Hark, future scholars! Prepare to be amazed by the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics. This isn’t just any high school it’s a place where bright minds converge to explore the wonders of science and math.
Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, or MCSM as it is fondly known, stands proudly on East 116th Street. It is nestled between Pleasant Avenue and FDR Drive, in the vibrant neighborhood of East Harlem. The building itself is a landmark. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated it as such on May 29, 2018.
But there is more to the building than meets the eye. Before MCSM, this building was home to Benjamin Franklin High School. It opened its doors in 1934. Leonard Covello, an educational theorist was its principal. He was the city’s first Italian-American principal.
In June 1982, the New York City Board of Education made a change. They transformed the building into two schools. The Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics was born, alongside the Isaac Newton Middle School for Math and Science. Both schools opened in September 1982.
Getting into Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics isn’t a simple task. Like all New York City high schools, students must apply. Priority goes to students from Isaac Newton Junior High School. Next in line are students residing in District 4. Finally, any other city resident can apply.
MCSM boasts impressive academic performance. High scores on New York State Regents Examinations are the norm. It has outstanding scholarship rates and a 95% graduation rate. The Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics is one of the highest-performing schools in New York State. In 2009, MCSM saw 97% of its students graduate. Its graduates attend top-notch colleges including Ivy League schools.
The curriculum here is rigorous. It includes Advanced Placement courses and special programs. Students have access to research and internship opportunities. They can study everything from AP World History to AP Calculus and AP Physics. The Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics offers many honors and accelerated courses.
Manhattan Center partners with many institutions. These include New York University, Columbia University, Cornell, and CUNY. These partnerships provide courses in science, math, and the humanities. Students also benefit from connections with Mount Sinai Hospital and General Electric. They gain access to mentoring, internships, and academic enrichment programs.
Graduates have gone on to attend a diverse range of colleges. These include Columbia University, Cornell University, Yale University, and Johns Hopkins University. New York University, Barnard College, and Fordham University are also popular choices. For those interested in STEM, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Georgia Institute of Technology are on the list.
So, as you stand before the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, remember its rich history. Think about the many students who have walked these halls. They came to learn, to grow, and to achieve their dreams. This is more than just a school. It is a gateway to a bright future.