The Manhattan School for Children is modeled on the philosopher John Dewey's concept of a community of learners combined with Howard Gardner's understanding of multiple forms of intelligence and styles of learning. Our fundamental premise is that children learn by doing and need experiences in many forms and modes to reach true understanding. Our school provides time for exploration and experimentation and invites children to become involved in their own education. As a community, the school nurtures creativity and critical thinking skills in ways that encourage children to become lifelong learners.

Central to our work is the belief that all children have their own gifts and talents, can achieve excellence and must be supported to do so within the educational program. There is no entrance exam and no intelligence evaluation or formal testing required for admission to our school. We welcome children with a wide range of interests, abilities, backgrounds and cultures. By its nature the school easily accommodates children with different abilities within one classroom, and classes are grouped heterogeneously. Indeed, we believe that learning in a many-faceted community is an important and enriching experience for our children.

Our children and families are partners with our teaching staff in the educational life of the school. MSC has an open-door policy and parents are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer in the classroom. Please speak to your classroom teacher to find out the best way to assist him or her and the class. We are united in the belief that high expectations apply to all the members of our educational community. The school provides a democratic atmosphere that stresses learning as an interactive process. The teacher is a facilitator who provides a variety of opportunities for the development of skills.

We want our children to have strong traditional skills and academic strengths and we believe that the teaching and learning of basic skills runs deeper than the basic canon of the 3 Rs: reading, writing and arithmetic. We expect all of our children to develop an understanding and appreciation of science, history, literature, the arts and culture. Fundamental activities in all grades include independent reading and research, expressive writing, problem solving, scientific exploration, dance, music and the visual arts. We feel that, especially in early elementary school, the basic academic skills should be taught as part of an integrated curriculum, as well as discrete topics. Accordingly, all subject areas, including music and the arts, are connected to reinforce learning and to provide many avenues through which a child may come to understand the material. In this way, we educate the whole child.