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 & 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 & Inclusion

Shanelle Henry

Shanelle Henry

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.

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

Listen here

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.

Coyle Scholar: Julie Lythcott-Haims

In Our Own Words

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Cross-Divisional Celebrations of Black History Month
Cross-Divisional Celebrations of Black History Month

As we bid farewell to February, we also conclude our annual celebration of Black History Month, a period marked by observance and recognition across all divisions of our school community. This year's theme, "African-Americans & the Arts," was a focal point for assemblies, classroom discussions, and conversations throughout our hallways. Community blocks were dedicated to meaningful dialogues that delved into the contributions and impact of African Americans in the arts

Read More about Cross-Divisional Celebrations of Black History Month