About Spence

Diversity and Equity

At Spence, we commit to...

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  • Trustee Statement

    We commit to making Spence an inclusive, equitable and multi-identity community in which each student will build intellectual and moral capacity, not only for school but also for life. Spence young women enter the world as excellent scholars and engaged citizens, able to bridge differences and diverse points of view to meet the complex challenges of a changing world. Spence is an environment that embraces differences, honors identity and values full membership and belonging for all.

    Guided by our Community Standards, we stand up against exclusion, bias, racism and prejudice in all forms. While deepening our understanding and appreciation of a diverse community, we recognize the ongoing opportunities and the challenges inherent in learning from one another. Together, we find power and joy in working collaboratively to ensure that Spence is a place of ethical stance and substance, a place in which students, parents, faculty and administration cultivate personal integrity in service to the collective values of respect and trust.

Have Questions?

Reach out to MarQuis Chappell, Director of Institutional Equity

Civil Discourse Statement

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  • At Spence we value…

    True education includes learning how to honor differences and entering into conversations with curiosity and a truly open mind. Our Student Equity Council students have worked collaboratively with each other, the faculty and administration, and have succeeded in centering respect for each other and creating a caring, open and honest atmosphere in which to grapple with issues and learn together. These are crucial skills that will serve them well outside the Red Doors. Learn more about our Civil Discourse Statement.
Created by Upper School Student Council and Upper School Equity Council

NAOMI LIGON ’18, COMMENCEMENT SPEECH

“We have all grown in courage, competence and maturity, while celebrating our differences in religion, skin tone, who and what we love, socioeconomic status and political views. We have shown that we can operate in unity, which is not the same as uniformity nor unanimity. We don’t all have to sing the same note—like a choir, we are called to sing many notes in harmony, which allows us each to contribute our unique tones to create something beautiful.”

In Our Community

As reflected in our Trustee Statement, Spence remains committed to establishing an environment that invites full participation and membership to everyone in our community. As such, students, faculty, staff, and families are invited to participate in a range of programs and learning opportunities to advance their understanding of community, equity, and belonging. Please reach out to MarQuis Chappell, Director of Institutional Equity, to learn more about our work and how you can be involved.

The Spence School Non-Discrimination Policy

The Spence School adheres to a long-standing policy of admitting students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship or athletic and other school-administered programs. 

Students of Color: 52%

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  • 46%

    Lower School

  • 47%

    Middle School

  • 58%

    Upper School

39%

Faculty of Color

Spence Students Come From

List of 6 items.

  • Manhattan | Brooklyn

  • Queens | The Bronx

  • Long Island

  • NY State Region

  • New Jersey

  • Connecticut

Explore Spence

Middle & Upper School

22 East 91st Street
New York, NY 10128

Lower School

56 East 93rd Street
New York, NY 10128

Athletic & Educational Facility

412 East 90th Street
New York, NY 10128
A K-12 independent school in New York City, The Spence School prepares a diverse community of girls and young women for the demands of academic excellence and responsible citizenship.

212-289-5940


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