The College Academy

Test proficiency data isn't publicly reported for this school, making it harder to benchmark against the district's 47% ELA and 52% math averages. However, the school operates a full AP program and offers STEM pathways alongside humanities and dual language instruction — signals that college prep is central to the mission. The small class size of 21.9 students matches the district average, but the 100% teacher instruction quality rating suggests strong classroom delivery despite incomplete proficiency data.

This is where The College Academy truly stands out. Parent satisfaction hits 96% (versus 94% district average), teacher instruction quality is a perfect 100%, and parent-principal trust sits at 96%. Zero suspensions in the most recent year signals a restorative or preventive approach to discipline rather than exclusionary practices. With a 57% family survey response rate and 184 responses, parents are actively engaged — not just a silent majority. Teachers report 96% trust in the principal and 93% collegial trust, indicating stable leadership that staff believes in.

The student body mirrors the neighborhood: 88% Hispanic, 8% Black, with virtually no white or Asian students — a homogeneous population that reflects Washington Heights' demographic character. With a diversity index of just 26%, this isn't a culturally diverse school, but it is a deeply representative one. Twenty-five percent of students have IEPs, and the economic need index of 93.1% means nearly every family faces significant financial barriers. For families in this community, the school offers a rare space that feels like home.

Washington Heights (North) is a dense, transit-rich Manhattan neighborhood with a family density score of 80 — meaning lots of kids in the area. The median household income of $76,919 is modest for Manhattan, and only 17.5% of residents own homes, indicating a predominantly renting population. Education orientation scores 60%, showing families in the area value schooling. Transit access is strong (76th percentile), making the school reachable from broader Manhattan and even parts of the Bronx. Safety scores are notably low at just 9.96, and environmental health indicators show elevated asthma rates and lead exposure risks — real concerns for families evaluating the area.

The school is in a walkable, transit-dense part of Washington Heights. Families from the immediate neighborhood can walk, while those coming from further afield have strong subway and bus access. The area is pedestrian-friendly but parents should be aware of the neighborhood's safety indicators when planning commutes.