Our Community

At St. Mark’s we believe in the power of a supportive community. We adhere to NAEYC’s Anti-Discrimination Position Statement when hiring staff and teachers. We welcome children of every race, sex, religion, ethnic or national origin, language and ability. Equally, we welcome families in whatever way they present themselves, honoring all gender identities, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, belief systems, and family structures by practicing mutual respect and affirmation. We do not teach religious doctrine.

Our teachers work to consciously treat all children with equal respect and consideration, interacting with children in ways that build self-esteem, and valuing differences between individuals. Our classrooms and children’s literature is curated to contain visual images that counter stereotypical limitations and we expect adults to avoid stereotypes in the language that they use. In this way the adults in our community model acceptance, tolerance, kindness and set an anti-discrimination intention. When missteps are made, they are addressed directly and remediated immediately.

We are committed to offering each other grace as we move through this period of time we share together, understanding that the decisions each of us make along the way are the best we can in the moment with the information we have and the circumstances we find ourselves in. We ask that you join us. Expect to see teachers and staff maintaining boundaries and leading with love.

As families, we hope that you see this perspective reflected in all that we do. We are always growing, adapting and evolving, and learning from each other. It is our intention to share our knowledge as this happens and continually gain wisdom from you and your children.

“We believe that children learn best through play and meaningful relationships with peers and loving adults.” St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten Mission Statement