Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe in creating an inclusive community where everyone is respected and valued.

Diversity and inclusion are not just ideals we strive for; they are principles that permeate every aspect of our community life. From the customs, traditions, and languages to the wide array of perspectives offered by individuals from different cultures, religions, races, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, we celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our society.

We are committed to fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equity.
Here’s how we pledge to turn our beliefs into actions:

Engage Actively

We prioritize open and ongoing dialogue with our students, parents, and alumni.

Our Approach

Our educational approach balances empathy, understanding, and optimism, empowering our students to develop a profound sense of responsibility and global citizenship. Guided daily by our core values of respect, responsibility, leadership, kindness, and honesty, our community tackles critical questions about our ever-evolving and complex world.

At Far Hills, we equip our students with the tools and skills they need to be creative, compassionate, and responsible thinkers. Committed to our mission of preparing students for success in the modern world, we proudly stand in solidarity—supporting, loving, and uplifting every member of our community.

At Far Hills Country Day School, we don’t just promise; we act. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of our daily practices. We invite you to join us in this vital journey, as we work together to build a community that embodies these principles in every classroom and every heart.

Our Programs

DEI in Action

FH values and celebrates the diversity and inclusion that enriches our society through the customs, traditions, languages, and perspectives of people of different cultures, religions, races, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups. We incorporate DEI into our everyday lives at Far Hills in some of the following ways:

Faculty & Staff Training
Celebrations in the Cafeteria
Upper School Discussion Group

boys holding up empanadas to their mouths

Holidays & Observances

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Meet The Team

Christina Sopko, Far Hills DEI Coordinator

Christina has been an educator for over 25 years in a variety of subjects and educational settings. Before coming to Far Hills, she taught in the Pocono Mountains for 17 years. Prior to that, the New Jersey native lived in Kenya, Scotland, and France working in the communities and in educational research.

She also worked on Capitol Hill for two years when she began her career. This extensive background brings a well-versed educator. She has attended numerous diversity workshops and has become a part of a dedicated group of DEI practitioners.

Christina manages the development of the DEI program and implementation of principles at Far Hills.

Christina has taught History, English, and French at Far Hills as well as worked as a learning specialist in the M.A.L.L. She is an academic advisor, co-advisor to student government, tennis coach, and an Upper School Mindfulness liaison. Christina lives in the Poconos with her husband and three sons.

Christina Sopko

Grade 6 Teacher/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator

Rohan Arjun, Far Hills Board of Trustees Member

Rohan is a seasoned admissions professional now serving as Director of Admission at George School near Philadelphia. Prior to that, he served as Associate Director of Admission at St. Mark's School. He also worked as an Admission/Global Service & Scholarship/Multicultural Affairs Fellow at The Taft School. Rohan is a founding member of the National Diversity Directors Institute.

He has also served as a faculty member for the annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). After graduating from George School in Pennsylvania, Rohan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University in Afro-American Studies with a minor in History. While at Temple, Rohan was initiated into the Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In addition to his role in the Admission Office at St. Mark’s, Rohan is an academic advisor, advisor of the Students Heightening Awareness of Diversity, Equality, and Service Affinity Group (S.H.A.D.E.S), Health Teacher, Assistant Varsity Football Coach, and a house parent. Rohan holds a Master of Science in Education for School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a native of Jamaica, where he lived in Tivoli Gardens until the age of seven.

Marie Dye, Far Hills Parent and Facilitator Resource

Marie Dye is a lecturer and certified coach. She has earned an International Coach Federation (ICF) certification in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance from Rutgers University; a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Kean University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Throughout her career as a lecturer in the departments of Communication at Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and Kean University, she has helped individuals develop their skills in education, leadership and strategic communication. Her classes provide students with the opportunity to participate in experimental learning centered around leadership, intercultural communication, conflict management and group communication.

As a certified coach she works with clients to develop their leadership presence by providing the skills and techniques necessary to work in diverse groups.

During the last two years, Marie has attended NJAIS conferences and DEI workshops to gather information and suggestions for growth and opportunities to implement change at FHCDS.

She meets bi-monthly with peer New Jersey Independent School Diversity Leaders to discuss topics related to:

Tools and Resources for faculty and staff
Educating parents about the importance of DEI work
Tools and resources for parents and students
Creative approaches to sensitive topics
Affinity groups
Support for students with mental health issues
Support for the leadership team and hiring committee
Professional development opportunities
Creating safe spaces and opportunities for people to ask questions related to DEI work

Keep Exploring

Mission and Values

Explore our school's core principles and beliefs that guide everything we do, shaping a community committed to excellence and inclusivity.

Ed Thompson working with an Upper School Student one on one

Faculty & Staff

Meet the dedicated team driving our school's success and discover the passion and expertise that fuels our educational community.

Far Hills Teacher working with students in small group breakout session

Service Learning

The Service Learning club is an essential part of the Upper School, comprised of dedicated students committed to making a positive impact in our local community.

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