Manhattan Academy Incorporated in Hermosa Beach, California

“We LOVE Manhattan Academy! we have had the best experience there! My child has been there for 3 years and we were excited to start our second child. We are moving out of state this summer and when I told my daughter we would be going to a different school, she cried and said she didn't want to. The programs are great, the staff is happy and my children are learning so much! We love it and recommend it to all of our friends!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter loves MA, and so do we. We've had nothing but the best experiences - her teacher (UPT) is amazing. Our daughter has blossomed this year - not only is she reading, writing, doing math, speaking basic spanish, etc, she's happy. Very happy. She loves going to school. She loves the kids in her class and all the different things they do every day (art, music, PE, literature, etc). We've never had a problem with the staff - the directress has been nothing but nice to us (she even offered me her parking space one day in the garage). The main teaching staff has been the same all year - the only teacher who left was the art teacher for medical reasons. If you can afford it you should do it - its been a wonderful first year for us and our daughter will be back next year for kindergarten.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our child attended M.A. for many years. The pre-school years were great so it was hard to fathom how the elementary experience could be so lousy. The person in charge, the director-M.M., lacked communication and social skills. Her extremely rude and unfriendly behavior has caused parents and teachers to leave in steady droves. While the academic curriculum is good, M.'s nasty attitude created such a negative atmosphere within the elementary school that more than half of our child's classmates had left by the time the school year ended. Fearing repercussions, teachers and parents alike often left without giving the school their 'true' reasons. Thus, the school may sugar coat their sparsely populated elementary by stating parents are taking advantage of M. Beach's top-rated public school system in this challenging economy (blah, blah). Don't believe it! My rec-Talk to parents away from the school to get the real story.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children love going to school and always have a fun story to tell. They have made great friends and are receiving a great education. I alos find the director to be phony and not always truthful! I have seen her yell at parents for parking in the wrong place. You will not hear from her for weeks and then get nasty memos. She does not always return phone calls or emails. She also likes to flaunt her authority. The teachers are great though and Miss Key (secretary) and Mrs. Robley (assistant director) are wonderful!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The directress is focused, smart, caring, and no-nonsense! She runs a tight ship and, as a result, the students receive the absolute BEST education money can buy. My son is in his third year at Manhattan Academy and we are more than thrilled with the well-rounded education he is getting at this fine school. The primary and upper primary programs/academics are second to none. The teachers are wonderful and caring and the children are treated as individuals, not numbers. Our son could not be happier and looks forward to going to school every M-F. They offer a wide variety of enrichment classes from yoga to mandarin to chess to karate...We love it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think people have to uderstand that private school has a business side. While the directress may not be the best in her 'people' skills, look at the facility as a whole. I toured this school and stopped in one afternoon unannounced and was greated warmly. I was given an impromptu tour and welcomed. The kids at this school looked happy and busy. The teachers all were on the floor with students working and everyone was very happy. While no school is perfect, I think people have to remember what a difficult job it is to cater to parents who can sometimes be demanding and at times believe their own children are perfect and could do no wrong. Public education is changing, and I believe this school offers an affordable option to growing class sizes and no more funding for PE and Music.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“During the tour, we were told a different story. As my husband and I were upset about several issues, we approached the directress about it. Sure enough, she was rude and very unaccommodating. The teachers have changed and good teachers don't seem to stick around for very long. We are not re-enrolling our child for this new school year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son is in the Preschool (transition room) and I love it! The teachers genuinely care about your children and they learn a lot. Thanks MA”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My two children started in the preschool program ('primary') this past fall. It's amazing how much they learned in the short period of time they were there. By Christmas/Dec., they were writing,reading and doing simple math (addition & subtraction). Both were ready to learn but was doing neither when they started there (@ 4 1/2 year old). Their two main teachers and 2 assistant teachers are phenomenal -so kind and hardworking. Our kids love them. Our kids also really enjoy the music and spanish that is offered as part of the curriculum. The directress doesn't appear to be a bad person but if she had better people skills, I would have rated the school a 5 star. They really do have a great preschool academic program.