Creating Space for Every Story

When you walk through The Country School campus during any month of the year, you'll witness something remarkable: students bringing their complete, authentic selves to school—and being celebrated for it.

"We are always inviting our students to bring their complete selves to school and be celebrated in that fashion," explains Keith Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at The Country School. It's a commitment that goes far beyond a single day or month—it's woven into the daily fabric of this PreS-8 independent school in Madison, Connecticut.

Beyond Holidays: A Year-Round Commitment to Cultural Awareness
In many schools, cultural education happens once a year during a designated heritage month. At The Country School, it's an ongoing conversation that spans all twelve months. Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American Heritage Month, and Indigenous Peoples Month are celebrated through all-school meetings and integrated into classroom curricula. But the learning doesn't stop there.

"We hold space empathically for views that are different from ours and celebrations that are different from ours because there's a foundation underneath all of that—we are celebrating community and family, the things that are really important to our students," Smith notes.

This approach to global citizenship—one of The Country School's five Signature Programs—means students develop perspective-taking skills that extend far beyond their immediate experience. They learn that everyone has their own journey, and while we might see the same thing, we don't all see it the same way.

Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing
Jennifer Butler, School Counselor, emphasizes the intentionality behind The Country School's inclusive practices. "We make sure that no matter what you're celebrating, you're welcome here, you are seen, you're valued, we are celebrating with you—even if that's not something that is our individual belief system."

This commitment to belonging is especially important during the holiday season, when families may be celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other meaningful traditions. The school creates space for all celebrations while ensuring that every student feels their identity is honored and respected.

The work happens both publicly and privately. While some cultural shares occur at all-school meetings where the entire PreS-8 community gathers, much of the deep learning happens within individual classrooms—intimate spaces where students feel safe asking questions and exploring new perspectives.

Students as Cultural Ambassadors
Some of the most powerful learning moments come when students themselves become the teachers. Recently, 2nd Grader Eli shared about his Indigenous heritage when his mom and sister visited the classroom. They discussed powwows they've attended and demonstrated the practice of smudging with burnt sage.

"The kids were so invested and engaged," Smith recalls. "It's a safe space for them to ask any number of questions. Students really enjoy hearing about the different parts of people's cultures and how they go about living their lives in ways that are different from what you and your family do every day."

And it's not only about cultural heritage. Students also share their passions and talents. When Emma traveled to Prague for a tap championship competition, she performed her solo routine at an all-school meeting, giving classmates a window into her dedication and artistry.

"It isn't always about culture, it's just embracing others," Smith explains.

Building Empathy Through Action
The Country School's approach to inclusive education extends beyond awareness to action. Fifth Graders participate in a refugee simulation that builds understanding of global challenges. As a school, we look for ways to embrace and support those who need it and recognize that building empathy is a continuous practice fostered through care, awareness, and understanding of those around us. This perspective-taking continues in history and English classes, where students examine events from multiple viewpoints. "Things aren't always the way you see it. There's another viewpoint or another experience," Butler emphasizes. It's about taking the blinders off and recognizing that you're part of something bigger.

The Power of Being Seen
Smith reflects on the importance of students sharing their whole selves: "When you can bring yourself completely to the places you're in, then you feel more comfortable. In our inclusive environment, we all benefit from learning about the cultures that people weave into their lives."

This commitment to seeing and celebrating every student creates a school community where differences are not just tolerated—they're treasured. Where heritage months are honored throughout the calendar. Where a second-grader's Indigenous traditions and an eighth-grader's tap dancing championship both receive enthusiastic applause.

At The Country School, inclusive education isn't a program—it's a promise. A promise that every child will be welcomed, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Experience Our Community
We invite prospective families to see this inclusive, globally-minded community in action. Schedule a campus visit today. Bring a friend and discover how The Country School creates space for every story—including yours.

Contact our Admission Team today to schedule your visit and learn more about our PreS-8 program where global citizenship and inclusive education come to life every day.