Named for Emmy-award winning actress Cicely Tyson, who has roots in East Orange and is a key proponent for attracting talent to the site’s 800 seat performing arts theater, the school was a collaboration between the State, the City, and the District, as well as the contractor of its “design-build” delivery.
A project of significant magnitude, the educational and performing arts program occupies 300,000 square feet. The magnet school allowed the student body of the former 100 year old Washington School and the existing Cicely Tyson School to be combined into an innovative facility.
The project included 6 Pre-K classrooms and 6 self-contained special education classrooms, as well as daycare for infants and toddlers to enable students who might otherwise be unable to complete high school have a safe secure facility for their children during class time.
As a community school, its commitment to the public includes a wellness center including health and dental clinics, as well as many features serving the community after hours including library and media center, gymnasium, cafeteria, music rooms, and art rooms.
As part of the area’s planned redevelopment, the performing arts educational campus is augmented by new brownstone homes within walking distance of the school and commuter service to NYC, as well as the creation of a downtown arts district.
Project Location
East Orange, NJ
Project Size
300,000 SF New Construction
