The small number of non-white students in the schools accurately reflects the racial and ethnic demographics of the community.

Each year, approximately 10% of the District enrollment is made up of students from neighboring towns through the school choice program.

Largely owing to the affluence of the community and to individual family traditions, the District sees a fairly substantial number of students– 20.4% - attend private day and boarding schools.

Pursuant to Chapter 71 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,[12] the towns of Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea signed the Regional School District Agreement, which was subsequently amended on October 14, 2003 and May 10, 2007.

In June 2003 the proposal for a $35.5  million middle and high school complex passed overwhelmingly in Manchester, but failed by 11 votes later that month in Essex.

[16] Between 1970 and 2000, the Junior-Senior High School was led by only four individuals: Richard Howland, Henry Lukas, Bill Foye, and Robert Snaps.

In the spring of 2012, Superintendent Beaudoin handpicked Sharon Maguire to serve as interim principal for the 2012–2013 school year.

[20] Reading assistant principal Patricia Puglisi was hired to lead the high school starting in 2013.

As a result, principals Robert Shaps, Peter Sack, and James Lee oversaw the 7th and 8th grades during the first few years of regionalization.

When 7th and 8th graders from Essex Elementary were moved to the Junior-Senior high building in Manchester, Superintendent Shaps hired social studies department chairperson Bruce Kaneb as assistant principal for those grades.

[24] Without the necessary time to do a full search, Superintendent Beaudoin hired Cate Cullinane as a one-year interim principal.

[27] The Green Team course architects (Directors Magers & Morrison) firmly believe that students are inherently curious, creative, and eager to solve problems collaboratively.

Some of the recent accomplishments of the program include winning the prestigious Green Ribbon Award, initiating a plastic bag ban in Manchester, and many more.

Recent awards include a Highest Achievement Ranking from New England Scholastic Press, a Silver Medal from Columbia Scholastic Press, First Place for Excellence in Editorial Writing from Suffolk University, and consecutive years of first runner-up and second runner-up in Excellence in News Writing from Suffolk University.

The Sound Waves have been asked to perform at the North Shore Music Theater, Boston University, and other local venues.

Showing his true attachment to the school's students though, Nalley agreed to coach the 8th grade boys' basketball team during the 2010–2011 season.

The Baseball program at Manchester-Essex, a member of the Cape Ann Small League, is one of the longest-standing sports teams at the school.

Future Athletic Director Hardy Nalley was a member of the team, along with Eric Ericson, Elliott Crocker, Buddy Bachry, Peter Foster, Joe Lazisky, Wayne Lynch, Peter Hyland, Tim Logue, Skip Day, Dean Lynch, Stan Koch, George Mixel, Skip Cool, Wally Cammett, Paul Lasowski, Dan Slad, and manager Tom Burtt.

[40] In 1926 organized athletics started for girls with the addition of field hockey and basketball at Story High School.

The team went on to win the Division 4 North title in 2008 and 2010, advancing to the state championship game in the Boston Garden.

[44] In 1926 organized athletics started for girls with the addition of field hockey and basketball at Story High School.

Besides Foster and Nalley, seniors Elliott Crocker, John Heath, Don Macreae, Frank Glass, Eric Ericson, Al Clapp, Pete Milner, and Bud Backry played on the team.

[45] Coach Ed Field was a staple in Manchester Football and is largely credited with building the team in preparation for future glory.

In 1981 Manchester led the Mayflower League and defeated Dorchester High School in the Super Bowl 49–6 to win the Class D State Title.

The team was coached by Charles Cook and captained by Eddie Field, Eric Bachry, and Darren Twombley.

[43] In 1982 Manchester High School had ten straight victories during its regular season to lead the Mayflower League.

In the Super Bowl, the Hornets defeated Nantucket High School 28–6 to win the State Class D Championship.

[46] The following year the team moved to the Commonwealth League, where they dominated thanks in large part to standout Mark Needham ('87).

The team was coached by Dick Ananian and captained by Nick Ferraco, Dan McLaughlin, and Chris Murray.

This led them to their best record of the decade and into the Division 7 North finals, where their season was put to an end by the Greater Lawrence Tech team.