Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion

A commitment to a diverse and inclusive community that recognizes, values, and celebrates the unique identity of every student.

DEI AT GAYNOR

Valuing Every Identity, Empowering Every Student

Stephen Gaynor School is dedicated to promoting and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within our school community. We recognize, value, and celebrate many types of diversity including neurodiversity, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, ability, religion, sexual orientation, family composition, language, and gender identity/expression.

A Culture of Belonging

We believe that a diverse and inclusive community strengthens the experience of every student. Led by Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Stella Heyliger-Mulatu, this work advances Gaynor’s mission to ensure that all students experience belonging, respect, and the opportunity to thrive. Through this leadership, we cultivate an environment where every member of the community feels seen, heard, and valued, fostering a deep and lasting sense of belonging.

We are committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion becomes the thread through which we fulfill our mission.

In line with our strategic plan, we have set specific goals to:
  • Create and maintain a community of belonging in which everyone’s identity is valued, respected, and heard through support of consistent DEI standards.
  • Examine opportunities to expand access, equity, and a sense of belonging in all areas of a family’s experience at Gaynor.
  • Ensure that we use a DEI lens across all academic and co-curricular areas.”
MEET OUR DIRECTOR

LIVING OUR MISSION

How We Actively Build
an Inclusive Community

Curriculum: Inclusive By Design

Gaynor educators recognize the crucial importance of creating an inclusive and culturally responsive curriculum. Curriculum development is an ongoing process as we strive to reflect the diversity of our community and provide students with opportunities to learn about the world beyond our campus.

Our DEI curriculum spans all age groups and is designed to develop the critical thinking and social emotional skills necessary to engage with our diverse and increasingly interconnected world.

The curriculum is built upon the following pillars: Identity, Respect, Social Justice, and Activism.

Affinity Groups for Students, Parents, and Employees

We believe that providing time and space for students to gather in affinity groups strengthens our community as a whole by offering students who hold historically marginalized identities the opportunity to share experiences, learn from and about one another, and celebrate what makes them unique. Affinity groups are empowering spaces that develop students’ healthy self-image and sense of belonging.

Explore our offerings by category below:

Intermediate Division

  • Students of Color
  • Jewish
  • LGBTQIA+

Upper Division

  • Students of Color
  • Jewish
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Neurodivergent
  • Banana Splits

Parent Affinity Groups

  • Parents & Caregivers of Color
  • Jewish
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Families Formed Through Adoption

Employee Affinity Groups

  • BIPOC
  • Jewish
  • LGBTQIA+
Stephen Gaynor School is a member of the Independent School Diversity Network.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Stephen Gaynor School honors the Indigenous People of the Lenape Tribe who lived on these lands before us. We recognize the forced displacement of the Indigenous People of Manhattan during colonization.

This acknowledgment is meant to:
  • Recognize our school building stands on the very land once inhabited by the Lenape people
  • Show respect and appreciation for the Lenape people
  • Reflect on the past events that have impacted all Indigenous Peoples
  • Honor their place in and continued contribution to the shared story of America
  • Celebrate the commitment and accomplishments of the Indigenous People toward sustainability and thoughtful protection of our planet
The above statement was crafted by the students and faculty in Stephen Gaynor School’s Blue Cluster.

PROGRAM STAFF

Meet Our Director

Stella Heyliger-Mulatu
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Stella leads Gaynor’s work to foster a community grounded in belonging, respect, and shared responsibility. Partnering closely with faculty and families, she advances initiatives that ensure every member of the community feels seen, heard, and valued, making inclusion a meaningful part of daily school life.
(212) 787-7070
Ext. 1420

MORE TO EXPLORE

Our Community is Special

Learn more about the people, programs, and values that help foster a community where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
GAYNOR NEWS
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148 West 90th Street,
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(212) 787-7070
At Stephen Gaynor School, students with learning differences develop essential academic and critical thinking skills through individualized and evidence-based approaches, empowering them to reach their full potential. Students learn to advocate for themselves and others while actively building an inclusive community, a sense of belonging, and a belief in their own possibilities.
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