Manhattan Country School Farm

The Manhattan Country School Farm, located in Roxbury, NY is the rural campus of Manhattan Country School, a diverse and progressive elementary and middle school in New York City. Founded more than fifty years ago, Manhattan Country School is the most diverse independent school in NYC. Following the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., MCS has no racial or economic majority. Students make week-long visits to our Catskill Mountain Farm three times per year, from second through eighth grades.

Children learn through experiential, hands on methods.

Children are engaged daily in cooperative lessons.

Children are active participants in life.

Children are viewed and treated as problem solvers.

All children are encouraged to have a voice in decision-making.

Children are educated to be socially responsible.

Children and adults work together cooperatively with a focus on community.

In a safe environment, children are allowed and encouraged to take both physical and emotional risks.

Children can investigate theories in broad subject areas using practical methods.

Kids are physically active in meaningful work and play.

The land is our most significant teacher.

Children are expected to reflect on their experiences.

The Farm community sees students, teachers, and families as equal stakeholders, are striving to create an institution that practices sustainability in all facets. 

A campus where students and teachers are asked to make responsible choices for the future.

Teachers are encouraged and supported to be life-long learners. 

MCS’s commitment to faculty education and development has been a valued and often used vehicle in enriching our students’ knowledge and experience.

Teachers are allowed to be autonomous in their daily curriculum, while holding themselves accountable to the mission of the school and the physical, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing of their students.

Children’s play is self-directed.

The faculty is flexibly creative in its approach to provide for the immediate and long term needs of both children and adults.