The U.S. Navy occupied the school building from January 1944 through the end of World War II to develop programs designed for and to aid in the war effort, which resulted in students being transferred to neighboring schools.

In June 1973, the Chicago Board of Education designated Manley as a "senior high school" and approved phasing out the seventh and eighth grade program.

Manley Career Academy is rated a 1 out of 10 by GreatSchools.org, a national school quality information site.

Manley competes in the Chicago Public League (CPL) and is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).

The boys' basketball team won the Public league championship twice (1978–79, 1979–80), and was Class AA champion once (1979–80).