Lakeside School

Photo: Middle School students participate in celebratory affinity group activities at Fall Festival, held at the Upper School. 

The Lakeside Middle School student affinity program provides an intentionally crafted, developmentally appropriate opportunity for all students to learn about the foundational and evolving aspects of themselves and others. It helps students develop a positive sense of self and builds students’ self-awareness, knowledge, and skills. It further increases awareness of what other differences, seen and unseen, exist in our communities, maximizing students’ ability to positively engage with a diversity of peers and adults. This benefits students in their preparation to engage in everything from the smallest of communities to a larger global stage. Affinity groups have become a staple program connecting Upper and Middle school students (6th-8th grade) with the support of adult coordinators. 

Affinity groups can be organized in a variety of ways, but are currently structured around shared racial/ethnic categories. Students choose which affinity they most identify with or wish to explore in more depth, meeting seven times throughout the year to connect and build community. The following affinity groups will be meeting in the 2025-2026 school year.

• African, African American, or Black affinity. 
• East Asian or Pacific Islander affinity. 
• Greater Middle East and Northern African affinity. 
• Jewish affinity. 
• Latino/a/e/x affinity. 
• Multiracial affinity. 
• South Asian affinity. 
• White affinity. 

This program sustains itself through the increasing number of Upper School students who seek to facilitate a group. Last year, we had 75 Upper School facilitators and are on track to maintain this number, with nearly all former facilitators returning and new Upper School students coming aboard. Upper School students have reported that their positive experiences in affinity spaces motivate them to become mentors for the younger students. They also enjoy welcoming the 8th graders as they transition to 9th grade, creating a meaningful bridge from the Middle to Upper School. 

The program seeks to be responsive to the needs of its participants and evolves each year as logistics allow. For example, both Upper and Middle school students have asked for a less structured delivery model to allow for more time to surface organic and authentic conversations. Toward the end of last year, Upper Schoolers took more agency in the design, and these changes were met with positive feedback from many participants. We strive to be as responsive as possible to student feedback with the aim of creating an experience that contributes to Lakeside’s goal of cultivating joy, hope, and care!

Krista Morales coordinates student equity programs at the Middle School. You can reach her, and all DEIB team members, at info@lakesideschool.site.