Although Hogwarts is a fine institution of learning, educating the inquiring minds of young witches and wizards from all over the country, for many of its students the castle means so much more than turning hedgehogs into pincushions.

Over the hundreds of years it's been open, Hogwarts has become a home for anyone feeling abandoned, and the place that outsiders can fit in. In fact, Hogwarts actively encourages individuality, and anyone who passes through its doors is taught the value of being themselves.

Whoever, or whatever you are: you’re welcome

This can be seen not just in the students, but in the staff too. Both the Divination teachers during Harry's school years, Professor Trelawney and Firenze the centaur, were given permanent teaching posts and a permanent home at Hogwarts. Both were outcasts from their societies for different reasons, but Dumbledore valued their unique perspectives — as well as knowing that everyone has value no matter their talents, and deserves to be treated with respect.