title: Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School
text: # Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School
  
  The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School (MCSCS) is a charter school serving students in grades 1–12 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1999, the school is located in the Center City neighborhood and had a 100% graduation rate in 2015–2016.
  
  ## History
  
  The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School opened in 1999 with over 720 students in grades first through twelfth, adding a grade every year for 4 years.
  
  ### Governance
  
  The school is led by a Chief Administrative Officer and a principal. A six-member Board of Trustees meets with the CAO and principal regularly.
  
  ## Campus
  
  The school is located in Center City, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  
  ## Extracurricular activities
  
  Extracurricular activities offered at the school include cheerleading, exercise, sewing, public speaking, Mock Trial, and debating and choir.
  
  ### Athletics
  
  MCSCS has no gym or other athletic facility, so most practice and games take place at a local YMCA near Girard, not owned by the school. The school basketball team is known as the Elephants, named after the school mascot, an African Elephant. The school currently has no other athletic programs.
  
  ## Curriculum
  
  The school uses a back-to-basics curriculum. Students in grades 5 through 12 are required to select a school-to-college course of study; current selections are Law, Medical, Education, Computer Science, and Accounting.
  
  As of 2015, the school offers AP courses.
  
  ## Achievements
  
  The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School was named one of the top 10 schools in Philadelphia, including public and charter schools. Also, every Thursday, the school participates in its self-created Homeless Project, in which the CAO and several students go out and feed and clothe homeless citizens of Philadelphia.
  
  ## Notable alumni
  
  * Mike Watkins (born 1995), basketball player for Hapoel Haifa in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
  