By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
GRAMERCY — For students at Aaron Academy, the climb to the top begins right in the school's lobby.
A new climbing wall, science lab, cooking lab, art room and classrooms made their debut at the school's 42 East 30th Street location Friday as part of an expansion project that will finish next year.
The additions to the two-year-old private school, which focuses on students with learning disabilities, are a way of incorporating pupil's strengths into the curriculum, said Stacy Rosenblum, admissions coordinator for the school.
"We have students who are very gifted in math and engineering, and that will support them," Rosenblum of the new labs.
The climbing wall also has applications beyond fitness, she said. Through climbing, the school's 48 students will learn coordination, planning and communication.
Construction of the project, which will add a new gym, library and performance arts space in its second phase next year, was funded by the school's parent company, MetSchools, Inc.
The school will eventually enroll 120 students, Rosenblum said.
In honor of the school's expansion and growth, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer proclaimed Oct. 15, 2010 Aaron Academy Appreciation Day.
Swai Simpkins, 13, a student from the school's inaugural class, said his favorite part of Aaron Academy were the teachers and her fellow classmates, but he might have a new favorite.
"I'm really looking forward to our new lobby, classrooms...and climbing wall," he said.
