NYSAIS Approves Stephen Gaynor School Accreditation

Posted on Monday, June 9th, 2025

On May 15, 2025, Stephen Gaynor School was recommended for accreditation by the NYSAIS Commission on Accreditation and approved by the NYSAIS Board of Trustees.

NYSAIS accreditation represents the culmination of an in-depth self-study that included an exhaustive internal and external examination of all aspects of our school community including mission and culture, governance, educational program, student and student services, finance and school operations, parents, faculty and non-teaching personnel, community relations, and communications. The NYSAIS accreditation process also verifies that the school’s educational program complies with all requirements established by the New York State Board of Regents.

According to Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor, “This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of Gaynor’s families, trustees, students, faculty, and staff, who contributed thoughtfully and generously to the self-study and hosted the visiting committee with warmth and openness. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to Gaynor’s success. A special thanks goes to Jill Thompson and Deanna Ferrante for co-leading the accreditation process. This accreditation reaffirms that a Gaynor education meets the highest standards, preparing our students for lifelong success.”

Dr. Gaynor continued, “Our unwavering commitment to placing the child at the center of our work was evident in every aspect of the decennial review process. The vision of our founders, Dr. Miriam Michael and Yvette Siegel-Herzog, is alive and well throughout our community. The decennial review process highlighted Gaynor’s strengths as an institution and as a community, and will act as a roadmap for future initiatives and growth.”

The NYSAIS accreditation is not just a recognition of the school’s current achievements but also an inspiration for the future. Guided by the enduring vision of our founders and the steadfast commitment of our community, Stephen Gaynor School remains focused on unlocking the potential of each child.


About NYSAIS:
The New York State Association of Independent Schools was founded in 1947 by eleven schools and has grown to over 200 member schools and organizations incorporated in the State of New York. 

Mission: The New York State Association of Independent Schools promotes the independence, well-being, and public understanding of, and respect for, New York Independent Schools and serves as an accrediting body charter by the New York State Board of Regents.

The New York State Association of Independent Schools is authorized by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, “to evaluate and accredit nursery schools, kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools operating within the State of New York and, as concerns New York corporations with branches in other states and countries, to evaluate and accredit those consistent with the laws, rules and regulations of host states and countries.” Additionally, NYSAIS is a member of the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), which includes twenty regional, state and international accrediting agencies. As a member of the ICAISA, the NYSAIS accreditation process is recognized across the United States and throughout the world.

For more information about NYSAIS or NYSAIS accreditation, visit: www.nysais.org.