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Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

Grades 9-12 · 100 ESSEX DRIVE · Staten Island

TRACI FREY, Principal · 718-370-6950

About

Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School in Staten Island is a college preparatory uniform school known for its distinctive student-centered approach. Partnering with NYC Outward Bound Schools and EL Education, the curriculum emphasizes in-depth case studies, expeditions, and fieldwork, culminating in projects presented to authentic audiences. The school fosters a small, personal environment that highlights individual talents and promotes character traits like citizenship and responsibility. Students have opportunities for dual enrollment with St. Francis College and CUNY CSI, potentially earning college credits while in high school. The school boasts an exceptionally high graduation rate of 99%, well above the citywide median, and a strong college enrollment rate of 83.5%, also significantly exceeding city benchmarks. Regents pass rates are notably high in English, Algebra II, and Languages Other Than English. Parents express very high satisfaction with the school's leadership and support, and students value the close relationships with teachers and the hands-on learning experiences, including unique "Intensives." While many students feel well-prepared for college, some feedback suggests a desire for more STEM and advanced academic opportunities, and there have been some concerns regarding discipline and consistency in IEP implementation. The school shares a campus with other institutions, providing access to various athletic and library facilities.

Sources (13)

Academics

Coursework, class size, and academic context.

Academic paceBalancedmedium confidence

Attendance rate

97%

Avg class size (general ed)

—

Avg class size (ICT)

—

AP & college-level courses^[1]

Algebra II (Advanced Math)
AP Pre-Calculus
AP Research
AP Seminar
AP Spanish Language and Culture
AP United States History
Biology (College Course [Credited])
Chemistry (Advanced Science)
ELA (College Course [Credited])
Physics (Advanced Science)
World Languages (Advanced World Languages)

11 Advanced Placement / college-level courses offered.

Electives, clubs & activities^[1]

Clubs & activities: National Honor Society, School News Paper, Senior Council, Equality Among Teens, Muslim and Arab American Society, Asian Culture Society, ASL Club, Crafting, Hydroponic Club, Audio Visual Team, Bible Study, Harry Potter Fans, Chess and Games, Bullet Journaling, Film, Key Club, Club 360, Hack Club, Community Service, Peer Tutoring and McCown Teen Mental Health Committee. Students have the opportunity to create any new clubs not listed!

Offerings vary year to year.

Arts offerings^[1]

Traditional and Studio Art
Digital Media Arts

Arts and music courses offered.

Outcomes

^[6]

Graduation, test scores, and what happens after senior year.

4-year graduation rate

99%

Enrolled in college within 6 months

84%

College & career ready

67%

Where graduates enroll

4-year college 63%
2-year college 21%
Not enrolled 16%

Share of graduates by destination within 6 months. “Not enrolled” covers graduates not in a tracked postsecondary program (work, military, or unreported).

College entrance exams

SAT Math479

SAT Reading & Writing494

Average score among this school’s test-takers. Few NYC schools report the ACT, so those rows appear only where published.

Regents pass rates

Algebra I55%

Algebra II92%

Chemistry29%

English94%

Geometry49%

Global History85%

Living Environment72%

U.S. History81%

World Languages100%

Share of students who took each Regents exam this year and scored 65 or higher. Exams with too few test-takers to report are omitted. Bars compare against NYC high schools reporting the same exam.

These figures describe recent graduating classes, not a guarantee for any student. College enrollment counts any postsecondary program within 6 months of graduation, and “college & career ready” is the DOE’s 4-year readiness measure.

Community & climate

Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.

Quality signals

FacultyExcellentAI-estimated

Parent survey · overall positive

87%78% response rate

Teacher survey · overall positive

94%68% response rate

Student survey · overall positive

76%44% response rate

Survey topics

Safety90%city 76%

Conflicts are resolved fairly in this school.79%
I feel safe…outside around this school.91%
I feel safe…traveling between home and this school.91%
I feel safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.94%
I feel safe…in my classes at this school.97%
Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.100%
School Safety Agents promote a safe and respectful environment.93%
At this school students drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, or abuse prescription drugs.74%
At this school students get into physical fights.88%
At this school there is gang activity.91%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 76% citywide.

