Our Community

The Highbridge community faces social, economic, and educational challenges.  In 2009, Highbridge experienced a disproportionate amount of crime.  Though Community Board Four, where Highbridge is located, comprises only 1.6% of the population of New York City, it endured 3.5% of all incidences of felony assault, 2.9% of all rapes, and 2.3% of all murders.^[1]  Over 45% of area families with children under the age of eighteen are living below the poverty threshold, compared to 22.4% in New York City. A third of Highbridge families are living in housing classified as ‘overcrowded’ compared to only 13% of New York City residents as a whole.^[2]

These challenges affect the lives of the community’s children on a daily basis. Within District 9 schools, 48% of students are performing below standard on New York State English language arts (ELA) exams compared to a city-wide 31%.^[3] Only 46% of students are completing high school in four years compared to 59% of students city-wide.^[4]  Over 41% of Highbridge residents have earned less than a high school diploma, compared to 21.4% in New York City as a whole.^[5]

In the context of these and other challenges, Highbridge Voices inspires excellence in the lives of children by providing exceptional music training, tutoring and academic assistance, and opportunities for personal growth, all in a safe environment located within the community.