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Lower Manhattan Community Middle School

Grades: 6-8
Staff Pick
26 Broadway
Manhattan NY 10004
Phone: 646-826-8100

Our Insights

What’s Special

A small, nurturing school with strong teaching

The Downside

No outside recreational space

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)

 

 

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School Stats

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Is this school safe and well-run?

From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey

How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
90%
78% Citywide Average
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
34%
58% Citywide Average
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
100%
84% Citywide Average

From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card

How many students were suspended?
0%
4% Citywide Average

From this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Are teachers effective?

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
94%
79% Citywide Average
Years of principal experience at this school
2.8

How do students perform academically?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many middle school students scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
79%
46% Citywide Average
How many middle school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
72%
51% Citywide Average

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

How many 8th-graders earn high school credit?
29%
39% Citywide Average

Who does this school serve?

From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Enrollment
328
Asian
29%
Black
10%
Hispanic
16%
White
36%
Other
9%
Free or reduced priced lunch
46%
Students with disabilities
27%
English language learners
2%

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

Average daily attendance
95%
90% Citywide Average
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
13%
38% Citywide Average

From the 2020 School Directories

Uniforms required?
No

How does this school serve special populations?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
0%
15% Citywide Average


For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Contact & Location

Location

Financial District (District 2)
Trains: N Line to South Ferry; J Line, Z Line to Broad St; E Line to World Trade Center; A Line, C Line to Fulton St-Broadway-Nassau; 4 Line, 5 Line to Bowling Green; 2 Line, 3 Line to Wall St; 1 Line, R Line to Whitehall St-South Ferry; 1 Line, R Line to Rector St
Buses: BM1, BM2, BM3, BM4, BxM18, M15, M15-SBS, M20, M5, M9, QM11, QM25, QM7, QM8, X1, X10, X10B, X11, X12, X14, X15, X17, X17A, X19, X2, X27, X28, X3, X37, X38, X4, X42, X5, X7, X8, X9

Contact

Principal
Shanna Douglas
Parent Coordinator
Cynthia Savino

Other Details

Shared campus?
Yes
This school shares the Broadway Educational Campus with two other schools
Uniforms required?
No
Metal detectors?
No

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