Manhattan middle schools that focus on science (Columbus: living, requirements)

[fyrisle]

My son has an interest in sciences and would like to apply to the Salk School of Science for middle school. Would anybody be able to suggest other good middle schools in Manhattan that are geared towards the sciences that he could apply to in case he does not get into Salk?

[citylove101]

Neither is easy to get into (none of the good middle schools are, of course) but you might try the newer school Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science and Engineering, which is on 123rd st near Broadway, and the Delta Program at Booker T. Washington (MS54), on 107th and Columbus. Delta will take from anywhwere in the city, I think. I think that there is a preference for District 3 but we knew several kids there from out-of-district. But all students need high scores to get in, generaly 4s or high 3s on their standardized math and english tests, as well as passing and taking an in-school test. Columbia Secondary has the same requirements, but takes only from kids living on 96th street and north. Both have really strong science programs.

Also consider the Mott Hall Schools. The original one is uptown near CCNY on Convent Ave. and the Mott Hall II is on W 109th St near Broadway. Both are considered highly desirable and both have reputations for having good science programs, as well as being pretty strong in their all-around curriculums. MH II has( or at least used to have) an unusual schedule for kids that was something like four days a week, so that might figure into your plans as well. Know kids from the UWS who have been to MHII, but I dont know if either school has preferences or restrictions about where applicants have to live.