GAYNOR MCCOWN EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL

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.