Admission priority for Manhattan Center is given first to students attending the Isaac Newton Junior High School, which shares the campus with Manhattan Center; second to students residing in District 4; and then to other residents citywide.

The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses and special programs, and research and internship opportunities.

Manhattan Center specifically partners with many organizations including UAlbany which hosts ASR[6] or (Advanced Science Research).

Through these partnerships and Mount Sinai Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital Center, General Electric, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, American Globe Theatre, and Manhattan Theatre Club there is a wide range of opportunities for one-on-one mentoring, internship experiences, academic enrichment and summer programs.

They also provide support services, and a variety of sports, clubs and leadership activities for students.