Mott Hall is the jewel of District 6 and consistently one of the top-ranked middle schools in the city. The selective school is a source of pride in the Dominican communities of Washington Heights and Inwood where most of its students live.

The school is traditional in tone, but many of the teachers use progressive methods in their courses. Teachers work in teams to offer children projects that cut across the disciplines of art, math, science, and literature. Expectations are high, and math, science, and technology are the major focus.

In the Stars program, 8th-graders work on projects with mentors in City College science labs. Each week, the junior scientists meet with their Mott Hall advisor to discuss the projects. The school uses technology in imaginative ways. Children have access to their own laptop computers, which they may take home. Video equipment is available for students to produce tapes of their projects.

Chess is big at Mott Hall. Students have won the national championship several times, and they are coached by a poet who brings literary allusions to his lessons. A small orchestra is taking shape; there is an outdoor gardenlike area for science and recreation; and Mott Hall students share an ongoing relationship via Internet and teleconference with students in Japan. National Dance Institute (NDI), a program founded by Jacques d'Amboise, offers dance instruction to all 5th graders. After-school programs include acting, and chess.

In addition to regular academic courses, the school has a mentoring program that offers what the administration calls "positive adult role models" to every pupil. The school understands that young adolescents need to connect classroom learning to experiences outside of school?and that one way to encourage children to act grown up is to give them grown-up responsibilities. Eighth-graders perform community service in places such as day care centers, elementary schools, and nursing homes. One possible downside: the school seems to keep parents at a distance.

In recent years, about 10% of graduates have been admitted to Bronx High School of Science. A large proportion of graduates attend Manhattan Center in East Harlem. A. Phillip Randolph High School, also on the City College campus, is another popular choice. Some students go on to private schools, often on full scholarship.

Admissions: Students are admitted in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades on the basis of their test scores, teacher recommendations, a written exam, and an interview. The school accepts about 100 pupils from 450 applicants each year. Applications, due in January, are available from elementary school guidance counselors or may be downloaded from the school Website. Children who are rejected one year may apply the next. Parents should call in early fall to reserve a spot on one of the school's scheduled tours, which take place in November and December. (This school is featured in New York City's Best Public Middle Schools. Judy Baum, 2004)

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Student Jarildy writes that the school is "fun" and the deans are nice. This student notes that 5th and 6th graders can participate in a dance program. (February 2006)

"I feel like I've grown academically and socially," writes student Chelsea. "The environment is great to work in and you have such stupendous teachers by your side to make sure your doing the right thing and that's wonderful." (November 2005)

"I don't want to leave, and I have seen real violence only once in these four years," writes student Jenny. "Compared to all the others schools that's just amazing! I cannot believe I have to leave. This is the best school ever!" (September 2005)

"The teachers actually care that their students learn, and the classes are pretty challenging which gives students a chance to demonstrate their skills," writes a student. "The competition is strong so not everybody stands out." (September 2005)

A student in the 7th grade writes, "This school is the best place to meet kids as smart as you. Everyone helps each other and once in a while you see violence." (May 2005)

Dorisol, a senior at the school, writes: "I love it. The graduation class is no more than 100 students. Everyone knows everyone and you see violence occur every once in a blue moon. Most of the teachers are great and make you think." However, she does have a few complaints: "The down side is that it has basically no extracurricular activities. It only has chess. The backyard is the size of a classroom as well as the gym. But senior activities make the year [worthwhile]. The cafeteria is not that big either but the place is not overcrowded." She adds: "Most of the students get on the honor roll (85 average or above on major subjects)." (November 2004)

Parent Shera L. Thomas writes, "A fabulous school -- one where children previously bored or lacking the necessary challenging stimuli that made them excited about learning can finally feel challenged and thrive." She says, "It is key that these are gifted teachers teaching gifted children -- it takes a special breed of teachers to work with these children (as it does take a special breed of teachers to work with special needs children)." She says the only problem she has with this school is "limited resources -- e.g. the absence of a SBST (School Based Support Team). As a result teachers are spread too thin ... On the other hand, the staff tries to compensate by going above and beyond the call of duty to provide each individual child with as much support as they possibly can (given their limited resources)." She also says, "The absence of a gym is so unfortunate, especially considering that the extreme weather, hot or cold, in NYC hinders children from exercising outdoors for the better part of the school year." (May 2004)

It is sad that more schools like these do not exist," a 1989 graduate says of Mott Hall. She had been in the United States only two years when she enrolled in the school and was placed in its only bilingual class. "My classmates and I were NEVER made to feel limited just because we were considered 'bilingual,'" she writes. Mott Hall gave her her first exposure to computers, as well as the ability to go to City College and participate in the STEP program. Mott Hall "opened doors for me," she says.

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