Every Child,
Every Possibility.

Championing bright learners who learn differently with individualized, evidence-based education and lifelong confidence for over 60 years.

OUR MISSION

Cultivating Confidence and Capability.

At Stephen Gaynor School, students with learning differences develop essential academic and critical thinking skills through individualized and evidence-based approaches, empowering them to reach their full potential. Students learn to advocate for themselves and others while actively building an inclusive community, a sense of belonging, and a belief in their own possibilities.

OUR HISTORY

From a Vision to Reality.

Founded in 1962, Stephen Gaynor School was founded by psychologist Dr. Miriam (Mimi) Michael and educator Yvette Siegel-Herzog who met as students at New York University. Though the field of Special Education was in its infancy at the time, the friends saw the need to establish a school for bright students with learning differences. Incorrectly labeled as “slow learners,” these students were often caught in a cycle of academic failure and low self-esteem. They pioneered the individualized, multi-sensory approach used today and created a place where students could thrive. Their first class of five met in a two-room Upper East Side apartment; the school has flourished ever since.

Today, Gaynor enrolls about 400 students and operates across a two-building campus totaling about 80,000 square feet. We’re known for attracting outstanding faculty and practitioners, and for mentoring emerging special education teachers.

We’re proud to say that after more than sixty years, Mimi and Yvette’s vision has grown from an idea into a school that has touched thousands of children.

OUR FOUNDERS

Visionaries Who Saw Potential in Every Child.

Mimi and Yvette created Stephen Gaynor School to ensure students with learning differences could thrive and belong.

Dr. Miriam Michael

Dr. Miriam Michael, known affectionately as Mimi, left an indelible influence on Stephen Gaynor School and on special education. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 100.

Yvette Siegel-Herzog has said, “Without Mimi by my side, our legacy to the future of children whose educational needs cried out for acknowledgement and understanding would not exist. When we realized that legions of bright and creative students were misunderstood educationally, emotionally, and socially, Mimi and I literally exploded onto the educational enclave, clamoring and insisting that our boys and girls had been neglected for far too long. Together, we developed our mission and dedicated our life’s work towards the creation of a community where the needs of children and their families were recognized, dignified, and above all, acknowledged and remediated. Mimi’s shouting was louder than anyone’s.”
At a celebration of Dr. Michael’s life in 2018, Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor said, “My grandmother’s legacy of fostering the joy of learning continues to impact the lives of children at Gaynor. Thank you Mimi, we will always remember what you have done for Stephen Gaynor School.”

Yvette Siegel-Herzog

Yvette Siegel-Herzog, visionary educator and Co-Founder of Stephen Gaynor School died on October 1, 2024, at the age of 100.

A trailblazer in education, Yvette co-founded Gaynor in 1962 with her lifelong friend Dr. Miriam Michael. She believed bright students who learned differently deserved a nurturing and individualized experience. Her vision and passion forever shaped the mission of the school and changed the lives of thousands of children and families.

Yvette was known for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student received the personalized support they needed to thrive. Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor said, “Yvette has been an unwavering source of inspiration for all of us at Gaynor, consistently reminding us to place the child at the heart of everything we do. Her clear yet profound vision has empowered thousands of students to believe in their potential and strive for their true greatness. Yvette’s deep passion for education,
relentless dedication to the success of every child, and love of learning will continue to shape and guide our school for years to come.” Even as Gaynor grew from a small apartment to nearly 400 students today, Yvette ensured the mission remained strong. She often said, “The foundation is rock,” reflecting the school’s solid values alongside innovation and growth. More than 1,800 alumni carry forward her legacy, which will continue to shape Gaynor for generations.

OUR VALUES

At Gaynor,
We Believe That...

#1

Every child with a learning difference deserves an education like the one Gaynor provides.​

#2

Great teaching marries individualized and evidence-based approaches with the joy of learning.​

#3

Students with learning differences should be empowered with the agency, capacity, self-advocacy tools, and confidence to thrive in high school and beyond.​

#4

It is essential to support the well-being of educators by inspiring their professional growth, continued expertise in learning differences, and passion for education.​

#5

A diverse and inclusive community benefits every student.​

#6

Families are active partners with the school and in the educational journey of their children. ​

#7

What sets Gaynor’s teachers apart is their remarkable ability to know each child and to teach them in the “just right” way.

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Gaynor Difference.

Explore how our academic philosophy and vibrant community help students grow with confidence.
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