Manhattan Charter School (MCS) is a public charter school serving grades K–8 in Manhattan, New York City. This FAQ addresses common questions about enrollment, the NYC charter lottery, school hours, academic programs, enrichment opportunities, and student support services. Families are encouraged to review annual enrollment and lottery timelines, as applications are submitted once per year.
What is the school calendar and hours?
The 2025-2026 School Year runs from August 26th until June 12th; both schools observe most regular school holidays and breaks. Doors open at 7:45 am for breakfast and the school day runs from 7:45 am – 3:45 pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) and 7:45 am-3:00 pm (Every Tuesday).
- As a Manhattan charter school serving families in Lower Manhattan, Tribeca, and the Financial District, Manhattan Charter School aligns its calendar with NYC Department of Education holidays and breaks whenever possible. Families planning to apply through the charter lottery are encouraged to review the school calendar early when considering enrollment and childcare needs.
When can I contact the MCS Main Offices?
The MCS main offices are open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). The MCS main offices are open from 7:30 am to 3:45 pm on Tuesdays.
- The main office supports families across Manhattan and New York City and can assist with enrollment questions, lottery information, student records, and general school inquiries during regular business hours.
Does the school provide after school programming?
Yes. Both schools have a fee based academic intervention after school program followed by fee-based clubs until 5:45 pm.
- After-school programming offers Manhattan families academic support, enrichment activities, and supervised care in a structured environment. These programs are especially helpful for families living or working in Lower Manhattan neighborhoods who need extended-day options.
Does the school provide busing?
Students with IEPs, 504 Plans and low income families please inquire MCS for transportation services. Additionally, the Office of Pupil Transportation provides MetroCards at low or no cost to many of our families. Eligibility for free or half-priced MetroCards is based on your distance from the school and is decided by the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Pupil Transportation.
- Transportation eligibility may depend on Manhattan neighborhood proximity and enrollment timing. Families are encouraged to inquire early, as transportation requests are often processed shortly after students are accepted through the NYC charter lottery.
Does Manhattan Charter School require uniforms?
Yes, all students must wear a uniform every day. Our uniform consists of a navy/white polo for K-4 and a red/gray polo for 5th-7th grade. We partner with French Toast and uniforms can be purchased through their website at the following link: https://www.frenchtoast.com/schoolbox/schools/manhattan-charter-schools-QS61DVN
- School uniforms support equity, school identity, and daily convenience for Manhattan families while helping create a focused learning environment consistent with many NYC charter schools.
How does Manhattan Charter School accommodate student learning?
Currently we provide support to children with IEPs. Our support can range from ICT, SETSS, and 504 Plans. We can also support students needing Paraprofessionals, Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, and Counseling services. We also have in-house reading specialists and an English Language Learner program.
- Manhattan students benefit from accessible, inclusive learning supports delivered in alignment with NYC DOE and New York State requirements, ensuring all learners receive appropriate services within their school community.
What is the Difference Between SETSS & ICT?
SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services) gives students extra help either in a small group or one-on-one, typically outside the regular classroom. ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching) happens in the regular classroom, where a special education and a general education teacher work together so all students learn together. MCS is not removing any services for students with IEPs.
- Both SETSS and ICT services at Manhattan Charter School are delivered in compliance with NYC DOE special education guidelines, supporting inclusive instruction for students across Manhattan and NYC.
How will MCS communicate with families?
MCS currently uses three platforms to communicate with families regarding their students. For general school information and to communicate with teachers, families will receive a login for a platform called “ParentSquare.” For updates regarding student attendance and academic performance, families will be provided with a login to our platform called “PowerSchool.” For student behavioral updates parents will be provided with a login to our platform called “KickBoard Behavior Support.”
- Enrollment updates, lottery notifications, and important school announcements may be shared through these platforms, providing Manhattan families with centralized and timely communication throughout the school year.
How can I contact the Network?
Need to contact the network about concerns or complaints? This contact supports network-level accountability and oversight for Manhattan Charter School in accordance with NYC charter school standards.
Email: info@manhattancharterschool.org
Need to contact the network about your student?
(Curriculum, Special Education, English Language Learner, Discipline, Clever, Powerschool) The student services team can also assist with enrollment-related questions and student support needs, helping Manhattan families navigate academic and service-related concerns.
FAQ Manhattan Charter School Curriculum Overview 2025-2026
What does a typical school day look like for K-2nd grade students?
