Pine Crest promotes a diverse environment to support and strengthen the School's culture as a premier institution of learning. A culture of belonging is critical to fostering student success.

We honor and celebrate a range of cultures, backgrounds, talents, experiences, and opinions in our students, faculty, and administration, always seeking to expand our world view and create a community of sensitivity, openness, and acceptance. Pine Crest does not tolerate hateful, disrespectful, or discriminatory language or behavior by any member of our School; there is no place on our campus for bigotry, racism, or prejudice of any kind.
 

Overview 

Every person’s story adds depth and richness to our community. We respect and value each unique narrative, which creates a welcoming and supportive environment. At Pine Crest, we believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give our students is being accepted in truth and authenticity. We want our students to feel valued and included by faculty and staff, but more significantly, by one another. When students are exposed to a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, they learn to think critically, challenge their assumptions, and explore alternative approaches and solutions. As the late Dr. Maya Angelou taught us, “In diversity, there is strength.” Pine Crest students are the future leaders of our diverse global community.  

Our commitment is to foster a school where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, nurturing a strong sense of belonging for all and embracing the many cultures that bring us together, empowering our students to become compassionate leaders in an interconnected global society. In our community, belonging is not left to chance. It permeates our conversations and classrooms, is woven into the very fabric of our school, and influences and shapes our identities and interactions.

Under the guidance of the president and senior administrators and led by Ms. Uche Pendergast, Director of Belonging and Assistant Athletic Director, more than 10 Pine Crest educators and administrators serve on the School’s Belonging and Global Unity Team. Representing both campuses and all Divisions and Departments, the Team meets regularly to keep a pulse on the needs of our students and move forward the programs and projects that support belonging in our community.


Examples of ongoing opportunities for Pine Crest students include: 

Lower School

  • Author studies and visits 
  • Community Building Assemblies 
  • Festival of the Arts 

Middle School 

  • Author visits 
  • Guest Lecturers 
  • "Mix it Up at Lunch" Day 
  • Multicultural Club 
  • Multicultural Week 

Upper School 

  • Guest Lecturers 
  • Heritage Clubs
  • Institute for Civic Involvement Symposia 
  • Multicultural Assembly 
  • Multicultural Week 
  • "Words that Hurt" Student Presentations 


Contact Information 

Uche Pendergast
Director of Belonging and Assistant Athletic Director
[email protected]

Ms. Pendergast works closely with Dr. Markham and a core committee, consisting of:
Dr. Amy Varo-Haub, Head of Middle School (Fort Lauderdale Campus) and Executive Director of Innovative Learning and Student Experience
Mrs. Melanie Connors, Head of School (Boca Raton Campus) and Vice President of Admission