George Washington High School

A grand, red brick edifice stands before you, reminiscent of a prestigious university. This is George Washington High School, a place where history and education intertwine. George Washington High School opened its doors in 1917 as an annex to Morris High School. The school officially became George Washington High School in 1919 and moved into this very building in 1925, on Washington’s Birthday. The location itself holds historical significance. George Washington High School sits on the site of a Revolutionary War battle, the very battle that gave Washington Heights its name. Inside these walls, notable figures like Alan Greenspan, Henry Kissinger, and Manny Ramirez once walked the halls. The school’s demographics have shifted over time. Originally, the neighborhood was predominantly Irish and Jewish. Today, Washington Heights is a vibrant, largely Spanish-speaking community, primarily Dominican. George Washington High School itself has also transformed. It now houses four separate schools within its walls: the High School for Media and Communications, The College Academy, the High School for Health Careers and Sciences, and the High School for Law and Public Service. Each occupies a different floor, creating a unique educational ecosystem within the historic building. Despite the changes, remnants of the past remain. A WPA mural, “The Evolution of Music” by Lucienne Bloch, still graces the old music room on the first floor. A clinic connected to New York-Presbyterian Hospital provides student health services, a testament to the school’s commitment to student well-being. George Washington High School is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to history, a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the aspirations of the future.