Viewpoint is committed to enrolling an inclusive, multicultural student body. Our 1,200 students represent a rich variety of ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. There are 15 different languages spoken in the homes of our families, and students of color represent more than 30 percent of the student body.

 

For the 2011-12 school year, more than 35 percent of all new students entering Viewpoint are students of color. The Admission Office actively seeks students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a range of talents and interests and who possess an intellectual curiosity, a high level of motivation, and an eagerness to become involved in our community.

 

 

The School and its students benefit tremendously from the dynamic parent leadership of the Multicultural Committee of the VSSA (Viewpoint’s parent association). The VSSA Multicultural Committee, recognizes, celebrates, and supports the cultural diversity of Viewpoint School, and strives to develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures. The Committee sponsors activities designed to enrich our educational programs, enhance cultural awareness, foster ethnic diversity, and advocate for the successful recruitment and retention of historically underrepresented students.

A PARTIAL LIST OF MULTICULTURAL CLASSES AND EVENTS AT VIEWPOINT SCHOOL

Ongoing Throughout the Year:
-- Seventh and Eighth Grade Multicultural Art classes begin (electives for either first or second semester).
-- Upper School AP World History and Comparative Government courses explore multicultural issues.
-- Lower School Social Studies focuses on Native Americans.
-- Seventh Grade Social Studies contains units for the year on Africa, the Middle East, India, Japan and Latin America.
-- Spanish IV, U.S. History, and Human Development courses in Upper School explore multicultural issues.
-- Fourth Grade History and Geography covers the essential question, "How did California become a multicultural state?"
-- Upper School student Multicultural Club begins its weekly yearlong lunchtime meetings.
-- VSSA Multicultural Committee Meetings begin for the year.

September
-- Book display for Hispanic Heritage Month, Prinn Library.
-- Lower School world language classes present for Primary and Lower School assemblies.
-- Wild Africa, Primary and Lower School special assembly.
-- Seventh Grade English studies Steinbeck's, The Pearl.
-- Fifth Grade reads Theodore Taylor's, The Cay.

October
-- Hispanic Heritage Month activities continue.
-- Daily Bulletin announcements throughout the year explain the significance and importance of various holidays of major religions and cultures.
-- Second Graders read and study Laotian folktales.

November
-- Fifth Graders study Jerry Spinelli's, Maniac McGee and complete a decision-making unit on prejudice and courage.
-- Thanksgiving and the role of Native Americans are discussed.

December
-- Holiday assemblies and programs commemorate Christmas, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
-- Second Graders read Navajo folktales.

January
-- Futo Toro, a West African music and dance ensemble, performs for Middle and Upper School assemblies.
-- Korean classical music and dance ensembles perform for Primary and Lower School assemblies.
-- World Orchestra performs for Primary and Lower School assemblies.
-- Chinese New Year celebrated throughout the school in classes and at assemblies.
-- Multicultural Literature, a second-semester Upper School elective course, begins.
-- Fifth Graders study Jane Yolen's, The Devil's Arithmetic.
-- Sixth Grade Social Studies unit focuses on Israel and the Middle East.

February
-- World Language Week celebrations, performances, assemblies, and presentations for all Divisions of the School.
-- Black History Month begins and includes special assemblies with outside performers and speakers for all Divisions of the School.  Performance artist Mildred Gerestant performs for Middle and Upper School students.

March
-- Women's History Month begins and includes library displays and special units in classes throughout the Divisions.
-- Second Graders study Vietnamese folktales.
-- Spanish classes recognize and commemorate Cesar Chavez Day.

April
-- Jazz Tap Ensemble performs for Middle and Upper School assemblies.
-- Earth Day celebrated throughout the Divisions of the School and features musical assemblies with instruments from around the world.

May
-- Bobby Rodriguez Jazz Adventure performs for Middle and Upper School students.
-- Rangataiketan, an East Indian dance and music ensemble, performs for Middle and Upper School assemblies.
-- Primary School students perform for assembly in French.
-- Seventh Graders celebrate the customs, traditions, and foods of their heritage at Heritage Day.