Are students expected to participate in protests or activism?

Not at all. Crossroads is all about student choice and zero pressure. No one has to grab a sign or join a protest unless it really feels right for them. There are lots of ways to get involved in social justice. Some students jump into service projects or school-wide campaigns. Others prefer quiet reflection, deep conversations, or creative projects that share a message. Writing a poem or designing a poster can be just as powerful as speaking at a rally. What matters most is that students feel heard and supported. Everyone is encouraged to show up in a way that feels true to who they are. Nothing is ever forced.

What if parents have different views on social issues than what is taught?

Crossroads gets that every family brings something different to the table. Different experiences, different beliefs, different ways of seeing the world. That’s part of what makes learning here so meaningful. The school isn’t trying to tell students what to think. It’s all about helping them learn how to think with curiosity, empathy, and a solid grip on the facts. If parents ever have questions or feel unsure about something, they’re encouraged to speak up. The door’s always open. Crossroads wants students to explore big ideas, listen to others, and form their own opinions while still staying connected to the values they’ve grown up with.

Can students opt out of social justice discussions or activities?

At Crossroads, social justice is woven into everyday learning. It’s just as much a part of school life as math or reading. Students aren’t expected to become activists, but they are encouraged to ask questions, join in on class conversations, and think about what’s happening in the world around them. These topics are handled with care, and teachers are great at creating space for different perspectives. If something feels especially sensitive, there are always options for how to participate in a way that feels comfortable. And if parents ever have concerns, they’re encouraged to reach out. The goal is always thoughtful, respectful learning that meets students where they are.

Social Justice at Crossroads School: Empowering Students to Create Change

At Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences, students don’t just learn about the world; they’re encouraged to make it better. Social justice is built into the school culture. From kindergarten through 12th grade, students are surrounded by lessons in empathy, equity, and real-world change. Thanks to the Equity & Justice Institute, Crossroads gives students the space to ask big questions, tackle tough issues, and actually do something about them. Whether they’re talking about the environment, civil rights, or identity, students gain the tools and confidence to speak up and step forward.

How Crossroads School Integrates Social Justice into Education

Social justice isn’t just an extracurricular activity at Crossroads—it’s woven into the fabric of the school’s mission.

Incorporating Social Justice into the Curriculum

This isn’t your typical worksheet-and-lecture setup. At Crossroads, social justice shows up across all subjects and all grade levels. Younger kids explore fairness and kindness through classroom discussions and stories. As they grow, students dive into courses like Modern Gender Studies and American Social Movements. They study historical events, analyze what’s happening in the world right now, and learn how to ask the kinds of questions that lead to change. It’s not just about understanding systems, it’s about imagining what a better system could look like.

Encouraging Student-Led Activism and Initiatives

At Crossroads, students don’t wait for permission to get involved. They organize fundraisers, lead awareness campaigns, and work with local organizations on everything from food insecurity to environmental action. If there’s a cause a student cares about, chances are they’ll find a way to bring it to life on campus. The school encourages student-led efforts and provides plenty of support to turn great ideas into real impact. Change doesn’t have to wait until graduation.

The Lasting Impact of Social Justice Education on Students

Crossroads students carry what they learn far beyond the classroom. Talking about hard topics, taking part in community projects, and seeing their own efforts make a difference helps students grow into empathetic, capable leaders. They learn how to work with others, how to listen, and how to take action in meaningful ways. Many graduates go on to pursue careers in public service, activism, or advocacy. Others simply bring that same sense of justice and purpose into whatever field they choose. Either way, they leave Crossroads ready to be the kind of people who make things better.

Building a Lifelong Commitment to Advocacy

Some things stay with you, like the feeling of making a difference. At Crossroads, students gain that feeling early and carry it forward. Many alumni find themselves drawn to careers where they can keep doing meaningful work, in social justice, public policy, education, or nonprofit leadership. But it’s not just about career paths. It’s about mindset. Students graduate with a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and courage that shows up in everything they do. Whether they’re leading a movement or helping a neighbor, they keep showing up for their communities and for the causes they care about.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are students expected to participate in protests or activism?
Not at all. Crossroads is all about student choice and zero pressure. No one has to grab a sign or join a protest unless it really feels right for them. There are lots of ways to get involved in social justice. Some students jump into service projects or school-wide campaigns. Others prefer quiet reflection, deep conversations, or creative projects that share a message. Writing a poem or designing a poster can be just as powerful as speaking at a rally. What matters most is that students feel heard and supported. Everyone is encouraged to show up in a way that feels true to who they are. Nothing is ever forced.
What if parents have different views on social issues than what is taught?
Crossroads gets that every family brings something different to the table. Different experiences, different beliefs, different ways of seeing the world. That’s part of what makes learning here so meaningful. The school isn’t trying to tell students what to think. It’s all about helping them learn how to think with curiosity, empathy, and a solid grip on the facts. If parents ever have questions or feel unsure about something, they’re encouraged to speak up. The door’s always open. Crossroads wants students to explore big ideas, listen to others, and form their own opinions while still staying connected to the values they’ve grown up with.
Can students opt out of social justice discussions or activities?
At Crossroads, social justice is woven into everyday learning. It’s just as much a part of school life as math or reading. Students aren’t expected to become activists, but they are encouraged to ask questions, join in on class conversations, and think about what’s happening in the world around them. These topics are handled with care, and teachers are great at creating space for different perspectives. If something feels especially sensitive, there are always options for how to participate in a way that feels comfortable. And if parents ever have concerns, they’re encouraged to reach out. The goal is always thoughtful, respectful learning that meets students where they are.