Bullying prevention58%city 57%

At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.61%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of their race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, language/accent, or citizenship/immigration status.73%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.70%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of other differences, like different body type or disability.72%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other online (through mobile phones, social media, email, or other forms of electronic communication).61%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.12%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (58%) is their average, vs 57% citywide.

Emotional support73%city 69%

I know where to go at my school if I need additional support with my mental-health.89%
During this school year, most days I have felt happy when at school.79%
During this school year, most days I have felt safe when at school.92%
During this school year, most days I have felt optimistic when at school.71%
During this school year, most days I have felt bored when at school.24%
During this school year, most days I have felt stressed when at school.27%
During this school year, most days I have felt worried when at school.51%
There is time at school to talk about feelings and emotions.68%
How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.92%
How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.96%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.96%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.96%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (73%) is their average, vs 69% citywide.

Personal attention68%city 67%

In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…ask if I have everything that I need to succeed in their class.62%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…give me specific suggestions about how I can improve my work in class.67%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…explain things a different way if I don't understand something in class.65%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…support me when I am upset.59%
Adults at this school check in with me frequently about how I’m doing personally.63%
Adults at this school check in with me frequently about how I’m doing academically.82%
I feel like I belong at this school.77%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (68%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.

Academic expectations72%city 71%

The classes at this school prepare me for the next step in my education.85%
In how many of your classes …are you challenged?.49%
In how many of your classes …do your teachers have high expectations for you?.77%
In how many of your classes …are you encouraged to work in small groups?.72%
In how many of your classes …do your teachers want you to become better thinkers, not just memorize things?.73%
In how many of your classes …do you get so focused on learning during class activities that you lose track of time?.38%
In this school, the staff believes that all students can learn, including English language learners (ELLs), Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs), and students with disabilities.100%
How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.85%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (72%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.

Clear instruction74%city 73%

In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers make learning expectations clear.79%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? Class assignments are purposeful in learning the course content.74%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? The work I do in class is good preparation for class assignments, projects, and assessments.79%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? I learn a lot from feedback on my work.65%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (74%) is their average, vs 73% citywide.

College & career guidance85%city 86%

Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… meet with me to discuss what I plan to do after high school. [Grades 9-12].72%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… encourage me to continue my education after high school. [Grades 9-12].88%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… provide me with information about the college application process. [Grades 9-12].77%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… help me plan for how to meet my future career goals. [Grades 9-12].78%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… encourage students of all races, ethnicities, genders, cultures, and backgrounds to take challenging classes. [Grades 9-12].90%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… advise me to take advanced courses. [Grades 9-12].82%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… help me consider which colleges to apply to. [Grades 9-12].73%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… show me options for how to pay for college (scholarship, grants, loans, work study programs, etc.). [Grades 9-12].64%
Adults at this school...meet with students to discuss what they plan to do after high school.100%
Adults at this school...provide students with information about the college application process.100%
Adults at this school...help students plan for how to meet their future career goals.100%
Adults at this school...show students options for how to pay for college (scholarship, grants, loans, work study programs).100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (85%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Family outreach95%city 94%

At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.100%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.100%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.100%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.100%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.86%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.86%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.96%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.94%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Student–teacher trust88%city 82%

There is at least one adult at my school that I can confide in.88%
My teachers are open to students' ideas, suggestions, and comments.89%
My teachers always do what they say they will do.79%
My teachers treat me with respect.94%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Parent–teacher trust89%city 95%

I feel respected by my child's teachers.92%
Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.87%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.89%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.

Show all survey topics

Rigorous Instruction

Strong Core Instruction91%city 92%

In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [Science].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [Science].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Science].60%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [Science].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…creating coherent progressions within the standards from previous grades to current grade to build onto previous learning. [Science].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [ELA].90%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [ELA].90%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [ELA].90%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [ELA].90%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [ELA].90%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.

Quality of Student Discussion86%city 67%

How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.85%
How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.81%
How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.96%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.81%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.85%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (86%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.

