Arts

Students explore creativity through visual art, music, drama, and photography, building confidence, expression, and deeper connections to their learning.

THE ARTS AT GAYNOR

Unlocking Passion, Enhancing Academic Success.

Whether memorizing a celebrated soliloquy, portraying community through mixed-media sculpture, sharing a unique perspective through a camera lens, or belting out a solo in a school production, Stephen Gaynor School students are deeply engaged in the arts.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Creative Expression as Part of Learning.

The arts are an essential element of a well-rounded education, and they are especially meaningful for students at Gaynor. Our arts program gives students opportunities to explore their passions—to sing, act, draw, play music, or take photographs—while reinforcing the skills they develop in the classroom.

Through artistic expression, students strengthen reading fluency, refine fine-motor skills, and deepen comprehension across subjects. Arts teachers collaborate closely with classroom teachers to reinforce academic learning, enhancing understanding in disciplines ranging from history to math.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

By encouraging students to experience success outside the classroom, the arts help build confidence that carries back into academic learning. Students begin to see themselves as capable, creative, and confident learners—on stage, in the studio, and beyond.

Facilities That Inspire

Gaynor’s state-of-the-art facilities provide students with inspiring spaces to create and perform. Our campus includes two art studios—one equipped with a kiln—a digital photography studio, dedicated music rooms, and a nearly 300-seat performing arts center. These professional-level spaces allow students to engage fully in visual and performing arts and experience the joy and discipline of creative work.

Arts Across the Divisions

The arts program at Gaynor includes visual art, drama, music, and digital photography, all thoughtfully integrated with classroom learning and designed to grow with students as they progress through the Divisions.

Primary Division

In the Primary Division, students are introduced to art and music in joyful, hands-on ways that support creativity, motor development, listening skills, and self-expression.

Lower Division

In the Lower Division, students participate in art and music multiple times each week and begin to engage in developmentally appropriate drama experiences. Photography is introduced as students grow, and creative projects often connect directly to classroom learning. Lower Division students also have opportunities to share their work through performances such as the annual Holiday Concert.

Intermediate Division

In the Intermediate Division, students spend focused time in each artistic discipline, allowing them to explore interests, refine skills, and develop independence as creators and performers.

Upper Division

In the Upper Division, students deepen their engagement in the arts through advanced projects, performances, and productions, including the spring musical. These experiences bring together collaboration, creativity, and confidence in a culminating artistic experience.

There's More to Explore.

Discover a school where creativity, confidence, and individuality are nurtured every day.
148 West 90th Street,
New York, NY 10024
(212) 787-7070
At Stephen Gaynor School, students with learning differences build academic and critical thinking skills through individualized, evidence-based instruction—gaining the confidence to advocate for themselves, contribute to an inclusive community, and believe in their full potential.
© Stephen Gaynor School 2026. All rights reserved.
At Stephen Gaynor School, students with learning differences build academic and critical thinking skills through individualized, evidence-based instruction—gaining the confidence to advocate for themselves, contribute to an inclusive community, and believe in their full potential.
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148 West 90th Street, New York, NY 10024
PH: (212) 787-7070
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