GFA State of the School

state of the school Looking Back… Looking Ahead

“

A great deal of thought and planning has gone into where we are headed as a school.

We are in a strong position programmatically and our fiscal health remains sound. It’s with much excitement that we look ahead to the next decade.

— Janet Hartwell, Head of School

”

GFA’s Accomplishments in the Last Decade

Looking Back Program Lower School Comprehensive curriculum review Columbia Reading and Writing teaching methodology implemented Responsive Classroom approach to social skills introduced K-5 Teaching Assistant Program established,   allowing student: teacher ratio of 8:1 Middle School Ongoing curriculum review Accelerated math curriculum added Mandarin introduced Emphasis placed on research skills and independent science projects Capstone independent study program established in 8th grade

Upper School Ongoing departmental curriculum review Electives introduced for juniors and seniors in all academic disciplines Research methodology and longitudinal studies offered in science Increased emphasis on place-based learning in the sciences Off-campus programs introduced: School Year Abroad, Island School,   High Mountain Institute Summer language and service learning trips instituted Mandarin introduced Each grade size increased by approximately 20 students, resulting   in more dynamic student life and more vibrant program offerings Dramatically increased participation in New England   and FAA athletic tournament competitions Visual Arts students gained national recognition Enhanced and comprehensive 9-12 college guidance program K-12 laptop program and technology integrated into the curriculum K-12 participation in Performing Arts tripled K-12 World Perspectives Program announced

Faculty Compensation and benefits made increasingly attractive Faculty recruited nationally Professional development encouraged for all faculty Faculty travel grants made possible through generosity of a private donor Ongoing comprehensive professional review process implemented

Community Student population grew from 544 to 650 Students of color increased from 8% to 17% of enrollment Average class size maintained: LS: 16 MS: 12 US: 12 Attracted students from greater distances (total of 24 towns), with many traveling by train Community Service participation increasingly emphasized in all divisions; hundreds of US students have traveled with Builders Beyond Borders Horizons at GFA summer program established, now serving 140 children from Bridgeport

Facilities 2003: Lower School renovated and expanded, doubling the square footage 2003: Head of School house built 2006: US Science and Performing Arts wing built, adding 8 classrooms,

labs and performance spaces 2007: US classroom wing constructed, adding 8 classrooms

and Harkness Tables in three disciplines 2007: MS classroom wing constructed, adding 8 classrooms 2009: First stage of outdoor athletic project completed

and septic system expanded 2009: Organic garden added

Finances $27.5 million raised in Capital Campaign funds $30 million incurred in construction costs Endowment increased from under $7 million to $28 million (net endowment $16.5 million) $11.5 million debt incurred ($1 million annual debt payment, $7.5 million balloon payment in 2018) Financial aid increased from $650,000 to $2 million yearly Annual Giving increased from $643,000 to $1.25 million with 75% parent participation in 2009

GFA’s Next Decade

Looking Ahead

Next Decade Build recognition of GFA as top day school in the area Maintain close faculty-student relationships Continue to recruit, retain, and support a diverse faculty of excellence Continue to attract students of the highest caliber Encourage strong alumni relations Raise funds to complete outdoor athletic renovations Explore interim facilities for performing arts and athletics Fundraise for a fixed-seat auditorium Fundraise for new and renovated indoor athletic facilities   and renovated visual arts space Focus on long-term financial sustainability: Business model shift from enrollment growth, which has increased operating leverage, to emphasis on endowment growth which will support faculty salaries and benefits, financial aid and moderate tuition increases Raise funds to pay down debt and incur no additional debt Facilities improvements to be 100% funded by donations; 50% in-hand before construction begins Achieve goal of 100% parent fundraising support

Board of Trustees Deirdre Daly '77 and Jill Birinyi Co-Presidents

Jerry Schendel Vice President

Holly M. Bannister, M.D. Secretary

Roger Tarika Treasurer

Michael Berman

Martha Gates Lord '74

Kara Bohnsack

Sara Judge McCalpin

Roberta Conroy

David B. McKane

Vincent D’Agostino

David B. Murphy

Anita Gupta Lori Hashizume Janet Hartwell

Amer N. Nimr Jeff Nixon Tricia Vanacore

Moira Hintsa

Sherron Velez

Terry Hogan

Andrew Whittaker

Stephen Lawrence

Greens Farms Academy is dedicated to guiding students through a rigorous course of study encompassing academics, arts and athletics.