At a Glance
An audition-based arts magnet where students build confidence through performance while catching up on academic fundamentals
Families whose children are passionate about performing or visual arts and thrive in a supportive, relational environment — particularly those who value cultural enrichment and relationship-building over standardized test performance. Works best when parents can supplement academic instruction at home and actively support attendance consistency.
- Audition-based admissions in theater, dance, and visual arts — competitive with only 20% offer rate for visual arts
- Zero suspensions in a district where peer schools average 0.4%
- 100% of teachers rate instruction quality as good or excellent
- 94% parent satisfaction vs 88% district average
- Arts-focused culture appears to retain students who might otherwise disengage
- Academic proficiency significantly below district average — students may need tutoring or supplemental support
- Chronic absenteeism is high (47.6%) especially for male students (66.7%)
- Teacher-principal trust (74%) suggests administrative friction that could affect stability
- Highly competitive admissions (visual arts acceptance at 20%) may be stressful for applicants
- Test scores showed regression in 2025 after earlier improvement — trajectory is uncertain
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 3
Wadleigh occupies a challenging position among District 3 peers, which include top-performing schools like the Special Music School (100/100) and Anderson School (98/100). While those schools excel academically, Wadleigh's 1.03/4 overall score reflects its focus on arts over test performance. The zero suspension rate and high parent satisfaction suggest the school serves its community well on dimensions that don't show up in proficiency data.
Test scores remain a significant concern — 35.1% ELA and 16.2% math proficiency place Wadleigh well below District 3 averages (59% and 54% respectively). However, the trajectory tells a more nuanced story: ELA rose from 11% in 2016 to a peak of 42.9% in 2024 before slipping to 35.1% in 2025, while math crawled from 0% in 2017 to 21.6% in 2023 before dropping slightly. The school is clearly investing in academic recovery, but parents should understand their children will likely need supplemental support to meet grade-level expectations.
The survey data reveals a school with strong family relationships but some tension between staff and leadership. Parents overwhelmingly trust teachers (95%) and the principal (90%), and rate instruction quality at 100% — remarkable numbers. However, teacher-principal trust sits at 74%, suggesting administrative friction that may affect staff retention. The zero suspensions is a genuine bright spot, and while chronic absenteeism is high at 47.6% (especially for male students at 66.7%), the core culture appears relational and supportive.
Wadleigh draws primarily from Black (43%) and Hispanic (49%) families in a neighborhood where 85.3% of students qualify for free lunch — this is a high-need population. The diversity index of 53% reflects the school's relatively homogeneous demographics compared to the broader city. With only 394 students across grades 6-12, the community is intimate, though the 21% family survey response rate means not all voices are equally heard.
Harlem (South) offers excellent transit access (98.85 percentile) and a strong education orientation (76.25), but parents should know safety scores rank in the bottom percentile (1.15). The area has a high BA+ education rate (51.7%) and limited homeownership (18.2%), suggesting many families rent in a neighborhood experiencing rapid change. Median home values ($1.3M) indicate economic pressure on long-term residents.
Very walkable neighborhood with strong subway access — families without cars can navigate easily, though the area's safety ranking means attention to surroundings matters
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 63 families responded (21% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
The Theater Arts program introduces students to the art of acting. Drama students will be exposed to a variety of techniques and tools in theater arts that will enhance their current level of proficiency. Students will study acting, directing, stage design and play-writing. In addition, students will participate in musical theater performances throughout the school year.
This program offers students the opportunity to study dance technique, composition, theory, history, and anatomy and physiology. The dance program exposes students to the fields of modern, ballet, tap, Afro-Caribbean, and jazz; as well as Pilates and Zena Rommett Floor Bar. Dance students participate in school performances throughout the school year and partner with several of our renowned partnerships.
This program offers students an introduction to the fundamental concepts of art. Students will explore elements of art and design through a variety of 2D and 3D media: drawing, painting, collage-making, watercolor, and computer graphics. Students will also have the opportunity to take electives in photography, ceramics, and AP Studio Art. Student art work is displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, Harlem State Office Building, Cooper Hewitt Museum, and Colgate Palmolive Headquarters.
This program introduces students to the fundamentals of instrumental playing. The program is also designed to extend the boundaries of the musically talented student. Students learn techniques in Jazz Band, Modern Band, and Concert Band. Strong emphasis is placed in the following areas: Music Theory, Composition, and Music History. Students participate in school performances throughout the school year and partner with several of our renowned partnerships.
This program exposes students to music theory, history, and voice techniques. Students perform in a variety of genres: classical, jazz, Broadway, gospel, and popular music. The Wadleigh Chamber Choir has performed at: Carnegie Hall, Apollo Theater, Barclay Center, Riverside Church, National Chorale Festival, Manhattan Borough Arts Festival, Songs of Solomon Gospel Choir, NYC All-City Chorus, NYC Summer Arts Institute, Metropolitan Opera, National Chorale, and Lincoln Center Jazz.
Students in this program will be offered a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum. The program will prepare students to pass the five required NYS Regents and have the opportunity to earn an Advanced Regents diploma. Students will be offered AP and honors courses, to prepare them for entry into selective four-year colleges. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the performing and visual arts and participate in internships.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts a good school?
- On Motley, Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts earns an overall quality score of 26/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run below the District 3 average.
- What grades does Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts serve?
- Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts serves grades 6 to 12.
- How do students get into Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts?
- Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts admits by audition — applicants are judged on a performance, portfolio, or talent area.
- Is Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts public, charter, or private?
- Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts is a public school in NYC Community School District 3.
- What neighborhood is Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts in?
- Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts is in Harlem (South), Manhattan.
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