Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts

Can talent be nurtured? At the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts, that question is answered with a resounding yes. This school, a beacon of artistic expression in East Orange, New Jersey, isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the power of dreams, driven by the unwavering spirit of its namesake, the Emmy-award winning actress Cicely Tyson. The Cicely Tyson School isn’t new. It actually began its life in 1995, embraced by the community and championed by Mayor Ted R. Green. Cicely Tyson wasn’t just a name on the building. She was a constant presence, a mentor, a source of inspiration for the students who walked its halls. She believed in nurturing talent, not just to create the next Cicely Tyson, but to equip students with the tools for success in any path they chose. The Cicely Tyson School is a place where the arts flourish. The $143 million facility is a testament to the community’s 30-year effort to create a space for young artists to thrive. It replaced a nearly century-old school and required the relocation of 180 families, demonstrating the commitment to this vision. The Cicely Tyson School isn’t just about performing arts. It’s a community hub. It houses a wellness center, a library, a media center, a gymnasium, and more, all open to the community after school hours. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including two performing arts theaters, one with 800 seats and the other with 400. There are also two black box theaters and numerous practice rooms for band, choral, piano, and dance. Students also have access to editing and graphic studios and cutting-edge IT and AV equipment. This remarkable institution is a testament to the power of community, the importance of the arts, and the enduring legacy of Cicely Tyson. The Cicely Tyson School is more than just a school. It’s a dream factory, where young artists discover their potential and soar to new heights.