Lafayette Preparatory Academy strives to provide a top-ranked education in a close-knit community that ensures students and staff members are recognized and valued for who they are. LPA is Diverse by Design, reflecting the city we love. Children of all backgrounds grow and learn together, strengthening community bonds and preparing to effectively lead the next generation.

What do we mean by diversity?

Diversity encompasses complex similarities and differences in perspectives, identities and points of view. Diversity is the very heart of humanity’s unique richness—from race to socio-economic status, gender to sexual orientation and so much more.

“Unless our children begin to learn together, there is little hope that our people will ever begin to live together.”

-Thurgood Marshall

While important to understand, these commonalities and differences don’t predict any individual’s values, choices or responses to any given situation. This is why it is essential to approach every individual with an open mind, respect and authentic interest for understanding. We are all unique, and we should explore and contemplate our individual similarities and differences.

As educators, we encourage students to explore these similarities and differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. Beyond simple tolerance, this is about embracing and celebrating what makes each of us unique—and how we come together as a community when we do.

This is what Diverse by Design is all about.

The science behind the success:

An overview of Diverse by Design research

The value of a Diverse by Design approach is well documented. Racial and economic integration leads to:
  • Enhanced learning outcomes
  • Increased intercultural and cross-racial knowledge, understanding and empathy
  • Better preparation for employment in the global economy
  • Increased democratic outcomes1
Let’s hear from the researchers themselves:
  • “Socially diverse groups (that is, those with a diversity of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation) are more innovative than homogeneous groups.”
  • “Simply interacting with individuals who are different forces group members to prepare better, to anticipate alternative viewpoints and to expect that reaching consensus will take effort.”2

What does diversity look like at LPA?

Many races, one family:
  • 1% Asian
  • 38% African American
  • 6% Hispanic
  • 8% Multi-racial
  • 47% White

Among this rich diversity are students of many different religions, family structures, gender identities, education levels and life experiences.

  • 34% qualify for free and reduced-cost lunches
  • 19% receive special education services
  • 7% qualify as English language Learners

1Wells, A. S., Fox, L., & Cordova-Cobo, D. (2019). How Racially Diverse Schools and Classrooms Can Benefit All Students. Retrieved from The Century Foundation: https://tcf.org/content/report/how-racially-diverse-schools-and-classrooms-can-benefit-all-students/

2Phillips, K. (2014, October 1). How Diversity Makes Us Smarter. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-diversity-makes-us-smarter/