Youth from every quarter
Educating youth from every quarter has been an Exeter hallmark since its founding in 1781. Over time, the term “youth from every quarter” from our deed of gift has evolved to be an even more inclusive reflection of the greater world in which we live.
We continue this tradition today by bringing together students and adults with deep intellectual curiosity and compassion for others who represent a range of backgrounds, experiences and traditions. The intentionality of our community calls upon each of us to explore, celebrate and learn from each other’s differences.
We are all better equipped to learn and to lead when our thoughts are tested by others, particularly those whose thoughts or identities differ from our own. Our community consciously infuses equity through all aspects of life at Exeter and prepares Exonians to value and respect individuals — on our campus today and wherever they go beyond.
By the numbers
Percentage of the student body consisting of those who self-identify as people of color
Affinity groups and clubs, such as African Student Association, Asian Voices, Feminist Union
Equitable Exeter Experience (E3)
E-cubed is a pre-orientation program for new Black, Indigenous and other students of color, high financial-need students, students who would be first in their families to apply to college and LGBTQ+ students.
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)
JEDI is a monthly forum for adults in the Exeter community to discuss issues around racial equity, share experiences with race and racism and practice honest dialogue necessary to foster an inclusive school community.
Exeter Diversity Institute
EDI is an immersive, multi-day training for faculty and staff that offer in-depth conversations about all aspects of identity, equity, and belonging.
Our commitment to our community is to do more than assemble a diverse population of students and adults: our commitment is to teach the skills, model the behaviors, provide the resources, and cultivate the environment of inclusion that is required to unlock the richness of that diversity.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vision Statement
DEI in our curriculum
Important work is ongoing in every academic discipline to diversify course content and structure the curriculum to be more inclusive. Here are some examples of courses that show the result of that work:
MAT40J
Mathematics of Social Justice
Covers mathematical methods needed to analyze impacts of public policy with a particular emphasis on identifying undesirable outcomes such as discrimination, systematic bias and inequity.
> Go to course
HIS515
LGBTQ+ History
This course will study the historical development of gay, lesbian, and transsexual/transgender identities and the fight for LGBTQ rights in the 20th and early 21st centuries.
> Go to course
ENG568
The Harlem Renaissance
Harlem, New York. 1920s. A constellation of African American writers, artists, performers and thinkers are changing American and world culture, pollinating African American art and literature.
> Go to course
More to explore
Alum shares message of gratitude with assembly
Emmanuel "Manny" Vega '04 spoke of his journey to and through Exeter and how it's shaped his life since.
- November 3, 2023
Celebrated writer and social commentator honored with Phillips Award
Roxane Gay ’92 addresses assembly, visits classes.
- October 27, 2023
Imagining our future
Alumni across generations gather to celebrate the enduring impact of the Afro-Latinx Exonian Society.
- October 30, 2023
Exeter commemorates the lasting legacy of MLK
Academy takes on 'complicated day' to praise progress and acknowledge work still to be done.
- January 15, 2024
