Washington Heights Academy

These numbers are hard to ignore: 74.6% ELA and 82.5% math proficiency in 2025, compared to District 6 averages of 47% and 52% respectively. That's a massive gap — this school is producing results far above what most district schools achieve. The historical trajectory shows consistent growth from 40.7% ELA in 2016 (with a pandemic dip to 66% in 2022), and math has been especially strong in recent years, hitting 97.5% proficiency in 7th grade and 92.3% in 6th grade. The 3.14 overall score reflects solid performance across the board, though 8th grade math (72.7%) lags the upper grades.

The survey data tells a remarkable story: 100% of families report strong relationships, 99% rate teacher instruction quality as strong, and trust in leadership is nearly universal (97-98% across parent-teacher-principal relationships). Teacher-reported safety sits at 93%, and notably there were zero suspensions in 2023-24. This is a school where families feel heard and teachers feel supported. However, the chronic absenteeism rate of 66% is a significant concern — nearly two-thirds of students are missing enough school to be flagged, which could explain why some grade-level scores (notably 8th grade) lag behind the rest.

The student body is 94% Hispanic, reflecting the neighborhood's demographics — Inwood is one of Manhattan's most working-class, predominantly Latino communities. With an economic need index of 82.6% (well above city average) and only 9.2% homeownership in the area, this is a community of primarily renters and working families. The diversity index is low at 14%, meaning the school is not particularly diverse — it's essentially a neighborhood school serving its immediate community. 22% of students have IEPs, suggesting solid special education support.

Inwood sits at the northern tip of Manhattan, with strong transit access (63.6 score) and a family density score of 53. However, the safety score is notably low at 10.34, reflecting concerns about crime density in the area. The neighborhood is affordable for Manhattan — median home value is $508,338 with 9.2% homeownership — and 40% of residents have a BA+ education. There are parks and community resources, but parents should be aware of the safety considerations that come with the territory.

The school is in a pedestrian-friendly northern Manhattan neighborhood with good transit options, though families should consider the low safety score when planning commutes and after-school activities.