Mission Statement

Bancroft, an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school, prepares talented, well-qualified and motivated college-bound students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, to pursue and realize their academic, personal, and social potential.

We provide a comprehensive, caring, and creative curricular and extracurricular program that fosters an experience of excellence for each student. Inspired students, a superior faculty, and engaged families thrive in our diverse, safe, and supportive community.

We afford students the opportunity to discover their passion in life and to learn to embrace confidently and responsibly the moral and ethical challenges of being lifelong learners, teachers of others, and citizens of an increasingly complex global community.

Global Citizenship

A Bancroft global citizen honors cultural diversity, seeks an awareness of current events, acts in an environmentally sustainable way, and reaches out to the community, both locally and worldwide.

Diversity and Inclusion

As global citizens, we must understand, respect, and work to strengthen not only our own society, but those of other nations and cultures, as well. Bancroft School, through thoughtful admissions and hiring practices, seeks to create a welcoming and inclusive community of families, faculty, and staff who reflect the diversity of the greater Worcester region.

Our common beliefs, and the goals we strive every day to achieve, are embodied in our Diversity Statement:

We believe...

• that, in order to fulfill our mission, a healthy diversity must define Bancroft School.
• in the dignity of the individual and the celebration of difference.
• that our community must aspire to the best democratic ideals.
• that a diverse and inclusive community is a better learning community.
• that our sense of justice and inclusion will continue to evolve.

We strive...

• to create a diverse and inclusive community in which each individual
  is safe, known, and valued.
• to create a school culture that affords each member the opportunity
  to construct a personal identity in an environment that is open,
  inviting, and accessible.
• to forge a community devoid of all forms of prejudice and discrimination—especially those based upon gender, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, physical disability, or sexual orientation.
• to build a community of families, faculty and staff that reflects the diversity of the greater Worcester region.
• for an inclusive community that gives voice to all members,
  encourages challenges to biases and assumptions, and promotes on-going discussion on these important topics.

Cultural and Community Awareness

Academic programs in all three divisions emphasize international cultures in age-appropriate ways. The Lower School holds a Global Citizenship Week; the Middle School hosts a World Fair; and Upper School World History teaches students how past events have shaped the present.

Faculty members also use discussions of news and current events as opportunities to raise cultural awareness and understanding. Bancroft also encourages and supports student-led efforts toward global citizenship. A few examples:

• Celebrating World Peace Day with thoughtful actions and activities.
• Organizing charitable initiatives to aid those in need locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Contributing to The Heifer Project through the Read to Feed program and Box Tops initiative.
• Sending clothing, supplies, and letters to children in hurricane-stricken regions.

Environmental Sustainability

If you’ve been on campus and seen the roof of the McDonough Center or the Fletcher Athletic Center, you know about Bancroft’s commitment to clean, renewable energy. Bancroft is home to the largest solar electric system in the City of Worcester.

Students actively define what it means to be “green” at Bancroft, too. And the faculty supports student interests by serving as advisors, participating in green efforts throughout the year, and working to build in curricular knowledge of environmental issues.

We believe in leading by example, and sustainability efforts large and small are a conspicuous part of campus life:

• 896 high-efficiency solar panels
• Zero-sort recycling system
• Certified green cleaning supplies
• LED lighting
• Metered chemical system
• Microfiber cleaning technology
• 100% recycled carpets
• Organic fertilizers
• No pesticides
• No-VOC interior paints
• Corn-based compostable plastic cups
• Local, organic produce in the cafeteria
• School-grown herbs and vegetables
• Kitchen composting
• Native species for new plantings
• Battery-recycling program
• Environmental Club
• Annual Earth Day events
• Recycling
• Gardening
• Green Cup Challenge
• Community volunteers

Bancroft’s commitment to environmental sustainability is always expanding, as we make a deliberate effort each year to build on an already impressive record.

International Exchange Programs

There is no better way to understand our global neighbors than to experience first-hand their culture, geography, language, and history. Bancroft currently participates in exchange programs with schools in Arles, France (Middle School); and Meaux, France; Burgos, Spain; and Shanghai, China (Upper School).

Top