Leadership team members recently reflected upon what it is that will cause our school community to come through this COVID-19 pandemic crisis still intact and possibly even stronger. Responding individually, our collective responses can be grouped by three core values: Our Inclusive Community Is A Moravian Tradition, We Are A Community Dedicated to Our Students & Lifelong Learning, and Our Mission & Strategic Vision Guide Us to Success.

The below are our reflections on how our Moravian tradition of being an inclusive community will allow us to emerge from this pandemic stronger.

Innovative Pedagogy & An Inclusive Community - A Moravian Tradition

Moravian Academy, as a school and a community, is built upon a foundation of success. From the very beginning, the Moravians have been innovative in their educational pedagogy. Beyond that, they were a progressive, inclusive community dedicated to the care of the group rather than just the individual. Our school, and the broader community around it, has built itself on the principles of the early Moravians. For almost three centuries Moravian Academy has withstood a wide range of turmoil, both domestic and international, and with each crisis we have moved forward stronger and even more committed to our values. This will be no different. We will continue to care for our community as a whole, making choices that embrace the needs of many. And, like the early Moravians, we will adopt innovative strategies in a changing climate, all the while keeping the student as our focal point.

- Erica D'Agostino, Assistant Head of School

Resiliency & Resourcefulness: MA’s Greater Purpose (During These Times)

I believe that the greater purpose I see surfacing as we, as a nation and as a school community, face the greatest challenge to most of our professional and personal lives is overwhelming resourcefulness and resiliency. I am so impressed by the quick response our school has taken to pull learning online. Everyone has a “can-do” attitude and the care and concern felt for each member is amazing. Our ability to come together and work in tandem with our colleagues and families shows our greatest asset to sustaining our school and getting through hard times.

- Ingrid Gerber, Director of Admissions

Strong Community & Heritage: A Recipe that Perseveres

Moravian’s greater purpose that remains unshaken and confirmed during this pandemic is our unflappable community & heritage. Generations of students, alumni, parents, grandparents, and educators have stepped-up and stepped-into the unknown with unwavering commitment to pursue educational excellence as one community, even in times of societal hardship. We lean on each other and become better. We ask one another for help. In author Charlie Mackesy’s recently published graphic novel, the boy asks, “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” “Help,” said the horse. “Asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s refusing to give up.” Moravian Academy perseveres; 278 years and counting.

- Susan Parent, Director of the Annual Fund and Special Campaigns