Features

Navigating College Admissions Today Amidst the Culture of Fear Online

The Stuyvesant community discusses the effectiveness of social media’s depiction of the college application process and takeaways from it.

Out-Ghouled: Growing Up and Out of the Costume

Students share how they grapple with the reality of growing up when it comes to costumes and candy.

How Do Stuyvesant Students Feel Four Years Out From Their First Encounter With AI?

Four years out from the release of ChatGPT, Stuyvesant students reflect on their feelings, thoughts, and hopes for AI in the future.

The Acceleration Equation

A closer look at how and why underclassmen can be in math classes far beyond their years

Dear Jane Doe

Amidst the controversy surrounding the resurfacing of Jane Doe v. Cornell University, et al., Stuyvesant students express their opinions on the administrations of large organizations diminishing the impact of sexual assault within their institution.

Thank You, The Spectator, Stuy, and Joan Didion!

Reflecting on what writing for The Spectator has taught me (so far).

The Cornell Lawsuit and What It Means For Student Journalism

The Spectator commends The Cornell Daily Sun for its courageous and outspoken advocacy, and hopes to uphold the same degree of journalistic integrity.

Summer Survey

Dear Incoming Faculty of 2026, WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE YOU!

Introducing Stuyvesant’s Newest Teachers!

A Fresh Perspective: Class of ‘30

Freshmen from the Class of ‘30 share their experiences after their first few days of high school.

Plans Subject to Change

A student reflects on the culture surrounding planning at Stuyvesant and what happens when careful plans don’t work out.

Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna

Putting mehndi (henna) on one’s nails isn’t very common for people within my age group, but it has become an important reminder of growth and commitment in my personal life.

What Is It Like to Be a Koi Fish Owner?

How I resonate with and pity these fragile Koi fish, despite them representing good luck and fortune.

Swara and Solfa: How Music Has Shaped My Bicultural Identity

Finding my voice in the intersection of my Indian and American cultures.

When Should You Take the SAT?

Students share the numerous pros and cons of different SAT testing dates, explaining their decisions and providing insight into the significance of the date that a student takes the exam.

Coming Back Different

Students explore what a glow-up truly is, and why summer is its favorite season.

Assistant Principal of English and Secret Guitarist: Mr. Grossman

Assistant Principal of English Eric Grossman explains his journey in joining the Stuyvesant community and reflects on his English teachings.

Noa Salas Adam's Closing Comment

Noa Salas Adam's closing comment.

Deconstructing Discovery

Uncovering the Discovery program's controversies.

Practicing Sincerity

A student reflects on the complication of authenticity.

A Surreal Experience: Oratorio’s Magical Performance at Lincoln Center

Stuyvesant’s Oratorio Choir recently performed at Lincoln Center, a unique opportunity that brought the choir together through an incredible amount of hard work to create an amazing experience.

More Than the Shape of My Lip

Being born with a cleft lip inevitably exposed me to judgmental stares and unwanted attention, but the journey shaped my understanding to embrace my differences as strengths, not abnormalities.

“Back in My Day, We Took More Than a Train to School”

A deep-dive into the experiences of students commuting to Stuyvesant.

Where in the School is Geography?

Schools’ lack of priority in subjects like geography has contributed to gaps in knowledge among future generations of students.

Students Open Up About the “Tiger Parent” Stereotype

How effective is “tiger parenting?” Stuyvesant students express their thoughts regarding an infamous parenting style, tiger parenting, an authoritative approach that emphasizes the importance of high academic performance and obedience.

Dealt a New Hand: How Students Filled the Phone Ban Gap

As Stuyvesant’s phone ban comes to the end of its first year, students are increasingly using card games as a primary form of social interaction during free periods, reshaping the atmosphere of lunchrooms and hallways and sparking broader debate.

Empanadas, Franglais, and Names

A reflection on being multicultural and how it influences my identity.

Substituting: Substantive or Sub-optimal?

When students discover their teacher is absent for the day, high expectations and excitement often follow, but the reality of effectiveness in substitute teaching unravels a far more complex story.

2026 Student Union Endorsements

The Spectator's student union endorsements.

Where Does Robotics’ Money Come From?

An inside look into the business machine powering Stuvesant’s largest student-run organization—and the team of teenagers behind it.

Homecoming: More than a Game

Homecoming is much more than an event; it’s an experience that unifies Stuyvesant in unique ways.

Tunes in Turmoil: The Proposed Band Cuts

An exploration of the proposed cuts to Stuyvesant’s band program.

Assistant Principal of English and Secret Guitarist: Mr. Grossman

Assistant Principal of English Eric Grossman explains his journey in joining the Stuyvesant community and reflects on his English teachings.

Noa Salas Adam's Closing Comment

Noa Salas Adam's closing comment.

Deconstructing Discovery

Uncovering the Discovery program's controversies.

Micah Lasher Reflects on His Time at Stuyvesant

The Spectator's interview with Micah Lasher.

Practicing Sincerity

A student reflects on the complication of authenticity.

A Surreal Experience: Oratorio’s Magical Performance at Lincoln Center

Stuyvesant’s Oratorio Choir recently performed at Lincoln Center, a unique opportunity that brought the choir together through an incredible amount of hard work to create an amazing experience.

