KIPP Washington Heights Middle School

Grades Served

5-8

Principal

Mr. Eric Cato

Address

21 Jumel Pl, New York, NY 10032, USA

Phone

212-991-2620

Email

KIPPNYCWHMS-Public@kippnyc.org

Instagram

@kippwhms

About KIPP Washington Heights Middle School

KIPP Washington Heights Middle School is a close-knit, college-focused learning community where curiosity and growth are celebrated every day. Through rigorous literacy and math instruction, access to technology, and individualized supports, students gain the skills and confidence to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. At KIPP Washington Heights Middle School, we support, challenge, and inspire students through rigorous, culturally relevant instruction that nurtures intellect, honors identity, and promotes self-determined success. We teach the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially—through responsive lessons that reward curiosity, foster critical thinking, and encourage visible growth. Our students give and receive feedback to sharpen skills, deepen reflection, and advocate for themselves and their communities.

 

Fun Fact

Why a Butterfly? 🦋

At Washington Heights Middle, our butterfly logo is more than just a symbol, it’s a powerful tribute to the Mirabal Sisters, brave women from the Dominican Republic who stood up against injustice and dictatorship. Known as “Las Mariposas” (The Butterflies), the sisters became symbols of courage, resistance, and the fight for equity.

We proudly carry their legacy in our logo and in our hearts. Just like the Mirabal Sisters, we believe in the power of standing up, speaking out, and creating change. The butterfly reminds us that transformation is possible, and that even small voices can lead to big, meaningful impact.

Through our PODER values, inclusive classrooms, Monarch support blocks, and vibrant community partnerships, we honor Las Mariposas by empowering every student to grow, lead, and rise with purpose.

Discover KIPP Washington Heights Middle School

Everything you need to know about our school culture, programs, and community. Click to explore each section!

School Culture

Each year we take part and highlight a number of cultural holidays and months. We celebrate Latin X, Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month.

Also each trimester we have our Principals List Celebration breakfast where we invite families to celebrate their work as well as their children’s work of achieving a 3.5 GPA or higher. They also receive a commemorative sweater for their achievement.

Each week we gather together as an entire school community to hold a Monarch Meeting. A place where we celebrate grade level as well as individual community achievements, make whole school announcements and share performances.

Details

Each year we take part and highlight a number of cultural holidays and months. We celebrate Latin X, Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month.

Also each trimester we have our Principals List Celebration breakfast where we invite families to celebrate their work as well as their children’s work of achieving a 3.5 GPA or higher. They also receive a commemorative sweater for their achievement.

Each week we gather together as an entire school community to hold a Monarch Meeting. A place where we celebrate grade level as well as individual community achievements, make whole school announcements and share performances.

Values

As an school rooted in equity, we affirm intersectional identities and develop critical consciousness. We use restorative practices to reflect, repair, and strengthen relationships while building a culture rooted in equity, radical joy, and love. We live our PODER values: Power, Optimism, Discipline, Empathy, and Resilience; and hold one another accountable to actions that reflect our beliefs.

  • (P)ower
  • (O)ptimism
  • (D)iscipline
  • (E)mpathy
  • (R)esilience
  • Specials

    Teacher-led, non-core classes that enrich the KIPP learning experience.

  • Visual Arts
  • Physical Education
  • Music/Band
  • Dance
  • Robotics
  • Extracurriculars

    Enrichment programs and clubs let students explore passions and develop leadership skills.

    • Fall:
      • Football
      • Volleyball
      • Cheer
    • Winter:
      • Boys Basketball
      • Girls Basketball
      • Cheer
    • Spring:
      • Soccer
      • Baseball
      • Track & Field
    Family Engagement

    Our school offers monthly opportunities for families to get involved and it begins with our Cafe con Leche.

  • Cafe con Leche where Parent have discussions about changes students might be going though in Middle School. Washington Heights Middle encourages parents to chaperone on trips and volunteer for student events and each trimester we invite our families to a Principals List Celebration breakfast where we celebrate their work as well as their children's work of achieving a 3.5 GPA and higher.

  • Afterschool Program

    KIPP Washington Heights Middle School offers free aftercare for students in grades 6–8 through the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).  This program provides a safe, structured space after the regular school day, where students can complete homework, enjoy enrichment activities, and connect with peers under the guidance of caring staff—all at no cost to families.

  • Students 6th - 8th are offered free after school in partnership with DYCD. This program provides a safe, structured space after the regular school day, where students can complete homework, enjoy enrichment activities, and connect with peers under the guidance of caring staff—all at no cost to families.

  • Clubs include Chess, Photography, Step, Juice Making, Hair care, Animation, and Robotics Team.

  • Your KIPP Washington Heights Middle School Journey

    Follow your educational pathway from elementary through middle school to our premier college preparatory high school.

    Elementary School

    KIPP Washington Heights Elementary School

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    Middle School

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    KIPP Washington Heights Middle School

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    High School

    All Paths Lead Here

    KIPP NYC College Prep

    Ready to Start Your Journey?

    Join thousands of KIPP NYC alumni who have successfully navigated from elementary school to college graduation.

    Ready to Join KIPP Washington Heights Middle School?

    Take the next step in your child’s educational journey. Apply now or schedule a tour to see our school community in action.

    Apply Today

    Start your application now! Our online application is simple, free, and takes just a few minutes to complete.

    Free to Apply • No Tuition • 
    Application Deadline April 1st

    Questions?

    Have questions about our school? Our enrollment team is here to help guide you through the process and answer any questions about our community, academics, and what makes us special.

    Typically respond 24-48 hours • Multilingual support available

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    Reflects 6 year BA grad rates for the CPHS Classes of 2013-2018 as compared to students from similar backgrounds as indicated in the The Pell Institute 2022 Equity Indicators Report

    College/CTE/Military Enrollment Rate reflects Classes of 2013-2024 CPHS graduates.

    High School Graduation Rate reflects the students who have graduated KIPP NYC College Prep High School from 2013 through 2025 amongst those who ever enrolled, have been eligible to be in high school for four complete years, and have remained enrolled (did not transfer to another high school) or graduated.

    College Counseling

    Start your teaching career with comprehensive training and mentorship. Perfect for recent graduates and career changers passionate about education.

    Regional Support

    Start your teaching career with comprehensive training and mentorship. Perfect for recent graduates and career changers passionate about education.

    Additional Support

    Start your teaching career with comprehensive training and mentorship. Perfect for recent graduates and career changers passionate about education.

    Leadership

    Start your teaching career with comprehensive training and mentorship. Perfect for recent graduates and career changers passionate about education.

    Associate Teacher Program

    Start your teaching career with comprehensive training and mentorship. Perfect for recent graduates and career changers passionate about education.

    Teaching Roles

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    2,780 Alumni Supported*

    *represents our support of KIPP NYC Middle School Alumni that attend high schools other than KIPP NYC College Prep and KIPP NYC 8th grade completers that have graduated KIPP NYC College Prep or other high schools within the past six years.