Stephen Gaynor School

Stephen Gaynor School is an independent day school on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Founded in 1962, it serves bright children with language-based learning differences from Pre-K through Middle School. Enrollment sits between 300 and 500 students. It was one of the first American schools built specifically for learners with dyslexia and related profiles.

Teaching here looks different from a mainstream independent school. Classes are small. Faculty use evidence-based, multisensory methods and plan around each child's profile rather than a single class pace. Head teachers, associate teachers, reading specialists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists share students and meet often. Educators who like close teamwork — and want to watch one child's reading click into place — tend to do well here.

The model also asks for patience with paperwork. Student learning plans, progress notes, and family updates are part of the weekly rhythm, not an add-on. Candidates who expect a traditional lecture-and-test week should look elsewhere.

The finances support the staffing. Stephen Gaynor School reported about $37 million in revenue and close to $98 million in net assets in 2024, with fundraising up roughly 52 percent year over year. That base funds low ratios, specialist roles, and ongoing training in structured literacy and related approaches.

Hiring usually spans head and associate teachers, learning specialists, related-service providers, arts and PE faculty, and roles in admissions, advancement, and operations. Most openings post in late winter and spring. For teachers who want to specialize in language-based learning inside a well-resourced New York City school, Stephen Gaynor is worth a close look.