J.H.S. 054 Booker T. Washington

J.H.S. 054 Booker T. Washington is a highly-rated and sought-after middle school on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, consistently ranking among the top in New York State. It is known for its academically challenging environment, with ELA and Math proficiency rates well above citywide averages and an exceptionally high rate of accelerated coursework. Parents generally praise the principal's strong leadership and the dedicated staff, with the faculty receiving excellent ratings for instruction and performance. Families report overwhelmingly positive relationships with the school. Booker T. Washington emphasizes academic achievement, strong character, and hard work, offering a traditional program that develops strong writing, reading, and reasoning skills. Students can take high school-level courses like Algebra I and Earth Science. The school provides a rich array of arts programs, including chorus, strings, band, and visual arts, alongside multiple world languages. Facilities include a science lab, two computer labs, a library, and an athletic field. An Early Academy Program offers additional academic support. While some students note a demanding workload, others find it manageable, highlighting the school's focus on preparing students for competitive high schools. Class sizes will be reduced to a maximum of 23 students starting September 2025.