Lower Manhattan Community Middle School

Lower Manhattan Community Middle School (LMC) is a well-run school that takes the word "community" seriously. Group projects are the norm in every classroom, and small teacher-designed “advisory” groups meet three times a week to discuss topics that range from race and discrimination to identity and independence. Sixth graders bond on an overnight trip and classmates place notes of encouragement on each others’ lockers. 

The school does an excellent job challenging top students while giving those who struggle the support they need. There are up to 32 children per class, but parents and students say teachers are adept at personalizing instruction. Enrichment includes advanced algebra, math team, debate club, writing group, an advanced math group and an advanced book group (with about 30 participants) that takes place after school. 

The school’s popularity and growth has allowed it to expand its arts offerings, which now include digital arts, visual arts, dance and music. The arts are a draw for getting to school every day. "Our days, weeks and even months are really exciting," said Principal Kelly McGuire. Students are in an arts class at least once a day. In 6th grade, they all try out all disciplines before settling on one track in subsequent grades.

LMC is committed to children with special needs. "We think a lot about how we're going to meet the needs of all kids, high and low," said McGuire. When children have disabilities, their test scores don't move as much, he said, but instruction is often stronger because teachers must figure out how to reach a larger range of learners. Test scores for students with disabilities are far above the citywide average.

Diversity, whether academic, ethnic or economic, is important at LMC.  "It's a key component to what we think is important in middle school," McGuire said. Teacher-led advisory groups discuss a range of topics, such as how to adjust to middle school and get ready for high school, but also current events. Boys and girls meet in separate groups to discuss topics such as the #metoo movement, ways to protect oneself, who to go to for support and warning signs to look out for.  

Well-established routines help create the safe tone that teachers and students rate so highly on school surveys. Homework is not excessive. Dismissal procedures are spelled out on the walls. "Very predictable structures are important for all kids but especially for needy populations," said McGuire. Yet it isn't rigid: a child with a "demerit" for acting out in class may take a walk with a basketball coach rather than lose a privilege.

The school does not have its own outdoor field but Manhattan Youth, who oversees the after school program, reserves space in Battery Park for sports practice.

The high school guidance counselor meets with families to assist with high school admissions. The school offers preparation for the specialized high school exam and arts portfolio preparation. About 15-20 children each year have been admitted into arts schools such as LaGuardia, Professional Performing Arts, Talented Unlimited, Frank Sinatra and Special Music School. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Two out of four classrooms on each grade are ICT, or co-taught, in classrooms that mix in a portion of kids with special needs. The school prefers having more than 25 percent children with disabilities because it is easier to plan for instruction when there is a critical mass of students with special needs and special education teachers. 

ADMISSIONS: Lottery. No students outside of District 2 have been admitted in recent years. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, April 2019)