Sixth through eighth graders at Manhattan Academy of Technology and P.S.126’s elementary school students share their school, which next to the Brooklyn Bridge on the edge of Chinatown. But the two divisions have a cozy feel.

“It’s a small community school with a homey environment,” said Carlos Romero, assistant principal, in charge of the middle school program.

Kerry Decker is the principal for both P.S. 126 and the middle school, which is often referred to as MAT, but fifth graders from P.S.126 must apply to enter the middle school, just like other interested students. Graduates from P.S. 126 represent about 40 percent of academy’s 322 students and most of the rest come from other District 2 elementary schools.

“The big draw for the school is the energy and dedication that the teachers here give our students,” Romero said, who noted that applications are increasing.

Class size ranges from 20 to 30 students in the middle school grades. Most academy graduates enter sought-after Manhattan high schools, including Bard High School Early College, Baruch College Campus High School, Beacon High School, and Eleanor Roosevelt High School.

Ellen Mullan-Jayes, now an eighth grader, entered the academy in sixth grade, although the middle school had not been her top choice. “It turned out, though, to be very fortuitous,” said her mother, Colette Mullan, “because the school provides amazing teaching. The student-teacher ratio is low, and the teachers know the kids by name.”

“The teachers make you feel so comfortable, you don’t have to worry or stress out about anything, because the teachers are always willing to stay after school and help you,” Mullan-Jayes wrote in an e-mail.

The school’s project-based curriculum includes four core classes: English and language arts (ELA), social studies, math and science. The fifth core is technology. All middle school students learn touch typing, as well as how to use Power Point to make presentations and how to create spread sheets for problem solving. In eighth grade, students are introduced to web design and animation. Students also have the option of taking an advanced technology class that teaches robotics or participating in the after-school technology program that competes in a Lego robotics tournament and the New York City ThinkQuest Educational Web Site Contest.

Cullan and other parents also highly praise the academy’s arts and physical education programs. Cullan, an artist, said that the middle schoolers are given the opportunity and encouragement to produce better works of art than she’s sometimes seen coming out in the early years of art school.

Tanya Anthony said that her eighth grade daughter, Rebecca, has thrived in MAT’s rigorous academic environment, but she has also been able to pursue her love of music and play the clarinet at school.

A wide variety of sports – volleyball, handball, basketball, kickball, hockey, tennis, soccer, softball and gymnastics -- are available during gym and as after-school options.

“The gym teacher will not stop until every single child is involved,” said Debbie Bader whose son, Nick, is an eighth grader at the academy.

“MAT has a great sports program,” Nick, who plays soccer, wrote in an e-mail. The school’s long distance running team is sponsored by the New York Road Runners Foundation, which provides the middle school runners with free entry into many road races, coaching, nutrition counseling and transportation.

Vice Principal Romero said that most of the school’s teachers go the extra mile to help students. They often forego their own free time to tutor children who need extra help, and they offer special after school programs, including reading and movie clubs.

“The school and teachers,” wrote Ellen Mullan-Jayes, “are really geared to help you and help you progress in your education.”