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Manhattan Charter School serves Kindergarten through Grade 4. We will grow at a rate of one grade each year until we serve Kindergarten through Grade 5. We are currently accepting applications for Kindergarten, Grade One, and Two for the 2008-9 school year and for the waitlist for the 2007-8 school year.

How to Apply

Applications can be picked up in person or downloaded online for 2008-9 admission and the waitlist. For 2008-9 admission, we will hold a lottery in April 2009. In order to be entered into our lottery, please hand deliver your child’s completed application to our main office between 9 am – 4 pm any school day before April 1, 2009. On Tuesdays in March we offer extended office hours until 6:30 pm for application receipt. If you would like to learn more about us before submitting an application, please call our main office to schedule a tour of the school. Adobe Reader required

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The School

What is a Charter School?

A charter school is a public school freed from many of the rules and restrictions that apply to regular district schools. In exchange, charter schools have increased accountability for results. Charter schools are created by individuals aiming to offer a certain program, often with a specialized academic or operational focus. In the case of MCS, this focus is music. Rather than being governed by a district-wide school board, charter schools are governed by a board of trustees and essentially function as not-for-profit educational corporations.

What is the mission of Manhattan Charter School?

The Manhattan Charter School will prepare its students to achieve high academic levels in the four core subject areas, to communicate effectively in verbal, mathematical and musical languages, and to apply critical thinking processes and ethical standards to learning, living and problem solving.

How much does it cost to attend MCS?

Attendance is free and open to New York residents. 

Is there a dress code?

We believe learning is a serious undertaking that should not be distracted from by matters of dress. We also believe manner of dress affects student behavior. As a consequence, MCS has enacted a student dress code. Each student, at all times when he/she is at school in session or participating in a school activity at school or elsewhere at anytime, must wear the following:

  • Bottoms: long pants or short pants or skirt with a hem not higher than 1 inch above the knee. Tan color only. Twill, corduroy, wool or cotton, worn at waist, with no rolled hems.
  • Top: long- or short-sleeved and white in color only.
    Blouse or two- or three-button pullover.
  • Socks: a pair of navy, black or white socks.
  • Shoes: a pair of black, brown or all white shoes, sneakers or loafers, with closed toes and backs and without platforms or heels higher than 1 ½ inches.

Does MCS provide transportation?

MCS provides metro cards through the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT). The Office of Pupil Transportation will determine if your child is eligible based upon your home address.

What grades does MCS serve?

MCS currently serves K-3, growing one grade per year up to Grade Five.

Why Music?

At Manhattan Charter School, we believe that one of the strongest tools or lenses that students can use to understand each other is by studying music.  Music is truly the voice or the sound of a group of people and can do everything from capture a specific moment in time to cause people to think about injustices.  Together at MCS, the humanities and music program allows students to develop the basic skills required for general music and social studies but also pushes them well beyond to being critically thinking, musical and active young citizens. Please also take a look at our curriculum.

Applying to MCS

Who can apply to MCS?

MCS is accepting applications for any child from K-2. Prospective students will not be tested for admission and musical aptitude will play no part in enrollment. Parents from anywhere in New York State may choose Manhattan Charter School for their children, space permitting. Preference in the lottery will be given to siblings and students residing in Community School District 1.

How can my child apply to MCS?

As with all charter schools, application for admission is made directly to the school.  If there are more applications for a grade than there are places available in that grade, places in the grade and on a waiting list will be assigned by random lottery.

If one of my children is accepted, will you accept his/her siblings?

Siblings will receive preference in the lottery process. However, MCS cannot guarantee they will be accepted.

When can I attend a school tour?

Tours are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am. Please call ahead to schedule a tour.