Collaborative Teachers

School Commitment100%city 83%

I usually look forward to each working day at this school.100%
I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.100%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.

Peer Collaboration99%city 87%

At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.100%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.96%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (99%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.

Quality of Professional Development94%city 82%

Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.96%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...Included opportunities to engage in inquiry-based, professional collaboration with peers and/or mentors from other schools.85%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction93%city 89%

My teachers use examples of students’ different races and cultures in their lessons to make learning more meaningful for me.80%
My teachers use examples of students’ different backgrounds and families in their lessons to make learning more meaningful for me.79%
I see a variety of races, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds positively represented in the curriculum.89%
I see a variety of genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations positively represented in the curriculum.83%
At this school, we have productive conversations about race and racism where I feel my voice is heard.79%
My teachers treat students of different races, cultures, or backgrounds equally.93%
My teachers treat students of different genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations equally.92%
I feel that my teachers respect my culture, background, and identity.97%
I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.92%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.100%
I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.100%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.100%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.100%
I am able to...design appropriate instruction that is matched to students' need (e.g. English language learners (ELLs) or Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs) proficiency and students with disabilities).100%
I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.100%
I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.100%
I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.100%
I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.100%
I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.88%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (93%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.

Innovation and Collective Responsibility86%city 79%

How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.88%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.85%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.81%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.88%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.88%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (86%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.

Supportive Environment

Classroom Behavior91%city 66%

How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.92%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.96%
How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.85%
How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.

Conflict Resolution85%city 79%

When a conflict arises, school staff use questions to encourage reflection and resolve it.85%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (85%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.

Effective School Leadership

Program Coherence99%city 83%

At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.96%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.100%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (99%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.

Inclusive Leadership97%city 93%

The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.100%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.96%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.99%
I have the opportunity to work with adults at this school to make decisions in important areas that impact my life (e.g. instruction, safety, conflict resolution, etc.).94%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 93% citywide.

Instructional Leadership97%city 86%

The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.100%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.100%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.100%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.88%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.100%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.96%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.96%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.100%
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.96%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Teacher Influence82%city 66%

At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.92%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.54%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.62%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.100%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (82%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.

Strong Family-Community Ties

Strong Relationships88%city 90%

At this school, my child receives what they need to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal(s). [Families of students with IEPs].88%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.

Parent Involvement in School53%city 63%

Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.75%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.84%
I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.0%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (53%) is their average, vs 63% citywide.

Trust

Teacher-Principal Trust97%city 84%

I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.96%
The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.100%
The principal/school leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.100%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).100%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.96%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.96%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.92%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.

Teacher-Teacher Trust95%city 86%

Teachers in this school trust each other.96%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.92%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.96%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Parent-Principal Trust91%city 94%

I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.91%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).91%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.91%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Student-Student Trust84%city 70%

Most students at this school treat each other with respect.81%
Most students treat students from different cultures or backgrounds equally.86%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 70% citywide.

Overall positive % is averaged across every Pos/Neg survey question per respondent group (school year 2023-2024). Survey topics are the DOE’s framework measures (each the average favorable response across its questions; expand a topic to see them and the citywide average); the dimension scores themselves are no longer in the public data file.^[3]

Operational health

Attendance

97%

Chronic absenteeism

34%

Suspension rate

Teachers^[7]

Teachers with 4+ years' experience

76%

Students per teacher

15:1

Teaching out of certification

11%

Teacher experience and certification from the NYSED School Report Card (2024–25); students per teacher = enrollment ÷ reported teachers. Fewer than 4 years counts as inexperienced.

Student body

Race / ethnicity^[4]

Asian 15%
Black 4%
Hispanic 28%
White 46%
Multiracial 7%

School-level totals; may not sum to 100% due to rounding and small subgroup suppression.

Gender^[4]

Female 46%
Male 54%

Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.

Enrollment

537

Economic Need Index

51%

Free / reduced lunch

56%

English learners

Students with IEPs

26%

Admissions

Seats, applicants, and admissions method from the most recent cycle. Where the school enrolls separate tracks (general ed, students with disabilities, specialized education), each track is shown on its own row, with its priority order beneath it.