At a Glance
A district-run alternative learning center serving grades 6-12 in the heart of Washington Heights, offering individualized paths for students who thrive outside traditional classroom settings
Families seeking an alternative to traditional middle/high school structures, students who benefit from more individualized learning plans, or families already connected to the District 6 alternative learning community. Parents who prioritize transparent test-score comparisons may want to look at zoned options like P.S./I.S. 187 or Muscota.
- Serves grades 6-12 under one roof — rare in District 6
- Alternative learning model that may suit non-traditional learners
- High teacher-reported safety and instruction quality (both above 90%)
- Strong parent satisfaction (94%)
- Low suspension rate indicates restorative discipline approach
- No publicly reported test score data — academic performance cannot be directly compared
- Alternative learning centers serve specific student populations; this may not be the right fit for all learners
- The school lacks peer ratings among the top district performers (peers range 68-93, with charters dominating the upper range)
- Neighborhood safety scores are in the bottom decile — families should factor this into daily logistics
Based on 2024 data
School SummaryDistrict 6
Among District 6's peer schools, ALC - Cloisters sits outside the traditional accountability framework that produces ratings for charters and zoned schools. The district's top performers — Zeta (93), Success Academy (90), and P.S./I.S. 187 (80) — are all charter or screened schools. This alternative learning center occupies a different niche, serving students who may not fit conventional academic pathways.
Test score data is not available for this school, which is common for alternative learning centers that may serve students through different assessments or pathways than traditional schools. The district average for District 6 shows ELA proficiency at 47% and math at 52%, with an overall quality rating of 1.98 out of 4 — figures that contextualize the challenging academic landscape in this district.
Teacher-reported safety (93.2%) and instruction quality (90.4%) both run high, suggesting a functional learning environment where staff feel supported. Parent satisfaction also exceeds 93%, indicating families find value in what this school provides. The suspension rate (0.43%) is low and in line with district averages, pointing to a relatively restorative approach to discipline.
This school serves grades 6-12, spanning adolescence through early adulthood, which allows families to keep children in one district-run setting for their entire K-12 journey. The neighborhood's high family density (80th percentile) and low homeownership (17.5%) suggest a community of renters, many with school-age children. The area is predominantly Dominican and immigrant-origin, which the student body likely reflects.
Washington Heights offers excellent transit access (76th percentile) and sits near elevated subway lines that connect residents to Manhattan quickly. The neighborhood has modest safety scores (10th percentile), reflecting urban challenges, but strong education orientation (60th percentile) indicates families prioritize schooling. Parks and recreational resources line the neighborhood, and the area has evolved into a family-friendly enclave with Dominican restaurants, grocery stores, and community organizations.
The school is highly walkable given its location near the A train and local bus routes; many students from the immediate neighborhood arrive on foot, while families from farther flung parts of District 6 rely on the robust subway network.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Cloisters (ALC) a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Cloisters (ALC) yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 6 to 12 in Washington Heights (North).
- What grades does Cloisters (ALC) serve?
- Cloisters (ALC) serves grades 6 to 12.
- Is Cloisters (ALC) public, charter, or private?
- Cloisters (ALC) is a public school in NYC Community School District 6.
- What neighborhood is Cloisters (ALC) in?
- Cloisters (ALC) is in Washington Heights (North), Manhattan.
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