“Did you know Cicely L Tyson herself helped design this school?” I ask. This isn’t just a school. It’s the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts. It stands as a testament to her legacy. A beacon for young artists in East Orange New Jersey.
The Cicely L Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts isn’t just any school. It’s a magnet school. It serves students in grades six through twelve. It opened in 2009. It replaced the historic Elmwood Avenue building. The new building is a marvel. It boasts a state-of-the-art 300000 square foot facility. It is among the largest schools ever built in New Jersey.
This impressive building wasn’t built overnight. It took time. Principal Laura Trimmings Washington Academy of Music Principal Brenda Veale Mayor Robert Bowser and District Arts Coordinator Iqua Colson collaborated with Cicely Tyson. Together they envisioned a school that would nurture creativity. They worked on the design and curriculum. This partnership resulted in a remarkable space. It has an 800 seat theater. This theater meets Broadway standards for sound lighting and acoustics. Students also have access to a TV studio art studios music rooms practice rooms animation rooms and shops for building sets.
The classrooms are equipped with smartboards. They have advanced audio-visual systems and multiple computer workstations. The school provides its students with every tool imaginable. They are prepared for success in the performing arts.
The Cicely L Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts has received numerous awards and recognition. In 2014 New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked it 247th among 339 public high schools. The school’s ranking shows the high standard of education. It demonstrates the school’s commitment to excellence. The school’s impact extends far beyond rankings. It has produced notable alumni like Luxx Noir London. A drag performer singer and songwriter who competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Cicely Tyson’s influence permeates every aspect of this school. It’s more than just a name on a building. She truly made this school what it is. It’s a place where young people can learn grow and create. They can dream big and achieve their artistic potential. It’s a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. That is the enduring spirit of the Cicely L Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts.