In case you missed it, GFA Head of School Bob Whelan has been in the spotlight this week with features in both the Wall Street Journal and a hit on CNBC. He has discussed the increased interest in suburban independent schools as families consider leaving New York City. A piece in Monday’s Wall Street Journal explored data points that indicate a more permanent move of NYC residents to Fairfield County in the midst of COVID-19. In addition to speaking with local officials and real estate voices, Whelan was interviewed and explained that GFA has seen a 150% increase in applications during the usually slow spring and summer season.
On Thursday’s Squawk Box, CNBC correspondent Robert Frank interviewed Whelan on the influx schools in Connecticut, the Hamptons, and Westchester have seen in recent months. “We have 44 acres, we are able to have kids outside, we are able to take advantage of small student to faculty ratios, so I think ultimately it’s about quality of life and not something that would be a short period transition but something they would make a commitment to over the next several years.”
We know all of us at GFA are grateful for these attributes and to be where we are in these uncertain times. Way to go Mr. Whelan!