Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Forest Ridge school of the Sacred Heart commits itself to the mission of championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through the lens of the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. This is a living statement that reflects how we aim to approach this work.  

We maintain rigorous academic standards that embolden students to thoughtfully engage with complex and challenging topics with conscious and ethical intent. We practice Sustained Dialogue and the Principles for Civil Discourse, through which students build essential conversational skills for both personal and professional contexts. We support students in areas of academic growth and celebrate students' areas of academic strength. We offer learning support, study breaks and structured study hall, collaborating with parents, guardians, and content experts to ensure equity in our educational practices. 

Goal 3
We foster a culture of radical acceptance and uphold St. Madeline Sophie Barat's commitment to teach "for the sake of one child" by embodying the spirit of Christ and walking in the footsteps of God's teachings. By using Catholic Social Teaching, we recognize the inherent dignity of each person who is beautifully crafted by the Creator. We strive daily to broaden our understanding of differences and hone cross-cultural competency in an environment founded on mutual respect. We amplify lesser-heard voices and actively integrate a broad representation of identities and experiences into our curriculum, acknowledging that there is always more to learn as stewards of God’s earth and its peoples.

Goal 4
We host a variety of spiritual and celebratory events as well as affinity groups related to race, nationality, gender, and sexuality. These events deepen students' bonds with their peers, enhance cross-cultural literacy, and solidify students' sense of citizenship on both a small, local and vast, global scale. We warmly welcome new additions to our community, speak our truths with courage and confidence, and listen to others with empathy and compassion. We work to ensure our community members feel seen, heard, and valued. We recognize the uniqueness of each part as integral to our school community, modeling the Heart of Jesus.  

Goal 5
We grant opportunities for self-expression, encouraging examination of all possibilities; we cultivate discernment and offer students the tools to navigate their formative years. We allow students to try, and try again, building resilience and embracing challenges as they personally grow as a lifelong learner. With the strength of God, our community, and the global Network of Sacred Heart Schools, we stand ready to grow into our own amidst a complex and ever-changing world. 

We do not approach this work as a destination but rather know that each step of the journey is an act of learning. We commit ourselves to grow continuously in this work. We recognize we will make mistakes. We assume and move forward with best intentions. We remain solutions-oriented. We are rooted in the Goals and Criteria to ensure Forest Ridge continues to be an educational environment that feeds the mind, body, and spirit. We recognize we do not know what the future holds, but we know we are stronger as a united community. This work is at the foundation of our practice. 

Motivated by the belief that building and nurturing relationships matter for a strong community, Forest Ridge believes that the work of inclusion and equity is everyone's work, and is committed to cultivating systems, structures, and practices founded on these values.

Forest Ridge is a member of the POCIS Northwest, a consortium of NWAIS independent schools that strives to connect, empower and strengthen Black, Indigenous and people of color by providing opportunities and programming for education, growth, and community engagement.