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The Packer Collegiate Institute is an independent, co-educational PreK-12 school in beautiful Brooklyn Heights, one subway stop from Lower Manhattan. Established on Joralemon Street in 1845, our school is located on a unique and historic campus. The Packer Early Learning Center, one block away at 100 Clinton Street, houses our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Packer's dynamic curriculum is shaped by enormously talented educators who put students at the center of their own learning experience. Our mission is the foundation of the Packer experience. Think Deeply, Speak Confidently, Act with Purpose and Heart. As a community, we regularly discuss these words' profound meanings, beginning with our youngest learners. In our rapidly changing world, we believe that exceptional individuals develop by engaging, questioning, and participating in the community, and Packer students embody our mission in ever-inspiring innovative ways. Grounded in rich traditions while embracing the future, Packer is a diverse community that balances the value of scholarship and the intellect with the importance of meaningful and sustained relationships. Guided by dedicated adults, Packer students are challenged to develop talents, pursue aspirations, and become empathetic, responsible, globally-minded individuals. Our mission drives our six core values. Together, they capture our commitment to nurturing both head and heart in balance: Scholarship: supporting meaningful intellectual engagement, rigorous thought, and the life of the mind. Creativity: fostering curiosity, exploration, discovery, and the value of generative work and art. Diversity: embracing difference, access, and inclusion to build understanding and empathy. Integrity: cultivating decency, honesty, goodness, and personal responsibility. Joy: creating a community of positive energy, active participation, and lively engagement. Respect: caring for oneself, for one another, for the space we share, and for the work we do. For Packer students, the benefits of learning in a diverse community where individuality is valued, and equity is affirmed are immeasurable. The conversations we initiate throughout the Packer community are openly held and deeply valued. Our work is often connected to our focus on social-emotional development, community engagement, and global learning. We are actively engaged in cultural competency work because we understand the positive impact on all communities; more importantly, we know the potential this work has for encouraging justice and empathy in the world beyond Packer's doors. Our commitment to the diversity of people in our community encompasses every social identifier, including, but not limited to, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, family composition, and ability. As a community, we are focused on the encouragement, support, and experience of every student and work with families to ensure students experience full membership at Packer. Our students have established a range of affinity groups and clubs to examine their experiences' commonalities and generate understanding across our community related to various identities, interests, and beliefs. We hold student-centered events and meaningful community events to bring students, families, school professionals, alumni, and neighbors together to share perspectives, find common ground, and build empathy. Our annual school-wide Packer in Action program offers students and adults opportunities to examine, discuss, and dismantle inequities in our community and world. The annual Middle School Equity Simulation gives students first-hand insights into how identifiers impact one's experiences and opportunities in the world. Throughout the year, we co-sponsor speakers, workshops, meet-ups, and other activities to build on our Community Engagement Program, Global Learning Program, and our Alumni Office. We also work very closely with the Diversity Discussion Group of the Packer Parent Association, hosting monthly meetings and bringing in outside speakers to foster growth and conversation. Packer believes that healthy identity development is essential to our students' academic, social, and emotional growth. As educators, we must create an environment where all students feel safe, challenged, celebrated, and an integral part of Packer. Our responsibility is to engage all members of our school community in understanding multiple perspectives and participating in anti-bias work. Ultimately, our goal is to prepare students to become contributing members of a multicultural and interconnected society. From preschool through high school, our academic program directs young people to become critical thinkers and creative risk-takers. Our highly trained, collaborative faculty create age-appropriate academic challenges while providing the holistic support that young people need to realize their full potential in and out of school. With small class sizes and attention to both intellectual and social-emotional growth, Packer students develop a sense of empowerment in all aspects of their lives. They are encouraged to explore their interests and to participate in the world around them. Whether in one of our classrooms, on stage, or in the athletic field, Packer students are confident, curious, and determined. View full school