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Admission >  FAQ > 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

During the admission process, prospective GFA families ask many of the questions found below.  We hope that these responses begin to answer some of  your questions.  Please know that during the admission process there will be many opportunities to ask additional questions that you might have about GFA. 



How do students commute to GFA?

GFA draws students from thirty surrounding communities in Southwest Connecticut and Westchester County . While most students come via car/carpool, vans, Westport school bus, and by bicycle, roughly 160 students commute by  Metro-North train. The Greens Farms Station is a five-minute walk from campus. 



What is the length of the school day?
 Lower School  
 Grades K-3 Mon-Fri 8:00am - 2:40pm
 Grades 4&5 Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:00am - 3:05pm
Wed & Fri 8:00am - 2:40pm
 Middle School
 
Mon-Tues 8:00am - 4:00pm
Wed & Fri 8:00am - 2:40pm
Thurs. 8:00am - 3:05pm
Upper School* Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:00am - 3:05pm
Wed & Fri 8:00am - 2:40pm
* In the Upper School, daily sports practices end at 5:30pm


Is there a dress code?

Each division has an informal daily dress code and a formal dress uniform which is worn for special convocations, assemblies or other events. We also have several free dress and alternative dress days throughout the year.
 



Does GFA offer financial aid?

GFA is dedicated to making independent education accessible to families from a wide economic range. Nearly 10% of GFA's tuition budget is earmarked for financial aid, and in 2011-12, $2.1 million was awarded to14.2% of the student body.  Applying for financial aid has no bearing on admission decisions and awards are based solely on a family's demonstrated need. GFA does not award merit or athletic scholarships.  
 



Does GFA have a religious affiliation?

GFA emphasizes moral character, but has no specific religious affiliation. We are fortunate that nearly every religion and system of beliefs is represented by members of our community.



Is there an active parent community?

Parents are an integral part of the GFA community. Although the type of involvement varies by division, parents are involved in a wide variety of school activities. They are encouraged to become active in the Parents' Association.  There are many opportunities to get involved, including volunteering as Class Parents, working in the School Store, and serving as Team Parents.



What are the athletic requirements in the Upper School?

Grade 9 - required program participation for three seasons,
two of which must be on a team

Grade 10 - required program participation for three seasons,
two of which must be on a team

Grade 11 - required program participation for two seasons,
one of which must be on a team

Grade 12 - required program participation for two seasons



How important is community service?

Community Service is central to the mission of Greens Farms Academy and highly valued in the GFA community. Participating in community service develops inner personal qualities such as empathy, compassion, and responsiveness. The community service activities in all three divisions of the school provide enriching learning experiences, create respect for differences and prepare students to become socially responsible leaders.



  
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