More Than the Shape of My Lip

Being born with a cleft lip inevitably exposed me to judgmental stares and unwanted attention, but the journey shaped my understanding to embrace my differences as strengths, not abnormalities.

Sharing Stories: Farewell to Ms. Fletcher

Ms. Fletcher reflects on her time at Stuy, what makes it so special, and what she plans to do in retirement.

“Back in My Day, We Took More Than a Train to School”

A deep-dive into the experiences of students commuting to Stuyvesant.

Reading Between the Lines: Stuzin’s New Media Literacy Class

Stuzin’s new Media Literacy elective is an exciting English elective that is imperative in navigating the growing media landscape of memes, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic filters.

More Than Just a Prom Invite: Promposal Culture at Stuyvesant

Promposals are one of the most exciting high school traditions, turning an otherwise ordinary invitation to prom into an extraordinary and memorable experience. What is promposal culture like at Stuyvesant?

Where in the School is Geography?

Schools’ lack of priority in subjects like geography has contributed to gaps in knowledge among future generations of students.

Students Open Up About the “Tiger Parent” Stereotype

How effective is “tiger parenting?” Stuyvesant students express their thoughts regarding an infamous parenting style, tiger parenting, an authoritative approach that emphasizes the importance of high academic performance and obedience.

Dealt a New Hand: How Students Filled the Phone Ban Gap

As Stuyvesant’s phone ban comes to the end of its first year, students are increasingly using card games as a primary form of social interaction during free periods, reshaping the atmosphere of lunchrooms and hallways and sparking broader debate.

Proofs, Patterns, Circles, and Sines: Mrs. Sterr

A profile on mathematics teacher May Sterr and the experiences that shaped her journey to teaching Geometry and AP Precalculus at Stuyvesant.

Substituting: Substantive or Sub-optimal?

When students discover their teacher is absent for the day, high expectations and excitement often follow, but the reality of effectiveness in substitute teaching unravels a far more complex story.

2026 Student Union Endorsements

The Spectator's student union endorsements.

Where Does Robotics’ Money Come From?

An inside look into the business machine powering Stuvesant’s largest student-run organization—and the team of teenagers behind it.

Empanadas, Franglais, and Names

A reflection on being multicultural and how it influences my identity.

Navigating College Admissions Today Amidst the Culture of Fear Online

The Stuyvesant community discusses the effectiveness of social media’s depiction of the college application process and takeaways from it.

Out-Ghouled: Growing Up and Out of the Costume

Students share how they grapple with the reality of growing up when it comes to costumes and candy.

How Do Stuyvesant Students Feel Four Years Out From Their First Encounter With AI?

Four years out from the release of ChatGPT, Stuyvesant students reflect on their feelings, thoughts, and hopes for AI in the future.

The Acceleration Equation

A closer look at how and why underclassmen can be in math classes far beyond their years

Dear Jane Doe

Amidst the controversy surrounding the resurfacing of Jane Doe v. Cornell University, et al., Stuyvesant students express their opinions on the administrations of large organizations diminishing the impact of sexual assault within their institution.

A Deep Dive Into APCS A vs. APCS A Honors

Computer Science Coordinator JonAlf Dyrland-Weaver explains the restructuring of post-foundations computer science classes offered at Stuyvesant, and students enrolled in AP Computer Science A (APCS A) and APCS A Honors share their thoughts on the classes so far.

Thank You, The Spectator, Stuy, and Joan Didion!

Reflecting on what writing for The Spectator has taught me (so far).

The Cornell Lawsuit and What It Means For Student Journalism

The Spectator commends The Cornell Daily Sun for its courageous and outspoken advocacy, and hopes to uphold the same degree of journalistic integrity.

160 Miles Apart

My sister recently moved out for college, which has made me relook our relationship and consider how both her presence and absence impact me.

Summer Survey

Dear Incoming Faculty of 2026, WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE YOU!

Introducing Stuyvesant’s Newest Teachers!

A Fresh Perspective: Class of ‘30

Freshmen from the Class of ‘30 share their experiences after their first few days of high school.

A Profile on the Stuyvesant Environmental Club

A profile on Stuy Environmental Club to raise awareness about their causes, what the club does, and to highlight their new plans for the new school year.

Plans Subject to Change

A student reflects on the culture surrounding planning at Stuyvesant and what happens when careful plans don’t work out.

Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna

Putting mehndi (henna) on one’s nails isn’t very common for people within my age group, but it has become an important reminder of growth and commitment in my personal life.

What Is It Like to Be a Koi Fish Owner?

How I resonate with and pity these fragile Koi fish, despite them representing good luck and fortune.

Is Productivity the Only Way to Spend the Summer?

Productivity in the summer, in terms of programs, internships, and volunteering, has recently become the norm for Stuyvesant students trying to build a competitive college application—but at what cost?

Swara and Solfa: How Music Has Shaped My Bicultural Identity

Finding my voice in the intersection of my Indian and American cultures.

When Should You Take the SAT?

Students share the numerous pros and cons of different SAT testing dates, explaining their decisions and providing insight into the significance of the date that a student takes the exam.

Coming Back Different

Students explore what a glow-up truly is, and why summer is its favorite season.

Reclaiming My Passive Summer, Without a Passport

This summer, and many of my previous ones—not that I can remember them—were spent watching people live their lives through a screen, yearning for the adventures I couldn’t experience, until I learned the true meaning of the grand adventures the summer promises.