CORE VALUES
• Academics: MCS’ demanding curriculum encourages curiosity, individuality, and sense of purpose. Recognizing that a continuing academic career requires a strong foundation, we encourage depth of learning through our rich academic, arts, and athletic programs. MCS’ hands-on, student-centered, collaborative learning environment derives from traditional progressive education. In addition to classes, students have community responsibilities to reinforce lessons of interdependence and accountability. MCS students are well prepared to enter competitive public and private high schools, and our graduates have excelled in a wide range of professions.
• Nature and Farm: MCS values both educational and recreational time spent in green spaces. Students have abundant experience outdoors—at our 180-acre working farm in the Catskills, in frequent visits to nearby Central Park during the school week, and on class field trips. Our curriculum heightens awareness of where food comes from and the need to protect local and global environments, and provides opportunities to participate in farming and conservation.
• Community: MCS’ vibrant community is defined by its racial and socio-economic diversity. The sliding-scale tuition policy stems from the principle that a family’s financial commitment should be in equitable proportion to its financial resources and moves beyond the concept of financial aid. The varied backgrounds and experiences of MCS students are integral to an MCS education. Out of our differences, we build a community with shared values and shared pleasure in living and learning together.
• Activism: Manhattan Country School was founded in 1966 during the civil rights movement, and the school continues to embrace the ideals of equality, non-violence, and justice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. MCS students learn to understand multiple viewpoints while defending their own opinions, and value human rights as well as environmental justice. We honor children’s voices, guiding them to be activists and leaders who will make an impact on the world.
• Collaboration: MCS is a private school with a public mission, committed to collaboration and dialogue with educators who share common goals. We have outreach and mentoring programs, and partnerships with teacher training institutions. MCS is recognized by both independent and public school educators for its 40 years of outstanding leadership in multicultural education.
