Culture, Diversity & Inclusion

At TMLA, Every Student Belongs

We believe that diversity enriches our school, strengthens our faith, and prepares our students to lead with compassion, confidence, and a global perspective. We are proud to be a school where young women from all backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and make a difference in the world.

Read on to learn more about diversity and inclusion at TMLA.

It's In Our Mission

At The Mary Louis Academy, our commitment to fostering an environment where all students feel seen, heard, and valued is rooted in the charism of our sponsors, the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, NY. Their mission of unity, reconciliation, and inclusive love guides us as we cultivate a school community that embraces and celebrates the uniqueness of each student.

The Sisters of St. Joseph have long been dedicated to empowering women and advancing education as part of their ministry. Their commitment to social justice extends beyond the walls of TMLA, as seen in their work through learning programs for immigrant women and immigration clinics.

This spirit of inclusion and advocacy is reflected in our school’s mission—to provide a faith-based, academically rigorous, and culturally enriching education that prepares young women to be leaders in an ever-changing world.

A Beautifully Diverse Student Body

TMLA is proud to be recognized among the most diverse private high schools in both New York (85th percentile) and the nation (88th percentile). Our student body reflects a rich tapestry of backgrounds, ensuring that every student learns in an environment that promotes cultural awareness, mutual respect, and global understanding.

Our Students Self-Identify As:

White, Non-Hispanic: 32%
Students of Color: 68%
- Hispanic/Latine: 23%
- Two or More Races: 19%
- Asian: 12%
- Black/African American: 12%
- Middle Eastern/North African: 2%

Faith & Interfaith Connections

While we provide a Catholic education rooted in Christian values, we also welcome and honor students of all faiths. Inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph’s dedication to inclusivity, we foster an environment where students of all religious backgrounds can explore their faith while engaging in meaningful interfaith dialogue.

Among our student body, we are proud to have representation from:

Agnostics
Buddhists
Christians (Other)
Hindus
Jews
Muslims
Sikhs

A Community That Celebrates You

At TMLA, diversity is not just acknowledged—it is celebrated in meaningful ways that honor the rich backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our students. Through a variety of programs, events, and student-led initiatives, we embrace the uniqueness of each member of our community and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and included.

Student-Led Affinity Groups

At TMLA, cultural expression and student leadership go hand in hand. We offer a variety of student-led affinity groups, allowing students to celebrate their heritage, educate others, and build cross-cultural friendships.

Our current cultural clubs include:

African Heritage/Caribbean Club
Black Student Union
British Club
Eastern Asian/South Asian Club
Eastern European Club
Filipino Club
French Club
Gay-Straight Alliance
Hellenic Society
Irish Club
Italian Club
Spanish Club

If a student’s culture is not yet represented, all it takes is two students to start a new club. At TMLA, every student has the opportunity to be a cultural trailblazer and shape the school’s inclusive community for future generations.

Heritage Holidays & Months

Throughout the year, we recognize and celebrate cultural heritage months and special observances, including but not limited to:

Hispanic Heritage Month (September-October)
National Immigrants Day (October)
Filipino-American History Month, Italian-American Heritage Month, and Polish-American Heritage Month (October)
National First-Generation Day (November)
Native American Heritage Month (November)
Black History Month (February)
Women’s History Month (March)
Arab American Heritage Month (April)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)
Caribbean American Heritage Month (June)
Juneteenth (June)
Pride Month (June)
Independence Day (July)
South Asian Heritage Month (July)

These celebrations have at times include social media features, student performances, guest speakers, cultural showcases, and educational activities that encourage dialogue and appreciation for different traditions.

Leadership & Advocacy

Multicultural Events & Showcases

TMLA hosts multicultural assemblies, international food fairs, and student-led presentations where students proudly share their heritage through music, dance, fashion, storytelling, and cuisine. These events provide opportunities for students to learn from one another and develop a greater appreciation for the global community.

The biggest event of the year is our beloved Cultural Harmony Festival, held each February - read below for more information!

Cultural Harmony Festival & Week

The highlight of our year is the Cultural Harmony Festival, a beloved tradition held each February, where our school community comes together to celebrate, share, and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up TMLA.

Leading up to this event, we observe Cultural Harmony Week, a time dedicated to exploring the traditions, values, and histories of different heritages. Throughout the week, we:

Highlight our 11 student-led cultural clubs through music, dance, and fascinating cultural insights.
Host an Interfaith Prayer Service that reflects the spiritual diversity of our community, bringing together students of 13 different faiths in a shared moment of reflection and unity.
Celebrate our diversity through performances, storytelling, and food, culminating in the Cultural Harmony Festival, where students proudly showcase their heritage through traditional dance, music, and cuisine.

At TMLA, our cultural diversity spans over 100 countries, and we recognize that our greatest strength lies in the beautiful tapestry of backgrounds that make up our community. While we are a school deeply rooted in Catholic values, we honor and respect the many traditions, beliefs, and faiths that our students bring with them.

See below for highlights from this year's festival!