High School of Graphic Communication Arts

High School of Graphic Communication Arts
High School of Graphic Communication Arts (HSGCA) as it appears on West 49th Street
Address
439 West 49th Street
Manhattan, New York City, New York, 10019
United States
Information
School district New York City Geographical District 2
Superintendent Elaine Gorman
School number 625
Principal Brendan Lyons
Grades 9-12
Enrolment 1,626

The High School of Graphic Communication Arts (also referred to as H.S.G.C.A.) is a vocational high school located in the Hell's Kitchen (also known as Clinton) district of Manhattan. Founded in 1925 as the New York School of Printing, the school serves to educate students interesting in careers in printing, photography, journalism, the visual arts, and law enforcement (mainly forensics drawing).

The present building that now houses the school was built in 1959 by the architectural firm of Kelly & Gruzen (now known as Gruzen Samton Architects) and is one of the best known structures designed utilizing a vigorous display of the international architectural style movement in the city.[1] It was also the first high school in the city to have escalators.[2] The school is home to a mural located at its main entrance that was designed by Hans Hofmann, one of the leading artists of the Abstract Expressionist movement.[3] The building is located on West 49th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, across the street from the building that once was home to the now defunct Park West High School. The current principal of the school is Jerod Resnick.[4]

The school has allocated some of its space to the Manhattan Playhouse to serve as a community theater that showcases many local off-Broadway productions.

In October 2010, it was announced that the school was on the New York City Department of Education's shortlist of schools potentially targeted for closing. It was one of two schools in Manhattan to be on the list, and the only high school in the borough scheduled to be closed due to poor academic performance.[5]

Contents

Contact information

High School of Graphic Communication Arts
439 West 49th Street
New York, NY 10019-7235
United States of America

Main Telephone: +1 (212) 245-5925

Transportation

SUBWAY: 1,C,E to 50 Street; N,R,Q to 49th, B,D,F,V to 47-50th street

Notable alumni

References

  1. ^ AIA Guide to New York City from Google Books ISBN 0-19-538386-9
  2. ^ New York Songlines: 50th Street from www.nysonglines.com
  3. ^ You're in Hell's Kitchen: High School of Graphic Communication Arts
  4. ^ New York City Board of Education: High School of Graphic Communication Arts
  5. ^ City Considering 47 Schools For Closing SHARON OTTERMAN, New York Times, October 28, 2010.
  6. ^ New York Literary State Tree: Carolyn A. Butts from www.nyslittree.org

External links