A Middle School Option for Upper West Side & Washington Heights Families
Families on the Upper West Side and in Washington Heights often face a tough middle school question: stay in a crowded school zone, take on the cost of a private school, or look further afield. St HOPE Leadership Academy offers a fourth option — a tuition-free public charter school for grades 6 through 8, just a short ride on the 2/3 or B/C train or quick trip on the M3/M10 bus.
A brief ride from the West Side
- From Washington Heights: direct to 135th St on the C or M3 bus, plus a short walk.
- From the Upper West Side: 2/3 express, three stops to 135th St or B/C to 135th. The M10 also runs straight up Central Park West/Frederick Douglas Blvd practically to our doorstop.
- Door-to-door: 20 to 25 minutes for most families.
What families tell us they’re looking for
Each family has its own reasons, but we hear the same themes again and again. Some are tired of waitlists at the most-desired public middle schools. Some want a smaller, more personal environment than a large zoned school can offer. Some want a school whose entire identity is middle school — not a K-8 or K-12 building where middle schoolers share resources with much older or much younger students.
And some come simply because they want their child in a more diverse community than the one in their zone.
What we offer
- Grades 6-8 only. Middle school is our entire focus.
- Tuition-free. No fees for enrollment, instruction, or materials.
- Small class sizes and a single-site community.
- Academic rigor balanced with character development.
- Open enrollment to all NYC families, including mid-year transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Come see our school
We host tours throughout the school year and are happy to schedule one around your family’s commute. A morning visit during the school day is the best way to get a sense of whether we’re the right fit for your family.