Private School Axis Creates Equitable Access for Students of Color

Collette Bowers Zinn, a fourth-generation educator and former litigator, founded the nonprofit Axis in 2020 to address persistent disparities in education. A Los Angeles private school graduate herself, former school administrator for 15 years, and now a private school parent, Bowers Zinn has a firsthand understanding of both the transformative power of world-class education and the challenges of being a student of color in predominantly white schools. 

“I feel that children that fall all across the spectrum of privilege should feel what I got to feel: loving my education,” Bowers Zinn says. “That is why Axis is lighting the path to equity in education by ensuring that independent schools are diverse and inclusive spaces that prepare our students to work constructively across all differences.”

Axis partners with 35 local independent schools to help a growing number of underrepresented students of color and their families access, navigate, and thrive in schools that fit their needs. The nonprofit has grown from serving 10 students in its first cohort to 46 students in its third cohort. Axis stays with the students and families in its cohorts for the duration of their independent school education.

Axis’ relationships with families form during a year-long process where the nonprofit guides, supports, and represents students and families of color throughout the admissions process. Among their second cohort, 93 percent of Axis students were accepted into an Axis Partner School and every family who needed financial aid had their financial needs fully met.

Once students are enrolled, Axis keeps in frequent communication with their families,  helping them navigate the independent school system and ensuring the most successful outcomes. Axis’ outreach includes a “Welcome to Independent Schools” event, an annual conference for BIPOC students and educators, and personalized support through phone calls, emails, text messages, and in-person meetings.

“Axis made [the admissions process] less scary and intimidating for people like us who are not traditionally served at these schools,” says a parent in the program. “Throughout the whole process, it just felt like family.”

In addition to working directly with students and families, Axis works with schools and educators to make the schools more equitable and inclusive spaces. This year, they are launching a first-of-its-kind Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accountability (DEIA) accreditation, which schools can participate in to strengthen equitable educational practices in their school communities. 

Axis also places educators of color in their partner schools by helping them apply for jobs at those schools and supporting them in their roles once hired.

“My team and I are deeply passionate about equity and access in education,” Bowers Zinn says. “Every scientific educational study shows that diversity and equity are key to optimal learning outcomes for all students.