Motley
District 22
PublicDistrict 2AuditionScreened

Gramercy Arts High School

40 IRVING PLACE

At a Glance

An audition-based arts high school where creativity meets college prep in one of Manhattan's most transit-connected neighborhoods

Best suited for

Families with students passionate about the arts who want a specialized, audition-based high school experience in a Manhattan neighborhood with excellent transit access. The school works well for students who thrive in a creative environment with strong parent-teacher relationships and zero-tolerance discipline. Families should be prepared for competitive admissions and should inquire directly about academic outcomes since proficiency data wasn't available. Students with high economic need are well-represented (76%), and the school offers ELL support and Italian language instruction.

What stands out
  • Audition-based admissions creating a motivated, arts-committed student body
  • Zero suspensions indicating restorative or supportive discipline practices
  • High parent-teacher trust (96%) suggesting strong family-teacher relationships
  • 90/100 program richness score with extensive arts, sports, and extracurricular offerings
  • Specialized tracks: Fine & Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Capstone Scholars
  • Italian language instruction alongside ELL support
Things to consider
  • No ELA or Math proficiency data provided—families must ask directly about academic outcomes
  • Lower parent satisfaction (83%) compared to district average (92%)
  • Teacher-principal trust is notably low (60%), which may affect school culture
  • Only 6% family survey response rate suggests limited parent engagement in feedback
  • High economic need (76%) means significant student support needs
  • The selective audition process limits access—only 20% of fine arts applicants receive offers

Based on 2024-2025 data

School SummaryDistrict 2

Gramercy Arts High School sits in District 2, which includes some of the city's highest-performing schools like P.S. 77 Lower Lab (99/100), Success Academy Hell's Kitchen (96/100), and P.S. 290 Manhattan New School (95/100). Unlike these zoned elementary schools, Gramercy Arts is a specialized high school with audition admissions. Without test score data, positioning the school against peer high schools in the district is difficult, but the selective admissions process and arts focus create a distinct niche.

AcademicsSteady

Test score data wasn't provided for this school, making a direct academic performance comparison difficult. However, class sizes average 25.8 students, essentially identical to the district average of 25.8, suggesting typical resource allocation per classroom. The school offers AP courses, and with a program richness score of 90/100, students have access to a wide array of academic and arts programming. The lack of proficiency data means families should inquire directly about college-going outcomes and academic support structures.

Culturemoderate

Survey results reveal an interesting trust dynamic: parent-teacher trust is exceptionally high at 96%, and parent-principal trust sits at 88%, indicating families feel supported by the staff. However, teacher-principal trust is notably lower at 60%, while teacher collegial trust among staff is 71%. This suggests a disconnect between leadership and teachers that could affect day-to-day school culture. Teacher instruction quality rates at 88%, slightly below the district average of 89.8%. The school has zero suspensions—a strong indicator of a restorative or supportive discipline approach—though the family survey response rate of 6% means parent voice may be underrepresented.

Community

With 52% Hispanic, 30% Black, 8% White, 6% Asian, and 1% each multi-racial and Native American students, this school reflects a predominantly Hispanic and Black student body. The diversity index of 65% is moderate, and the economic need index of 75.9% is notably high—meaning three-quarters of students face economic challenges. Eighteen percent of students have IEPs. The neighborhood itself is quite different: 83% of adults have bachelor's degrees, median household income is $153,847, and only 10.8% live in poverty. This contrast between neighborhood affluence and student economic need is notable—families should understand the school draws from a broader geographic area beyond this immediate neighborhood.

NeighborhoodGramercy

Gramercy is a highly education-oriented neighborhood with a family density score in the 95th percentile and an education orientation score of 97. It's exceptionally well-served by transit (98th percentile) making it accessible from across the city. However, safety scores are low (17th percentile), and environmental health indicators show concerns: elevated asthma rates (155 per 10,000) and PM2.5 levels. The neighborhood has 10% households with children, lower than many family areas, but offers parks and stable housing (40% homeownership). The median home value of $922,000 reflects the area's desirability despite its challenges.

Gramercy is extremely walkable with excellent subway access via multiple nearby lines. Families report the area is pedestrian-friendly, though traffic and parking can be challenging during rush hours.

Survey Results

Family Feedback
Satisfaction
83%
Teacher Trust
96%
Principal Trust
88%
Teacher Perspective
Instruction
88%
Principal Trust
60%
Collegial Trust
71%

NYC School Survey (2025) · 25 families responded (6% rate)

Programs & Activities

Academic(1)
AP Courses
Arts(3)
Arts ShowsDance ClubVineyard Theater
Sports(6)
BaseballBasketballHandballSoccerSoftballVolleyball
Language(2)
ELL SupportItalian
Clubs & Activities(10)
Anime ClubGay-Straight AllianceMock TrialModel UnNational Honor SocietyPoetry ClubSat PrepSchool NewspaperStudent GovernmentYearbook

Admissions Demand

Fine & Visual ArtsHighly Competitive

Studio drawing and painting, mixed-media arts, photography, art history, internships at NYC galleries.

Seats66
Applicants341
Apps/Seat5.2
Offer Rate20%
Performing ArtsCompetitive

Includes drama, technical theater, and NYC internships in theaters.

Seats35
Applicants122
Apps/Seat3.5
Offer Rate33.3%
Capstone ScholarsCompetitive

College readiness program that exposes students to AP Courses throughout their four-year high school tenure. Students select courses in English, History, Math, and Science, and complete AP exams to earn between 15-30 college credits. Scholars will complete a four-year study of Theater to earn their Arts Endorsed Diploma and an Advanced Regents Diploma. In the 12th grade, students have the opportunity to apply for a 'capstone' or internship in the Arts Field.

Seats25
Applicants63
Apps/Seat2.5
Offer Rate33.3%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Diverse
52%Hispanic/Latino
30%Black
8%White
6%Asian
1%Multi-Racial

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

Economic Need & Special Populations

Economic Need Index
75.9%
IEP Students
18.1%

Discipline

0suspensions

NYSED Student & Educator Database

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gramercy Arts High School a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for Gramercy Arts High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Gramercy.
What grades does Gramercy Arts High School serve?
Gramercy Arts High School serves grades 9 to 12.
How do students get into Gramercy Arts High School?
Gramercy Arts High School admits by audition — applicants are judged on a performance, portfolio, or talent area.
Is Gramercy Arts High School public, charter, or private?
Gramercy Arts High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 2.
What neighborhood is Gramercy Arts High School in?
Gramercy Arts High School is in Gramercy, Manhattan.
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