Greens Farms Academy is aPreK-12,
coed school in Westport, CT

Greens Farms Academy is a PreK-12, coed school in Westport, CT

Equity and Inclusion

Private school students in class.

I am so excited to be a member of this community! I feel privileged to work in a PreK–12 educational environment where our students are urged to explore their place in—and potential impact on—the world. Our mission calls upon us to prepare students for a life of purpose. This can (and should) be defined in many different ways, and that compels us to continue to do no less than our very best to maintain our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that values the identities, perspectives, and experiences of all its members. Our motto, “Each For All,” demands nothing less.

One of the most critical elements of equity work in schools is strong and courageous leadership. The charge of shepherding a school’s equity and inclusion efforts is both complex and rewarding. It is my aim to ensure that all constituencies on campus, from our youngest learners to our most tenured faculty and staff, have an opportunity to be part of the voice and structure of what makes GFA unique. GFA is home to thousands of stories, and those stories—and the voices that tell them—make us strong.

We are writing the next chapter of what it means to be Greens Farms Academy.

Each for All.

Shanelle Henry,
Director of Equity and Inclusion

Deep Learning Begins in Belonging

Belonging is at the heart of our curriculum. From Pre-K through 12th grade, students engage with an array of perspectives and lived experiences that help them see both themselves and others reflected in what they learn. We foster authentic, respectful relationships and cultivate individual and collective well-being because students learn best when they are needed, known, and embraced by their community.

Lower School

In the Lower School, Equity and Inclusion is about encouraging self-reflection, storytelling, and cultivating curiosity about the lives, experiences, and perspectives of others. We devote time and space for children to share the pieces of their lives that matter most to them, allowing each and every child the opportunity to share as well as to be truly heard. Whether it’s through morning meeting shares, classroom presentations, or addressing the entire Lower School during assemblies, these moments help our children grow into confident communicators who know their voice matters, strengthening both their individual identity and their place within the community.

Middle School

Throughout Middle School and across disciplines, GFA students have the opportunity to learn about themselves and others. In classes, Advisory, grade-level activities, and Assemblies, students reflect on the world around them and how to treat all people with respect. In English classes, students read a wide variety of voices and engage in conversations around different experiences through a prism of curiosity and understanding. Similarly, the history curriculum ensures an exposure to a broad range of history and cultures both within this country and across the world. Advisory and grade-level activities give students the opportunity to explore who they are, how they fit within the community, and ways in which they can support all students by being seen for who they authentically are.

Upper School

In the Upper School, Equity and Inclusion work deepens as students engage in thoughtful reflection, critical inquiry, and meaningful dialogue across a wide range of contexts. Students explore complex questions of identity and belonging through academic courses, advisory programming, and community events. Whether discussing diverse voices in literature, exploring historical and contemporary systems of power, or engaging in student-led initiatives, Upper School students are empowered to think deeply, speak authentically, and act with purpose. As they prepare for life beyond GFA, students grow into ethical leaders who value multiple perspectives and strive to create inclusive spaces wherever they go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Our Own Words

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VOICES