Inclusion Matters

What is Inclusion? By definition, it is the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure.

What does inclusion look like at City Neighbors? Inclusion is essential to who we are. It’s woven into the very fabric of our schools. Our model has a pure inclusion form where every child, no matter of ability, is in the classroom learning with their peers as much as possible. There is no division between abilities, no "special" classroom.

Why is this important? One of the best predictors of a child's success as a student is how they feel about themselves and their capabilities. When a child feels included on all levels they strive to excel. It allows students to learn that not all people learn in the same way or at the same rate, but everyone’s thoughts and ideas are meaningful and necessary to make the classroom the best learning environment it can be.

Inclusion Testimony: I have a child with a learning difference who attends City Neighbors Charter School.  He was diagnosed with this difference in first grade, and he has no idea that, in some schools, he would have been taken away from his peers to learn in a "special" classroom. When he sees his friends striving to make educational goals, it motivates him to reach those same goals. He understands that it may take him longer to reach the goal or he may have to achieve it in a different way, but he wants to continue to grow and push his intellect and ability. This is all possible because of intentional inclusion at City Neighbors.

Written by: Kuana Holley-Burris, Board President, City Neighbors Charter School