The National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform identifies characteristics of middle schools recognized for improving student achievement. We have designed our programming to reflect these characteristics:
Academically Excellent is characterized at Manhattan by:
- high expectations for all learners
- opportunities for students to revise work until standards are met
- connections across the curriculum through integrating literacy skills and the arts across all content
- flexible scheduling
- multiple and frequent opportunities for staff to learn new instructional strategies
Developmentally Responsive is characterized at Manhattan by:
- a personalized learning environment
- socially significant and relevant curriculum
- multiple opportunities for exploration
- opportunities for students’ voices to be heard
Social Equity at Manhattan is characterized by:
- opportunities for individual tutoring and mentoring
- experiences to learn about diverse cultures
- varied approaches to learning and assessment
- continual focus on active participation of all families and commitment to equal access to knowledge and school activities
Special Programs and Opportunities
Manhattan Middle School for the Arts and Academics has a student body and staff who have diverse interests and a desire to participate in a wide variety of opportunities. Students and staff at Manhattan participate in the following co-curricular activities: weekly professional development for teachers, interscholastic and intramural athletics, instrumental and music performance groups, Arts Festivals, Restorative Justice programming, staff and student “Bully-Proofing” training, ADL "Becoming an Ally" Training, Peace Jam, 360 transition program, “Alternative Transportation Days,” community art exhibits, after-school bicycle club, Tall Ships Marine Biology Program, Science/Sierra Club, Colorado History Day, Roche Colorado Regional Science Fair, student-developed yearbook, theatrical performances and partnerships, after school tutoring opportunities, Staff Equity training, weekly “Advisory” meeting opportunities and school-based mentoring programs.