The Chapin School is an independent, all-girls day school in New York City serving nearly 800 students K–12. Founded in 1901, Chapin prepares a diverse and talented community of young women to thrive and lead in a global society through its dedication to academic excellence, personal integrity and community responsibility. Chapin cultivates in each student a love of learning, independent thinking, emotional resilience and a dedication to serving others. Chapin’s Focus Forward strategic plan, which has guided our work since 2010, has intensified Chapin’s historic commitment to offering the most challenging academic curriculum while also teaching the social, emotional, and other life skills that will set the stage for its students’ success in this century. Focus Forward is a commitment to strengthening teaching and learning; culture, community, and global awareness; character, ethics, and emotional well-being; and financial sustainability. Specifically, at the heart of Focus Forward is a two-part commitment: to a learning environment that enables all students to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century to the best of their abilities, and to classroom teachi...ng that both meets the highest standards of academic excellence and is tailored to each student’s interests and potential. As part of our pledge to enhance our curriculum and pedagogy to reflect research and best practices, we place each student at the center of her own learning. Student-driven inquiry sets the stage for enduring understanding. Likewise, a commitment on the part of students and educators alike to a growth mindset ensures that for all students understanding key concepts in all disciplines is possible. Inextricably linked to our academic program are efforts that support the emotional health and well-being of our students. Chapin's Commitment to Diversity Chapin is committed to diversity in its culture, curriculum and program. Believing that an equitable, inclusive community is essential to learning, Chapin actively seeks families, faculty and staff who bring a range of experiences to the school. Chapin embraces and respects differences in age, ethnicity, gender, learning style, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic class. Expecting and requiring respect for others are hallmarks of our educational process.