As The Fay School embarks on its 35th school year, the community pauses to honor its late founder, Marie Fay Evnochides, whose dream continues to shape every child’s early childhood and elementary experience.
During the school’s 30th Anniversary in 2020, Marie sat down for an interview that remains a touchstone for the Fay community. She reflected simply: “I just wanted Fay to be a loving place for kids.” That spirit of warmth and belonging remains at the heart of everything the school does today.
She also reminded families and educators: “I always think it’s good to know the history of where you’ve been so you can know where you’re going.” Her words challenge Fay to honor its roots while boldly imagining the future.
A Founder’s Timeless Advice
Marie’s guidance continues to inspire. To past, current, and future parents, she said: “Just love your children. I think we’re rushing through this world so fast we don’t have a chance to stop and really look at things.”
As the school celebrates this milestone year, her advice encourages all who are connected to Fay to slow down and celebrate the joy of childhood.
She also shared her hopes for the future: “I would like to see the use of Fay Forest and outdoor spaces continue to grow. And I’d like to see fun experiences for the kids to keep developing because it is there where children fall in love with learning… Continue doing that.”
Carrying the Vision Forward
Those words have become a compass for Fay’s current Head of School, Morgan B. Scoville, just the third Head in the school’s history. Mr. Scoville emphasizes the importance of outdoor education, project- and place-based learning, and leadership development through emotional intelligence, ensuring that every child is stretched, supported, and inspired. At Fay, learning is rigorous, joyful, and deeply meaningful.
Though Marie is no longer with us, her presence is everywhere on campus: rooted in traditions, alive in classrooms, and vibrant in the laughter of children who are still growing in the place she imagined.
Looking Ahead
As The Fay School steps into its 35th year, it honors Marie’s founding vision of a school “where children come first” while carrying forward Fay’s promise “to deliberately build and educate the next generation of leaders for our world.”
The story of Fay is one of love, joy, and leadership—and it continues to be written each day in the lives of its children and families.