Washington Heights Choir School was started by master music educator Loraine Enlow in 2010 to address two concerns: the serious lack of meaningful music education — and consequent negative educational outcomes — in Washington Heights’ public primary schools; and to ensure that underserved children could experience the deep joy and sense of community gained by ensemble singing and music-making.

Our students, who attend the program free of charge, come from schools all over the neighborhood and are exposed to diverse repertoire in a variety of languages and styles. WHCS students have earned scholarships to schools such as St. Thomas Choir School and St. Albans School, have appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, and many have continued their music-making activities beyond their participation in our program.

As the neighborhood and its needs change and grow, we remain committed to ensuring that every student have tuition-free access to both robust musical offerings and the academic support necessary to thrive intellectually, artistically, and emotionally at school, at home, and in life.