Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics is a unique and very special learning environment. Due to the size of our school and the quality of our teachers, MCSM is able to offer an uncommonly rich educational experience to our students. This is not only true in the programs in science and mathematics that we are noted for, but also in our electives and humanities. Our diverse program is designed to prepare students to apply for any program in higher education that interests them. Additionally, we have a very extensive range of community-based service groups that operate in conjunction with our academic program. We are dedicated to instilling in our students a respect for the values of world community, culture, and ethics.

Students at MCSM are expected to continue on to higher education. This is why we have one of the largest and most comprehensive Advanced Placement Programs of any high school in New York City. Our College Office, with its full-time staff, works year round to assist students with their selection of colleges. Over 90 percent of our graduates go on to college, including some of the most prestigious universities in our nation. In addition, MCSM received high grades overall and a Silver Medal Rating in a report on America’s Best High Schools. This places us among the top 3% of high schools in the nation.

Our individual students, our teachers, and our programs have been, and will continue to be recognized for their achievements. We are extremely proud of a program that will continue to produce students who are creative problem solvers, life-long learners, and committed to a sense of self-realization and community.

We develop collaborative critical thinkers that take on challenges and solve problems. At whatever “level” students enter, all students will graduate with the skills required to pursue their dreams to be innovators and change agents. Ensuring that we use student data, we as educators implement creative interventions by our own design to ensure thinking skills are practiced, developed, and assessed through tasks, inquiry, and research. We welcome families to engage in the development of their children by participating in conferences, presentations, and symposiums. Through imagination and innovation, every student in our care will succeed and excel at achieving any goal or dream they set. Together, we will build a great, big, beautiful tomorrow.

OUR COLLECTIVE PURPOSE STATEMENT

We educate and INSPIRE the leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow.

OUR CORE VALUES

Our seven core values- Integrity, Nerve, Supportive, Partnership, Imagination, Respect, and Excellence (INSPIRE) are grounded in our institution’s principles that students will be leaders and individuals who will change the future of their communities and science and technology at large. Our core values shape our existence and inspire us to do what is right, serve our community, work hard and learn as much as we can.  At MCSM our core values are treated as a matter of obligation and are at the root of our daily decisions, actions, and behaviors.

Integrity

At MCSM we believe in high morals and ethical standards that are rooted in our core values. We represent the highest standards of personal and professional ethics in all aspects of our school. We uphold and collaboratively enforce the rules and practices that govern INSPIRE. We stand up for our equity and excellence and accept responsibility for our own mistakes and commit to making things right by actions not just words. We consider and treat academic dishonesty as a very serious offense, and work to remedy each case with each student to rectify and correct the situation. 

Nerve

At MCSM we strive to build a community of fearless teachers and students to tackle the daily challenges that present themselves to our community. We communicate and share information openly with each other. We have difficult conversations, when necessary, that push our collective thinking further on issues of equity and access.  We recognize and reward accomplishments and we share success and failures so that we can learn from each other. We hold one another to high expectations, including college and job preparation.

Supportive

At MCSM we respect our core values and the dignity of each student, teacher, parent, school leader and member of the community at large. We take on responsibility for helping others by being part of and contributing fully to the team. We foster an environment where trust and openness are the norms. We collaboratively resolve problems with individuals in a respectful manner. We work hard to ensure that future generations of our students who need us the most succeed and contribute to the success of others. 

Partnership

At MCSM we embrace and celebrate cultural and educational differences through partnerships and teamwork. We foster an atmosphere that supports and encourages diversity and community connections. We create an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and supported and value the teamwork, we have with each other as colleagues and celebrate that partnership. We engage in ongoing dialogue to explore, share and celebrate who we are and offer our service to colleagues in need.

Imagination

At MCSM we foster the spirit of imagination seen through leadership and problem solving. Imagination is at the heart of our problem-solving skills. We welcome creativity and innovation by bringing together multicultural perspectives. We value blue sky ideas and find ways to make the dreams of our students come true. We collectively use our bright ideas to spark the change within the building. Together at MCSM we own each problem and challenge, here, no one is alone, and we commit to using our imaginative solutions and we ensure that they do not fail. At MCSM, we understand and agree what failing forward looks like and feel safe to take risks to keep MCSM great for students, their families, and the communities we represent. We encourage everyone to view challenges as opportunities.

Respect

At MCSM we respect our core values and the dignity of each student, teacher, parent, school leader and member of the community. We develop a strong sense of respect for self, others, and the community. We foster an environment where trust and openness are the norms. We collaboratively resolve problems with individuals in a respectful manner. We inspire an environment where students feel safe to express their individuality, take educational risks, and have a growth mindset for themselves and others. 

Excellence

At MCSM we hold our students and ourselves to the highest academic and behavioral expectations. Through using student achievement data, we support the cognitive development of each and every student, no matter the ability that they come to us. We lead by example in our school, homes, and communities. We expect the best from the members of our school community. We strive to produce and deliver the highest quality lessons and service. 

MCSM is proud to celebrate the achievements of our students.

We are always open to feedback, as we all collectively guide our students.

• MCSM is Now a Gold Medal School in in the U.S. NEWS AND WORLDS REPORT Best High Schools

• NICHE

• GREAT SCHOOLS

• INSIDE SCHOOLS

• School Quality Snapshot

** 2020 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award

** 2019 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award

As our budget continues to decrease, donations to support our wide array of school programs are gratefully accepted. If you would like to help, please send a check made out to Manhattan Center (any amount is appreciated!) to: Manhattan Center for Science and Math HS 280 Pleasant Avenue New York, NY 10029 Attention: Denise Winchester Thank you for your generous support. Once received, you will receive confirmation and an acknowledgment of thanks.

Principal
James Nicotri, Principal
Email James Nicotri

Assistant Principals
Kayla Albritton, AP Math, Science and Testing
(212) 876-4639 ext. 3571 
Email Kayla Albritton

Caleb Haraguchi-Combs, AP ELA and Social Studies
(212) 876-4639 ext: 1383
Email Caleb Haraguchi-Combs

Dennis Hernandez, AP Safety and Physical Education
(212) 876-4639 ext: 1581
Email Dennis Hernandez 

Charles Kwan, AP COSA, Art, Music, and Technology
(212) 876-4639 ext: 1071
Email Charles Kwan 

David Musialik,  AP ISS
(212) 876-4639 ext: 3281
Email David Musialik

Michael Salek, AP Guidance, Pupil Personnel Services
(212) 876-4639 ext: 1486
Email Michael Salek 

Denise Winchester, AP Organization, Treasury and Purchasing
(212) 876-4639 ext: 1494
Email Denise Winchester

Michael Salek
Assistant Principal Guidance
Room 148

Ruth Gerena
Grade 10
8a.m. - 3:15p.m.(M-F)
Class 2026
Ext. 1484
Email Ruth Gerena

Alicia McMillan
Grade 11   
8a.m. – 3:15p.m. (M-F)
Class 2025
Ext. 1501
Email Alicia McMillan

Marcia Valle 
Grade 12 
8a.m. – 3:15p.m. (M-F)
Class 2024
Ext. 1482
Email Marcia Valle

Hope Andrews 
Grade 9
8a.m. – 3:15p.m. (M-F)
Class 2027
Ext. 1483

Email Hope Andrews

Rosa Chu 
College Advisor
9:30 a.m. -2:45 (M-F)
Ext. 2221
Email Rosa Chu

Noelia Perez
ISS Social Work
8:30 - 3:30 pm (M-F)
Ext. 1072
Email Noelia Perez