Greenwich Village High School

Greenwich Village High School (GVHS) is a 9-12 grade independent school that will open in September 2009.

Greenwich Village High School will be the first independent, co-ed, nondenominational school exclusively for students in grades nine through twelve in New York City. GVHS presents an opportunity to create the culture of a school, to be innovative and bold in developing a school that works in the 21st century, to enjoy the advantages of a location, Greenwich Village, that projects a certain ethos--welcoming, open-minded, known for the arts--and to fulfill the GVHS motto, “Work Hard. Be Kind. Take Risks.”

Utilizing the resources of the larger NYC community, an interdisciplinary and relevant curriculum will combine ethical and intellectual training, and give equal weight to the sciences, the humanities, and the arts. GVHS graduates will read critically, write and speak well, and think independently… and they will be socially, politically, and culturally aware. They will have a sense of perspective and gratitude, they will understand their place in the local and global communities, and they will learn how to be productive and compassionate members of society. Pedagogy will combine the most effective teaching and learning methods from both traditional and innovative practices.

GVHS will be an intentionally diverse community, reflecting the many racial, ethnic, and social groups which make up New York City, and will foster an appreciation for all that comes with diversity. The school will open in September 2009 with a ninth grade class of 45-60 students, then build to 90 students per grade level over the following three years for a total of 360 students.

As of July 1, 2008, David Liebmann, an experienced independent school administrator and teacher, has been appointed head of school. Prior to GVHS, he worked at Shady Side Academy (PA), The Westminster Schools (GA), and The Chewonki Foundation's Maine Coast Semester (ME). David Clarke has been named academic dean. He served on the faculty at Parker School (HI), Menlo School (CA), and Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (MA) where he was academic dean and college counselor. Tia Biasi serves as director of development, having previously worked at Grace Church School (NY). Camilla Campbell is admissions associate and Woody Loverude is admissions assistant.

A founding board of trustees comprised of Greenwich Village residents, parents, philanthropists, and other supporters governs the school and provides guidance and support.

External links

* [http://www.gvhsnyc.org] (www.gvhsnyc.org, launched 10/10/08)
* [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/nyregion/19school.html?ei=5070&emc=eta1] September 18, 2008 New York Times article about GVHS
* [http://thevillager.com/villager_282/parentswork.html] September 24-30, 2008 The Villager article about GVHS