A typical day at Manhattan Charter School (MCS) starts with breakfast followed by a morning meeting. Students have blocks of core academic subjects such as ELA and math, and weekly science and social studies classes. In addition, students have daily music instruction, along with lunch and recess. A typical day also includes enrichment classes like, Art, and Health and Fitness, French, and Principles of Technology as well as additional academic intervention instruction. The day ends with closing activities, dismissal begins at 3:45 PM, and parents have the option to enroll their children in the fee-based after school program, which offers personalized tutoring and enrichment activities/clubs.
- This structured schedule helps Manhattan families plan for arrival, dismissal, and after-school programming, while ensuring young students receive a balance of academics, enrichment, and support.
What does a typical school day look like for 3rd & 4th grade students?
A typical day at Manhattan Charter School (MCS) starts with breakfast followed by a morning meeting. Students have blocks of core academic subjects such as 90 math and ELA and daily science instruction. In addition students have weekly social studies classes, lunch and recess, and daily orchestra instruction. A typical day also includes enrichment classes like, Art, and Health and Fitness, French, Principles of Technology as well as additional academic intervention instruction. The day ends with closing activities, dismissal begins at 3:45 PM, and parents have the option to enroll their children in the fee-based after school program, which offers personalized tutoring and enrichment activities/clubs.
- Expanded enrichment opportunities, including music and orchestra, support academic growth for students from Lower Manhattan and surrounding neighborhoods.
What does a typical school day look like for 5th-8th grade students?
A typical day at Manhattan Charter School (MCS) starts with breakfast followed by morning advisory. Students have 90 blocks of core academic instruction in ELA and math, additionally middle school students have science, social studies, and orchestra daily. A typical day also includes lunch, intervention blocks, and other enrichment classes like, Digital Graphic Arts, Health & Fitness, World Language, and Digital Media Technology classes. The day ends with closing advisory, dismissal begins at 3:45 PM, and parents have the option to enroll their children in the fee-based after school program, which offers personalized tutoring and enrichment activities/clubs.
- Middle school programming emphasizes academic readiness, independence, and enrichment, with after-school options available to support Manhattan families during extended hours.
What core subjects will my child be taught?
Here at MCS students will be taught a comprehensive curriculum that includes core academic subjects such as English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Music or Orchestra. This balanced approach aims to foster both academic excellence and personal growth.
- Core instruction is aligned with New York State learning standards, supporting academic success for students attending school in Manhattan and throughout NYC.
What enrichments will my child be participating in?
At Manhattan Charter School, music is a cornerstone of the curriculum, with students K-2 receiving music instruction and students 3-8 receiving orchestra instruction five days a week.
Beginning in Kindergarten, students also begin learning French which transitions to World Languages in middle schools.
Students K-4 regularly participate in high-quality art classes, exploring various mediums and techniques, from drawing and painting to sculpture and mixed media. 5th-8th grade students participate in digital graphic arts which provide a technological focus through the AI Lab.
Additionally, K-4 receives weekly principles of technology courses that support student learning and prepare students for the digital age. Students in 5-8 receive digital media technology instruction which is integrated into the middle school AI Lab to build advanced technology skills such as coding/programming.
Finally, the Health and Fitness program at MCS aims to instill a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and its benefits, contributing to the students’ holistic well-being and personal growth. In addition to PE blocks, students receive health education to prepare them for a healthy lifestyle.
- Enrichment programming provides Manhattan families access to technology, AI-based learning, world languages, and physical education, supporting a well-rounded charter school experience.
How often will I receive updates on my students’ academic progress?
MCS K-4 families will receive 4 mid quarter progress reports as well as 4 report cards aligning with the end of the academic quarter. MCS 5-8 families will receive 4 report cards aligning with the end of the academic quarter. More information regarding parent-teacher conferences will be provided at the beginning of the school year.
- Regular progress updates allow Manhattan families to monitor academic growth and address concerns early, especially during key transition and enrollment periods.
How will my child be assessed on their learning?
Students will be assessed by their classroom teachers daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly. Families are encouraged to create a Powerschool Parent account to monitor and track your students’ performance throughout the quarter for academic progress. Formal benchmark assessments will also be given throughout the school year. The benchmark data will be shared with the student and families throughout the year.
- Assessment data is shared through PowerSchool, giving Manhattan parents ongoing access to student performance and progress tracking.
Manhattan Charter School proudly serves families across Manhattan and New York City with a rigorous K–8 charter school education. Families are encouraged to review annual enrollment and lottery deadlines and apply early. To begin the application process, visit the enrollment page and learn more about joining the Manhattan Charter School community.
