Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics

Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics (abbreviated as MCSM) is a public high school at East 116th Street between Pleasant Avenue and FDR Drive in East Harlem, within Upper Manhattan, New York City.

The school building, which was formerly Benjamin Franklin High School, was designated a New York City landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 29, 2018.

The precursor of MCSM in the same building, Benjamin Franklin High School opened in 1934 and was sited at 200 Pleasant Avenue, between 114th Street and 116th Street. A long-time principal there was pioneering educational theorist Leonard Covello, the city's first Italian-American principal.

The New York City Board of Education shuttered the school in June 1982 for performance issues and converted the building into a four-year high school, the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, and a grade 6-8 middle school, the Isaac Newton Middle School for Math and Science, effective September 1982. A CNN news clip can be seen highlighting the effective changes made during the transition from Benjamin Franklin High School to MCSM. It contrasts the school's transformation with the socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding area, illustrating the impact these changes had on students' perspectives and education.

Mount Sinai Hospital: A major medical institution located nearby, contributing to the area's significance in healthcare and research.

Marcus Garvey Park: A local park providing green space, recreational activities, and a cultural hub for the community.

Harlem's Cultural Scene: The neighborhood is home to a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Apollo Theater, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

East Harlem has been a focus for revitalization and community development in recent years, with new parks, businesses, and public spaces emerging. Initiatives like the East Harlem Neighborhood Plan aim to address affordable housing and community engagement, making the area a mix of modern growth with a focus on community preservation.

Like all New York City high schools, admission is by application. Admission priority for Manhattan Center is given first to students attending the Isaac Newton Junior High School, which shares the campus with Manhattan Center; second to students residing in District 4; and then to other residents citywide.

The academic performance of this school is extremely high, as measured by New York State Regents Examinations scores, scholarship rates and a 95% graduation rate. MCSM is consistently one of the highest performing schools in the State of New York. In 2007, David Jimenez became the Principal. In 2009, MCSM graduated 97% of its students. Students graduating from Manhattan Center have attended top-notch colleges, including Ivy League colleges.

The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses and special programs, and research and internship opportunities. The school offers AP World History, AP Art History, AP Macroeconomics, AP US Government, AP US History, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Spanish Literature and Culture. There are several honors and accelerated courses.

Manhattan Center specifically partners with many organizations including UAlbany which hosts ASR or (Advanced Science Research).

Manhattan Center partners with institutions of higher education, such as New York University, Columbia University, Cornell and CUNY, to offer courses in science, mathematics and humanities. Through these partnerships and Mount Sinai Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital Center, General Electric, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, American Globe Theatre, and Manhattan Theatre Club there is a wide range of opportunities for one-on-one mentoring, internship experiences, academic enrichment and summer programs. They also provide support services, and a variety of sports, clubs and leadership activities for students.

Graduates of Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics (MCSM) have been accepted into a diverse range of colleges and universities, including Ivy League institutions, top research universities, liberal arts colleges, and specialized schools. Notable acceptances from the Class of 2023 include:

Columbia University, Cornell University, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Virginia, Carnegie Mellon University, Emory University, Vanderbilt University

New York University, Barnard College, Binghamton University, City College, CUNY Macaulay Honors College, Stony Brook University, Fordham University, Pratt Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Stevens Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, SUNY Maritime College

Howard University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Vassar College, Middlebury College, Macalester College

Franklin High

• Richie Adams (1980)
• Walter Berry (1982)
• Pedro Espada, Jr. (1971)
• Elmo Hope (late 1930s)
• Floyd Layne
• Daniel Patrick Moynihan (1944)
• Richie Parker
• Johnny Rivera
• Sonny Rollins (1948)
• Edward V. Sparer
• Gary Springer (1980)
• Isaac Walthour (1949)
• John Carro (1945)

MCSM

• Cam'ron
• Damon Dash
• Sanaa Lathan
• Mase
• Mekhi Phifer
• Hisham Tawfiq

East Harlem school in first graduation - sees dream come alive

• Official website
• Inside Schools – H.S. 435 Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics

40°47′39″N 73°55′59″W / 40.79417°N 73.93306°W / 40.79417; -73.93306