The original open air school

Gordon was founded in 1910 by pediatrician Dr. Helen West Cooke as an Open Air School, part of movement cited in a recent New York Times article.

Windows were kept open year round to encourage good health, clear thinking and a strong relationship to nature. Today, ample time to play in that fresh air is still a daily priority, and outdoor learning plays a major role in Gordon's plans to reopen campus in September 2020.

A robust physical education program begins in nursery, preschool and kindergarten, while a forward- thinking health and wellness curriculum introduces age-appropriate topics beginning in third grade. They are part of a schoolwide commitment to supporting healthy social, emotional, and physical development, in the spirit of Gordon’s founding belief that “mind and heart should be educated with equal care.” Students are empowered to self advocate, have open and honest discussions, and make choices that are right for them.