At Browning, we believe in fostering a culture where every student feels a strong sense of connection, purpose, and responsibility to participate substantively in the world around them.
Our learning community is enriched by the wide range of perspectives, talents, and experiences of all its members, and we are committed to cultivating an environment where every student can thrive.
Browning boys, teeming with talent and curiosity, are united by a shared commitment to intellectual growth, character development, and service. While global in its scope, the pursuit of purposeful living is at the core of everything we do inside the Red Doors at Browning. We strive to create a community where students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully, collaborate meaningfully, and contribute positively to society.
Our commitment to fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and leadership is not a supplement to our rigorous curriculum—it is embedded in every aspect of our teaching and learning. We recognize that building an inclusive and welcoming environment is an ongoing effort, and we approach this work with both humility and dedication.
Every member of the extended Browning community plays a role in upholding the School’s values, even—perhaps especially—when challenges arise. We deeply appreciate the engagement of our parent community, student leadership groups, and alumni mentors as we work together to ensure that every student, faculty member, and visitor experiences a sense of connection and purpose.
As we guide our students from K-12 and beyond, we remain committed to providing programming that reflects our most deeply held values—honesty, dignity, and service to others. Who better to lead the way than boys of intellect and character, prepared to share their light with the world through a lens of curiosity and responsibility? This work belongs to all of us, and we couldn't be more proud of our students for embracing it with their whole selves.
Respectfully,
Naledi Sean Semela
Chief Equitable Practices Officer
Diversity Statement
The Browning School strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected and valued. We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social and emotional growth for all. Recognizing and pursuing diversity, however, are not enough; we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives and values that characterize our community.
Promoting Cultural Competency
A capstone to a Browning boy's Upper School experience, Senior Projects require a substantial commitment on the part of the boys. This rewarding and enriching experience symbolically caps a Browning boy’s career. Projects have included engagements with the New York Public Library, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Brooklyn Book Bodega, Grassroots Grocery, the American Museum of Natural History, New York Common Pantry, WNET, the Asia Society, and the Wild Bird Fund.
Throughout the year, our Lower School students are treated to an interactive educational presentation and performance from Daniel’s Music Foundation, helping students appreciate the many ways people contribute and express their talents, regardless of physical or cognitive differences. DMF will be the social impact partner organization for Grade 5 all year, building community and connections as well as providing volunteering opportunities and an invitation to the Danny Awards.
The Panther Mentors are alumni who share their experiences to support a more inclusive and understanding school community. Their continued engagement with Browning’s admissions and advancement teams enriches the experience for all students.
The Parent Equity Council offers opportunities to foster connection and shared understanding among families through meetings and activities that promote respectful dialogue and community engagement. The PEC is open to all Browning families and regularly invites guest speakers and presenters to its meetings and events.
Equitable Practices and Social Impact in Action
Students engage with important themes such as fairness, respect, and cultural understanding through our curriculum, assemblies, school events, and student organizations.
Student organizations
Student leadership on inclusion and community engagement is coordinated through our Student Diversity Equity Committee (SEDC), composed of presidents from student-led identity and interest-based groups. This group seeks to host all school events and collaborate with peer schools to advance conversation. In 2020, this group was among leaders who experienced racial literacy training in partnership with Lion’s Story.
Upper School students also participate in the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), and other national workshops, conferences, and meetings with New York City independent school students.
Students may join a variety of cultural, identity, and interest-based groups that reflect the richness of our community. These include cultural heritage clubs, discussion-based alliances, and service-focused organizations.
Social Impact
Keeping in mind the school ethos of good character, honesty, courtesy, sensitivity to others and service to the community, Browning boys are encouraged to engage in service that strengthens their character and deepens their connection to the broader community. Learn more.
Faculty professional development
Browning professionals are encouraged to recommend and actively participate in professional development and participate in ongoing professional development to support inclusive teaching practices and strengthen community-building within the classroom. Throughout the year, faculty attend the NAIS People of Color Conference, Peer Learning Groups, NIAS workshops, and NYSAIS diversity conferences to continue to engage in these pertinent conversations and stay abreast of best practices in equity work.
Parent Equity Council
The Parent Community Council supports family involvement and connection. It works closely with school leadership to foster a welcoming, respectful, and engaged community.
ALUMNI MENTORSHIP
A dedicated group of alumni formed the Panther Mentors to guide and inspire current students through mentorship and leadership development. Their collaboration with Browning’s admissions and advancement teams enhances opportunities for all students.