Message from Head of School

 

When I was a young boy, I remember visiting my grandparents, Mimi Michael and Bert Schoeneman, at Stephen Gaynor School. I recall the flurry of activity in the school as the children and teachers traveled up and down the grand marble staircase of the West 74th Street brownstone. While the building housed a school, it felt more like a home. The students always seemed so happy and at ease. The teachers were friendly and attentive to each child’s needs.

Prior to serving as the head of school, I had a long career in banking. One day when I went into the office, it occured to me that if I didn’t come into work, everything would continue on without me. I realized I wanted the work I did to make a significant difference every single day. I started working at Stephen Gaynor School in 1994 and haven’t looked back. I soon realized that it wasn’t just the building that made it feel like a home, but also the mission of the school. Teachers, specialists, and administrators all work together to bring the curriculum to each child, enabling them to become confident and successful students. Though the school has now expanded to two buildings, the feeling is the same. Gaynor continues to be a home that fosters a love for learning, powered by our faculty and staff.

Students receive remediation in the areas in which it is needed and have the chance to cultivate skills in which they excel. With small class sizes, a challenging curriculum, and strong partnerships among parents, teachers, and students, Stephen Gaynor School gives students the skills they need to unlock their full potential while at Gaynor and beyond.

Our expert faculty develop an individualized curriculum tailored to the specific needs of each student and provide a variety of co-curricular activities – art, music, drama, digital photography, technology, and an engaging, diversified After School program. Gaynor’s performing arts program is centered within the impressive, state-of-the-art Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center. The nearly 300-seat theater has the ability to be converted into a multi-use space, creating exciting opportunities for our students, including the spring musical and annual technology fair.

Gaynor has also committed to expanding our diversity, equity, and inclusion curriculum. Our community continues to reflect on the impact of racial and social injustices and incorporate teachings on these issues into the classroom in developmentally appropriate ways.

The Parents’ Association also offers numerous opportunities for students, families, and parents to get involved. Opportunities include events to help our parent community continue to learn different ways to support their students and help them become compassionate individuals who can advocate on behalf of themselves and others.

I hope you will take the time to learn more about Stephen Gaynor School through our website in addition to reading some of our recent web stories. Even more importantly, I invite you to visit our school. Tour our state-of-the-art facilities, speak with our remarkable teachers, meet our bright students – and discover for yourself what makes Stephen Gaynor School such a unique place.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Scott Gaynor

Head of School