Our Insights
What’s Special
Welcomes students learning to speak English
The Downside
Arts are limited
Manhattan Academy for Arts & Language (MAAL) serves students who are learning English, and in many cases are new to the country. The school offers a standalone English as a Second Language program (English-only instruction) and a Spanish Transitional Bilingual Education, where the amount of English instruction increases as students move through the grades.
Academics & Instruction: Many incoming students read below grade level, as per the school’s yearly plan. A literacy consultant works with staff one day a week and several bilingual teaching assistants work with students in the classrooms. Print and electronic classroom libraries provide a wide range of reading materials in English and Spanish. Teachers blend global history and native language arts in the bilingual program, combining the study of historical events with language arts skills in Spanish.
The school’s on-time graduation rate has improved since the school adopted AP for All, a program designed to encourage any student who wants to do the work, not just high-achievers, to take challenging classes. Advanced Placement courses include Spanish, English, and environmental science. Math courses include geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus. Students have access to College Now courses at Baruch and Hunter Colleges. Students can get extra help in a study period and in Saturday classes.
MAAL offers a strings music program with a full-time teacher. While standalone arts classes are limited, arts experiences are integrated into academic content classes with teaching artists in visual arts, music, and drama.
Culture & Environment: Manhattan Academy addresses equity in a variety of ways, from exploring healthier food options in the cafeteria to setting higher standards for all through classroom observations. Surveys also help school leaders understand student needs.
Students report some bullying and safety concerns through the NYC School Survey. Guidance counselors give presentations on topics like bullying, toxic relationships, drug use, and teen dating. The social worker conducts restorative justice circles, in which students focus on positive behavior through conversation, reflection, and action and, with the guidance counselors, offers individual and group counseling. Weekly small group advisories discuss personal and academic goals, college preparation, mindfulness, and self-reflection.
Building & Facilities: The school opened September 2010 and shares the Norman Thomas Educational Campus with three other schools. MAAL occupies the 5th Floor, with its own media center, and shares use of the gymnasiums, school cafeteria, auditorium, and science lab. Sports are campus-wide.
College & Career: MAAL works in partnership with NYU's Advising Corps who provide them with an in-house college advisor. The weekly senior advisory class covers topics ranging from personal statements to FAFSA. The student activities coordinator and guidance team also support seniors with their college applications. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and responses to a questionnaire, February 2024)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2021-21Computer Science
Physics
Not offered in 2021-21Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryManhattan Academy for Arts & Language (A22A)
Program Description:
Students have the choice of either a Freestanding ESL Program or a TBE in Spanish. Intensive ESL and ELA is provided for all students. Global History and Native Language Arts are linked for TBE students. Accelerated students have opportunities to take the Geometry CC, Algebra II CC and Pre-Calculus. MAAL students take AP courses and College Now at Hunter and Baruch Colleges. Students have the opportunity to play a string instrument.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Spanish Language and Culture, World Languages (Advanced World Languages)
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
111 East 33Rd Street
Manhattan
NY
10016
Trains: , , , GS to Grand Central-42nd St; to 33rd St; , , , , , , to 34th St
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Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Norman Thomas Educational Campus with three other schools
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