Community at EBI

Belonging, Connection, and Purpose

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

At Escuela Bilingüe Internacional, community is at the heart of everything we do. Our vibrant and inclusive school culture is built on meaningful relationships among students, families, faculty, and staff. We believe that a strong sense of belonging helps children thrive—both academically and personally.

From the very first day, EBI families are welcomed into a bilingual, international community rooted in the values of equity, respect, and global citizenship. Whether it’s connecting with other parents at Café y Conversación, cheering at a soccer match, or volunteering during Grandpersons’ Day, there are countless ways to feel connected and involved.

Our commitment to community is more than a feeling—it’s a lived experience. At EBI, we know that when families and educators work together, students grow into compassionate, globally-minded leaders. Join us, and discover the power of an international education rooted in connection and care.

What Makes EBI’s Community Unique?

  • Intentional Inclusivity: With families representing over 20 countries and a wide range of backgrounds, we celebrate the richness of our differences while cultivating shared values of respect and empathy.

  • Family Engagement: Our active EBI Parents’ Association (EBIPA) fosters connection through events, affinity groups, and family connections that strengthen our community bonds.

  • Student Leadership & Voice: From Student Council to Student Ambassadors, we empower students to contribute meaningfully to their school environment.

  • Community Traditions: Annual events like Latinx Heritage Month celebrations, Grand Persons Day, Black History Month,and Día de los Muertos reflect our global perspective and shared joy.

  • Partnership with Purpose: Parents, faculty, and staff collaborate closely to support each child’s journey—creating a learning environment where every student is seen and supported.

Student Body Demographics

Students at EBI come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Included in the chart are the self-reported identities of our students, with over 60% identifying as students of color.

In addition, at least 5% of students come from LGBTQ+ households, and 1% identity if non-binary or transgender.

Student Groups

SAGA stands for Sexuality and Gender Alliance, a student-led organization of LGBTQ+ students, allies, and those interested in learning more. It was founded by EBI middle school alumni and a former middle school teacher. SAGA is a safe space where we explore issues that affect the LGBTQIA2S+ community, how we can both educate and advocate, and how we can make EBI an inclusive place for everyone. In partnership with our lower school Rainbow Club, we sponsor several school-wide events throughout the year, including leading our EBI contingent in the Oakland Pride Parade, Day of Silence, and EBI PrideFest! SAGA is open to all middle school students.

SAGA Faculty Advisors:
Sooz Worthing (she/her)
David Gales (they/them)

The Rainbow Club is a place where all interested upper-elementary (4th and 5th grade) students can come together to safely and supportively learn about the LGBTQIA+ community, its history, and the issues it currently faces. It is a place to promote understanding and tolerance, to build community, and to foster meaningful action. The idea for the club came from middle school SAGA students, who expressed that this is something many of them felt they would have benefited from in 4th and 5th grade. 

Rainbow Club Faculty Advisors:
David Gales (they/them)
Kyla Danysh (she/they)

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Club is a middle school affinity space designed to bring together students of color and allies in a safe, supportive environment. Founded two years ago as part of a community project led by a former student and two middle school teachers, the club was created to strengthen belonging and celebrate the diversity of our bilingual school community.

In BIPOC Club, students share their life stories, cultural backgrounds, and personal experiences growing up in the Bay Area. Our community reflects a wide range of identities, including Latin American, Hispanic, Black African, African American, and other multicultural backgrounds. Through dialogue, shared meals, and cultural exploration, students celebrate the richness of their identities while also discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating multiple cultural spaces.

The club intentionally supports the development of the IB Learner Profile. Students practice being open-minded as they listen to diverse perspectives, caring as they build supportive relationships, and reflective as they explore their own identities. They grow as communicators through meaningful dialogue in both English and Spanish, and as principled community members who value respect and inclusion.

BIPOC Club is open to all middle school students interested in building community, deepening cultural understanding, and fostering an inclusive school environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.