Lakeside School

Pictured: During the 2023-2024 school year, LATISPA and Global Dance Club collaborated on a participatory bachata lesson for the Upper School during assembly. 

Student affinity, alliance, and learning groups play a significant role at Lakeside Upper School, providing opportunities to connect across grade levels, educate and celebrate, and build a sense of belonging. 

There are three different types of groups. An affinity group is a gathering of people who share an identity and recognize that their identity affects the way in which they move through the world. Although members of the group may share an identifier, not everyone may share the same life experiences. Affinity groups provide opportunities for students to reflect on a shared identity and their experiences within the context of the school and our community. An alliance group is a gathering of people who identify as members of a group and/or for people who support and stand in solidarity with that group. A learning group is open to all and focuses on active self-education of its members using a variety of resources. 

While the Upper School affinity, alliance, and learning groups have adult advisors, they are led by students. In the fall, student leaders introduce the groups to the Upper School community in a variety of ways. Groups may meet weekly or monthly during dedicated time in the Upper School schedule. In addition to participating in the Upper School groups, many affinity group members serve as facilitators in Lakeside’s Middle School affinity group program and mentor younger students. 

In the 2024-2025 school year, the following groups will meet:

Black Student Union (BSU) affinity group. BSU is a safe and supportive place for people who identify as Black and African-American. They strive to celebrate the beauty, excellence, and strength of the Black community in all that they do. They hope to enrich and educate Black students as well as the broader community on the significance of cultural diversity here at Lakeside. Learn more in this blog by former student leaders.

Chronic Illness and Disability Affinity group (CIDA). A welcoming community space for all students on the disability spectrum, where members can engage in meaningful discussion about ability and illness, bond and connect with other students experiencing disability or chronic illness, and feel supported during times of need. They strive to deliver visibility, support, and joy to all Lakeside students on the disability spectrum. Learn more in this blog by a former student leader. 

Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever (GLOW). A safe space for allies and members of the LGBTQ+ Lakeside community. Besides being a safe and inclusive space for all, GLOW serves an educational purpose as well, holding discussions surrounding sexuality and gender identity. They also offer support and a listening ear for questioning students in confidential meetings (Bunker). Learn more in this blog by a former student leader.

Indigenous Student Alliance (ISA). This alliance group is for Indigenous students, non-Indigenous allies, and anyone interested in Indigenous culture or passionate about environmental issues. Their goal is to educate, spread awareness of Indigenous issues, and celebrate Indigeneity. 

Jewish Student Union (JSU). In its second year, this alliance group is a space for students to explore Jewish identity, the broad range of practices within the Jewish community, and what it means to be Jewish at Lakeside. It is for anyone who identifies as Jewish or who wants to learn more about Jewish heritage and Jewish culture. Take a peek at the group's inaugural event in fall 2023.

Lakeside Asian-Pacific Students (LAPS) affinity group. An affinity group that aims to support Asian American and Pacific Islander students in the Lakeside community, and celebrate and raise awareness of various Asian cultures and API identity through informal discussions, volunteer work, and social events. Learn more in this blog by a former student leader.

Latine/o, Hispanic, and Latin American Affinity group (Latispa). A place for Latine/o, Hispanic, and Latin American students to hang out, talk about experiences, and learn about each other’s cultures. Through a mixture of structured and unstructured meetings, along with bigger events, the affinity group strives to cultivate a strong Latine/Hispanic community that is safe, inclusive, and socially active. Learn more in this blog by former student leaders. 

Lakeside Anti-Racist Students (LARS). A learning group, open to students of all identities, focusing on examining how racial discrimination and social bias negatively impacts individuals and our communities. 

Mixed-Race/Multiethnic Affinity Alliance (MIXED). An affinity group for multiracial and multiethnic students to learn about their identity and talk about the unique dilemmas and experiences they encounter. They strive to create a sense of multicultural affinity within the Lakeside community and have fun. Learn more in this blog by former members of MIXED.

Muslim Student Association (MSA). A new group this year, MSA is dedicated to providing a safe space for all Muslim-identifying Lakeside students and allies of the Lakeside Muslim community. They aim to foster a supportive community for these students and their allies and to contribute to improving Lakeside via outreach, education, and social engagement.

Queer and Trans Students of Color (QTSC). A new group this year, QTSC is an inclusive and safe space for any students of color who identify as queer, trans, or questioning where, through meetings, events, and dialogue, they strive to understand and explore how intersectionality plays a role in their everyday lives. The affinity group aims to foster conversation about how race and ethnicity complicate our understanding of gender and sexuality and bring together community through shared experiences. Learn more about the group from this Tatler article published last spring. 

South Asian Affinity Group (SAAG). An affinity space (and LAPS member group) to raise awareness of South Asian culture at Lakeside and create a supportive environment for South Asian students to share their culture and experiences. Learn more in this blog by former student leaders. 

Student Awareness Council (SAC). A group devoted to increasing awareness, conversation, and action about a wide spectrum of socio-political issues, specifically race, class, and gender. SAC hosts biannual retreats on and off campus for students to engage in open dialogue about identity. Learn more in this blog by a former student leader.

The Interfaith and Spirituality affinity group is currently paused but may resume with student leadership.

We encourage you to learn more about Lakeside’s affinity, alliance, and learning program: Read about the Middle School program or learn about the parent and guardian affinity group program.

You can reach members of the DEIB team members at info@lakesideschool.site.