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

A message from Shanelle Henry, Director of 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

Equity and Inclusion at GFA

Equity and Inclusion Team

At Greens Farms Academy, we embrace, honor and affirm all members of our school community across race, age, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, family composition, ability/disability, learning styles, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and other characteristics that construct our unique identities. We seek to ensure that all aspects of school life — including curriculum, admission, retention, hiring practices, and support for students, families, and employees — reflect our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Director of Equity and Inclusion

Shanelle Henry

Shanelle Henry

In Our Own Words

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Each for All

GFA’s commitment to building and nurturing an inclusive community is core to our mission. We believe:

  • a diverse faculty, staff, and student body benefits and enriches all members of our community and is critical to meeting our educational aim of preparing students for their futures;
  • our curriculum and co-curricular program must teach our students global competency and to espouse the habits, skills, and attitudes necessary to live and thrive in a multicultural and interconnected world;
  • our community must be a place where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.

Recent Events

Our school community recently gathered to reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As part of this year’s commemoration, we welcomed Molly Kawahata—climate leader, former White House advisor, and "hope whisperer"—to campus for a two-day visit.

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Awards

GFA Receives 2024 A Better Chance Northeast Placement Award

This recognition is given to schools that have placed the highest number of A Better Chance Scholars from the Northeast region, and GFA achieved this distinction during the 2023-24 placement cycle.

More Resources

GFA Director of Equity and Inclusion Shanelle Henry discusses the Day After Election Guide on the podcast Third Space with Jen Cort 

Listen here

Coyle Scholar, Julie Lythcott-Haims, shared her history and perspective on "What it Means to be Black in White Spaces"

WATCH HERE

Ms. Henry participated in a panel discussion with YMCA Greenwich: "Black @: A Conversation about Race, Culture, and Curriculum in our Schools"

WATCH HERE

Ms. Henry discusses the importance of relationship-building, as a guest on the NAIS Podcast: Member Voices

LISTEN HERE