Manhattan Charter School

This school is amazing , my child is doing college math and reading and is top of her class. my only complaint is that although the music teacher is good at her craft, she has problems giving every student in the school a chance to shine in the musical/chorus. She tends to continue the same students all the time. Sometimes there is a student that given the opportunity would surprise you at how great they can be. You always know the names of he kids that will be in the production and which end up holding the wall. I find this terrible and if she left the school needless to say , would not be missed. She is the only teacher ,that would not get a great rating from me.clearly you must fit a type of kid she looks for, she only selects the slim, popular students. Reminds me of those girls in circle that cant see beyond their eyes view. its to bad she ahs many talented studnents that get over looked because, they are not part of hte chic group, if you are fat, plain, or latino , forget it ,never see them up front holding a part, but yes, in the nack holding the wall. she needs to go....
—Submitted by a parent

I am surprised to see such negative reviews for Manhattan Charter. Yes, there is a focus on test scores, but, to me, that means they are accountable for student achievement. My child has thrived since staring MCS! Their staff also helped me through every step of getting my child an IEP and much needed services. MCS is the best!
—Submitted by a parent

All this school looks at is test scores. The teachers have the best intentions, yet the administration hinders progress. The schools has extremely high turn over rates of staff. The administration runs good teachers out of the school. The school has so much potential, but the administration, the principal specifically, is destroying the school and its culture. If only the charter and the mission of the school were carried out, then this would be one of NYC's top schools. Unfortunately, because of the administration, the teachers cannot fulfill both. A new board and administration is what this school needs to succeed. It is a real shame, because there is untapped potential within those walls. The principal harasses, intimidates, and bullies her staff. If she does that to her staff, imagine how the students feel. Changes need to be made.

My Daughter was in Ps 110 for G- K and the teachers and some of the students was not nice! But I am so happy that I toke my Daughter out from there and I put her in The MCS! my Daughter love them all and they love her tOo! I love the way there are with all the kids and I feel so happy of putting my daughter there! There all the best!
—Submitted by a parent

This school just looks good from the outside. All they care about is the test scores they don't care about the kids. Especially if the kid has any kind of disability. I regret putting my child in this school, they killed his love for learning. So glad it's over now since he will be going to a new school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was transferred into MCS in the middle of his 1st grade year and I am so happy that I transferred him in. The teachers have been excellent. The principle is a wonderful woman who greets each kid with a handshake every single morning and salted each one by their name. The staff i always very helpful and they do often provide flyers that indicated information pertaining to the kids. I have never heard of any incident where a teacher was rude to a child or have I ever been treated with disrespect as one parent below commented. My son has made a tremendous improvement in reading and math and is excelling in science thanks to his wonderful teachers at MCS.
—Submitted by a parent

A Great school that really challenges students to reach their full potential.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started the first year at this school. He was the 1st First Grade, the 1st Second Grade, Third grade, Fourth Grade and graduating fifth grade. He was part of the 100 percentile in reading & math for the 3rd grade, as well as 100 percentile in 4th Grade, the 1st to ace the Science Exam. I have a lot of expectations with this school and my son was able to reach it all. The music program alone is phenomenal for the children. My son learnt french and is excellent in science because of the teachers dedication and Principal's love for the students to have the best. I will definitely recommend this school for the ages this school take the children. My youngest son will go to this school. Because this school was awarded 5 more years. Hiliary Clinton came to our school as well to see the excellence!
—Submitted by a parent

I am really happy I transfered my son. He is more confident and happy with his new school and friends. This school definitely works to motivate each child, and no one is left behind. They have a great curriculum and the proof is in the pudding when your own child notices the difference and comments on he prefers the approach to subjects like Math. These teachers care and still offer the firmness need to instill discipline, self respect and respect of others. Pushing them to appreciate all aspects of learning. Great job MCS! I am glad I am there! Wish I was there earlier!
—Submitted by a parent

MCS is needs more transparency. We need to get a lesson plan for each subject taught when the year begins. Most parents do not know when the state exams are given. We want to work with our kids. We are kept in the dark. The faculty is rude to the parents and often times to the kids. There is abusive speech. Ask your child, talk to your child. There is a need for more diversity and accountability. Less teaching to the exams. The parents are smart. Teachers are very negative and not supportive. They drive the kids and are unkind to them. We do not know who to go to. I'm afraid that MCS will become a monster with its success. Why? Parents are treated as if they are stupid and so are their minority kids. There is retaliation against the parents and the child if anyone speaks up.
—Submitted by a parent

MCS is a good school. In my opinion, they teach to the exam and there is little practical teaching for every day living as the progressive schools do. It's all about the exams, all year round. This is unfortunate because we want PRACTICAL TRAINING. Inviting architects and others to show the kids why certain math is important, etc. There is little to no transparency. There is retaliation for expressing one's self. Parent's are left in the dark and are not communicated with on their level. All communication is based on the exam. Hence, my rating of the school is okay but I am concerned about many things.
—Submitted by a parent

Why do you love Manhattan Charter School? The reason I love MCS, is because the school is a great school overall and was the best choose I made for my daughter!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has it's problems. They do not except any child with disabilities or with IEP's. (Of course thats why they score well on state exams) Parents and some staff members are rude.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kindergarden child went to a public school for pre-k last year. We were not happy with the p.s. experience. In nov of his pre-k year, our child came home with a footprint on his back. When april came around, my husband called the school to ask the principle not to put the 2 kids in the same class. Instead of quelling our worries, the principal hung up the phone on my husband. We knew we could not send out child back to this school. We now have our child at mcs. My husband and i could not be happier with mcs. Not only is there a strong academic curriculum, there is a great sense of the arts with classes in art, french and music (his favorite) everyday. Thank goodness for mcs!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in this school and my children rather travel 2 hours in public transportation then change to a closer school. They enjoy there days @ school. My children are what matters, happiness.There education is important. Have never had a problem with the Principle or any teachers. We will stay there until the end 2016..
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended MCS since kindergarden. I love it! The principal and the staff are great. They have a good music program and french program. I also love the dress code...
—Submitted by a parent

MCS is a very enhanced school with superb teachers with a very disciplined dress code for the children that I feel is dynamite! I like a structurized environment and that is what MCS provides. The school is still fairly new but they are getting off to a great start. They have parents that care about their childrens future and a Principal that will see to it that the children will not fail under her watch. Keep up the good work MCS!
—Submitted by a parent

Mcs have great teacers and my daughter has learned a great deal .She can read music ,and she is above her reading level ,she has learned about differnt counties, and really enjoys her studies. I am very happy with the school and the wonderful staff. Keep up the good work mcs.
—Submitted by a parent

Well,I believe the academic program is great program. It help my daughter learn a lot in the last year. When my daughter came to the school. She barely could read and now she on second grade reading level where she belongs. Manhattan Charter School, has wonderful music program. Which my daughter has learned how to read, write and sing music and she is only 7 years old. There is a average amount of parents that are involved in the school. Given the fact that majority of the parents are working parents. Overall, I M.C.S as great school with a bright future.
—Submitted by a parent