Washington Irving High School

I hate this school and I am glad it's shutting down! I was MUGGED in broad daylight right outside the school- by some of the students! A kid grabbed my phone and ran, her friends started laughing and verbally harassing me. I did some research online, and apparently this isn't an isolated incident- it appears these kids have even beat up a pregnant woman! I say throw these obnoxious delinquents into prison now, and save the rest of us civilians from their antics. I am never walking past that school again, and no wonder they have metal detectors and an X-ray to enter, they've found kids with guns too!

they have dedicated teachers and staff and a new website - www.washingtonirvinghigh.org
--Submitted by a parent

i graduated during 08 and this school has ups and downs. There is definitely some great teachers in this school especially in the Math and English department. Most of the excellent teachers left because (in my opinion) of the students. Some students just don't care about school and like to disrupt the class and argue. I also had a lot of fun from after school activities and friends.
--Submitted by a student

i am a junior in wihs. it is a great school full of dedicated teachers. i have learned so much these past years and i want to thank everyone at wihs! people might say it is bad or dangerous but its not at all. we are 100 percent protected and it is a good school. i recommend it to everyone.
--Submitted by a student

I started studying here from September and this is my first time in an American high school. I love Washington Irving High School. The students are a bit wild but It doesn't matter as long as you stay focused. The teachers are wonderful and encouraging. I've made good friends here. The school is not as bad as people say. Infact its a wonderful school and I don't think the school is as dangerous as I'd heard before I entered school. Don't listen to people to who say bad things. Go and try to get involved in the environment. You'll make friends and you'll improve in studies, atleast I did.
--Submitted by a student

I'm a former student, who was part of the Yalow house. My experience in high, I would have to say it was average. Of course there was some negative energy from people in the school, but there is so much more to this school then what people see: the teachers are dedicated and the afterschool activites are interesting.
--Submitted by a student

Wow it hasn't even been a year since I graduated from Washington Irving. things could be better it could feel less like a prison. But the teachers are great especially in the Visual and Performing Ats House. The music teachers are full of energy that can light up a room and the drama teachers well they're dramatic and that person knows who I'm talking about. I made best friends in that school and discovered who i am and got over my fear of lack of confidence. I want to thank Washington Irving for making me, me.
--Submitted by Amy, a former student

I just came here in 9th grade as a freshman for only 2 weeks and I already hate it. the school is over crowded and the students are disrespectful. there is nothing good about it I recommend you a better school
--Submitted by a student

Washington Irving, in my opinion, is a school for students who know how to navigate a large setting. There are many opportunities for students to gain professional knowledge and experience, but they have to be a 'go-getter' to receive the best that Washington Irving offers. The quality of the teachers was topnotch, but again, in a large setting with some behavioral challenges, you have to be proactive. Get to know the teachers, attend meetings, and take advantage of the programs, which are excellent! The school is in a choice location for cultural, artistic, and academic exploration. Just being in New York City is a plus! Learning opportunities abound. Parent involvement is welcome, but more parents need to get involved. My son did well at Irving. He was accepted at NYU, and currently attends Cooper Union.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is very crowded. the students tend to come from outer lying areas and for whatever reason did not go to their local HS. some students are bright and easy-going. many are troublesome. i would strongly suggest considering other high schools before committing to this one. on a good note, there are numerous after school activities and a lot of very dedicated people work there.
--Submitted by A H, a teacher