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Using identity, connection, justice, and action as our guideposts.

Cultural Competence

Through a deeper understanding of historical and present cultural norms, students will be better equipped to validate and nurture the diversity within our community and feel secure in their own identities. We challenge our students to ask the big questions and be prepared to examine the answers.

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How does identity shape a person’s experience with the world? How does diversity enrich and strengthen a community? What power and privilege do I have? What individual and collective responsibilities do we have to each other?

Students explore these topics at grade-level appropriate paces. We’ve designed a curriculum framework around cultural competence to ensure our students have the ability to work effectively across differences with curiosity, and humility without judgment.

 

The The Hub for Community Connection

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AROUND THE WORLD - A POTOMAC TRADITION

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MOSAIC NEWSLETTER

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Students’ cultural competencies evolve throughout their time at Potomac. We start with lessons and activities that are geared to meet each student’s stage of development to enhance their listening and communication skills, empathy, and the ability to see another’s perspective. Over time, we begin to facilitate conversations around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

LOWER school

Students will develop positive social identities based on their membership in multiple groups in society and also recognize that people’s multiple identities interact and create unique and complex individuals. Ultimately, we work with students to express confidence and healthy self-esteem without denying the value and dignity of others, and to express comfort with people who are both similar to and different from them and engage respectfully with all people. Through respectful curiosity and open-mindedness, students are able to recognize stereotypes, injustice, and bias, and express empathy for others and speak up with courage. 

Middle AND INTERMEDIATE school

In these divisions, students begin to share more about themselves and their communities. They are curious about their peers' histories and are aware that different groups. and families might do things differently. Students are learning to listen carefully and without judgement, form connections with those who are outside of our community, and can recognize – and give examples of – prejudice and discrimination. Through lessons, speakers, community action days, service learning, and fellowship, Middle and Intermediate School students are aware of behaviors that can cause harm and pay attention to their own treatment of others and take action when they see injustice. 

UPPER school

Student outcomes in Upper School center around self-awareness and confidence in self, without treating or perceiving anyone else as inferior. Our goal is for students to respectfully and comfortable interact with all people and are able to build connections by showing empathy, respect, and understanding. In Upper School, students learn about the impact of unequal power relations and can explain the short- and long-term impact of unjust practices, laws, and institutions. Upper School students at Potomac are action-oriented and have led outreach, awareness, cultural exchange efforts for the school and wider communities. 

Cultural Competence is woven into our curriculum

French Field Trip Spring 2026
French Honors 2 Students Experience La Francophonie

French Honors 2 students brought la francophonie to life with an immersive trip to Fettoosh Restaurant in Arlington, VA, last week. While sampling traditional Moroccan delicacies such as tagine, couscous, olives, and preserved lemons, students enjoyed a tableside mint tea service, food trivia, and lively French conversation hosted by the restaurant's owner, Aziz. As the grand finale of their classroom food project, students are now writing culinary critiques, analyzing everything from ambiance to flavor, to showcase their language skills in a real-world setting.

World Religions Class Visits ADAMS Center

On a recent field trip, our World Religions class had the wonderful opportunity to visit the ADAMS Center, one of the largest Muslim community centers in our area. Our visit helped to bring our classroom lessons about Islam to life. At the beginning of our visit, we received a tour of the facility from Nasir Fareed, who explained the many ways that the center serves the Muslim community. Then we had the chance to speak with Imam Daoud Nassimi, who also answered our many questions about living as a Muslim. A major highlight of the visit was observing the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer service, during which we listened to part of the sermon and witnessed the congregation gather in prayer. To conclude the experience, the congregation showed us incredible hospitality by providing a delicious lunch of sandwiches and chicken and lamb biryani. This immersive trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience interfaith dialogue, cultural appreciation, and community connection firsthand.

Tai Chi in US
Chinese Class Hosts Tai Chi Session

The Chinese Culture Club hosted a Tai Chi session during a recent meeting, led by a professional instructor. Students joined in to learn the basics of this traditional practice, which promotes relaxation, balance, and focus. With finals approaching, the session offered a helpful way to unwind and recharge.