

SPA Leadership

Careers