GAYNOR MCCOWN EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL
GAYNOR MCCOWN EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL is a public high school that is part of the NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #31 school district, located in STATEN ISLAND, NY with about 439 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 35 teachers, GAYNOR MCCOWN EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL has a student/teacher ratio of about 12:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.
The GAYNOR MCCOWN EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL (GMELS), located in the Sea View neighborhood of Staten Island, is a 6-12 secondary school that operates under the "Expeditionary Learning" (EL Education) model. This educational framework prioritizes "learning expeditions"—long-term, interdisciplinary projects that connect classroom curriculum to real-world issues. The school emphasizes rigorous academic inquiry, the development of character, and the production of high-quality student work, encouraging students to take ownership of their education through hands-on research and community-based problem solving.
A hallmark of the GMELS experience is its commitment to a collaborative and inclusive culture centered on the school’s core values of craftsmanship, integrity, and perseverance. As an expeditionary school, it moves beyond traditional lectures and standardized testing to foster critical thinking and social-emotional growth. Through intensive fieldwork, expert interviews, and service-learning opportunities, the school aims to prepare students not only for post-secondary success but also to be active, contributing citizens who are capable of making a positive impact on their community and the world at large.
For more information, contact GAYNOR MCCOWN EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL at (718) 370-6950 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.
STATEN ISLAND, NY 10314
(718) 370-6950
GAYNOR MCCOWN EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL is a public school in STATEN ISLAND, NY with about 439 enrolled students. See other public high schools in New York
School Details
- Level:
- High School
- Charter School:*
- No
- District:
- NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #31
- Total Students:
- 439
- Teachers:
- 35
- NSLP Status:1
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
- Qualified free lunch:
- 0
- Qualified reduced-price lunch:
- 0
- Title I Status:2
- Not a Title I school
- Virtual:
- Not Virtual
* A public charter school is a publicly funded school that is typically governed by a group or organization under a legislative contract with the state, the district, or another entity. The charter exempts the school from certain state or local rules and regulations.
1 The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides eligible students with free or reduced-price lunch
2 Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families.
School Demographics for 439 students
- White
- 65.1%
- Hispanic/Latino
- 22.1%
- Black or African American
- 7.7%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- Two or more races
- 2.1%
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
- 0.5%
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- 0.2%
- Female
- 54.9%
- Male
- 45.1%
Data for school year 2017-2018 — The information found on this website was provided in part by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics & various other external sources. We do not verify the contents of the information provided and therefore, cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information displayed on this website.