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter started kindergarten at Manhatten Academy this year. We are MORE than pleased with the education that our child is receiving. Her intellectual growth in two and a half months is amazing. There might be administrative issues (though we haven't seen any), but they do not affect the children in the least. I give the school five stars! The school is definitely worth a look for all prospective parents.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We've had our child at the school for a couple years, and am very pleased with the education and nurture the school offers. There are many posts of the directress being rude, but our experiences with her are very pleasant. We find the staff to be quite caring, personable and attentive to our child's needs. I'm getting the feeling that disgruntled parents are taking it out on the school's ratings by purposely writing bad reviews. What a shame to rate down a terrific school. We're happy with the outstanding curriculum and our child's current teacher. Our child is almost four, but he's already reading. Aside from the academics, he's also become a very well mannered, and respectful young man. It would be hard to find a school full of preschool children behaving so well! The school does an excellent job in using the montessori method in their teachings.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Horrible staff, very rude and unprofessional. Took my child out.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“When my son was about 10 months old I put him on the waiting list for Manhattan Academy. He began when he was 18 months old. The toddler classroom was devoid of any colorful or nurturing decor. The turnover rate of assistants was amazing. Parents were warned in the Wednesday forlders not to ask where or why staff had left. When my son moved to the Primary building he had an incredible teacher. However, she left. Over this past summer he eas enrolled in summer school and we paid extra for swimming lessons. He had more than 8 different teachers over the 10 week program. The kids only played outside for 30 minutes a day, and the swimming program- hah! The poor classroom teachers had to do that too. The only problem with the school is the Director. The teachers are caring and compassionate.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'm so relieved that I'm not going crazy. I have kept silent the entire year my child was in this school because I thought I was a difficult parent. This school has been a constant source of stress to my family but I've been terrified that we would get kicked out and left without options, or have my kid suffer through unnecessary transition just for my own peace of mind, so I never say anything. Really, I never felt so denegrated and disrespected my entire life. I am without dignity in this school but choose to live this way because they do have very good teachers and want stability for my kid. However the directress needs to to abide by the same principals the teachers teach our children, namely respect and kindness to others.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“OMG are these parents reading my mind? I must admit that their are Great teacher employed in that school. However they bolt like flies once the school year ends! 'Its like watching a magic show!' So true how they put on a good show until they rope you in. They forget we are the ones paying the bills. I will not be returning my child to this school in the fall. My child deserve the best and this is not it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Ditto to the June 24th and 25th entry... The school gives the children a fabulous foundation, teachers are great for as long as they last. Parent school participation is wonderful, great family friends are made which enriches the children further in their social and confidence development. Complaints and Concerns are not welcome for fear of retaliation from administration. We are contemplating having our children return to that school for the Fall.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Individual teachers are great while they last. Director is very difficult to work for or deal with. Parents have no input and those who complain are troublemakers. Lots of drastic staffing changes happen at school year end, but parents can't comment or question, and those who dislike the way the school does things can just leave, since there's a pre-school waiting list. But parents had to sign a renewal contract with non-refundable deposit in February, the only other Montessori school around has a longer waiting list, and if you get in, your kids lose their schoolmates/friends. Frightening turnover. Wonderful teachers/staff disappear suddenly leaving parents and kids stuck with an administration that cares only about $$. They put on a good show, until they rope you in, then forget you're paying the bills. Parents & staff jumping ship as fast as they can. Almost no kids left beyond upper primary (kindergarten).”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school focuses first on their bottom line and then on the children's education. The principal is rarely seen but the pre-k and kindergarten teachers are super. Parent participation is very high and expected.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child has been here for 3+ years and we are very happy. The teachers are fantastic, the toddlerm, pre-k & K programs cannot be compared. Parent involvements are enouraged and appreciated. We've never had any problems with administration - show them respect and you'll receive the same back. Enrichment programs are on par and leading edge - Hope they enlarge their elementary program and find a bigger space - that's the only negative. Better academics cannot be found anywhere else in MB and the safety and secureness is grade A. Long waiting list to get but worth it!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The teachers at this school are dedicated and the curriculum is good, but unfortunately the school is run as a business first and educational facility second. Parent participation is not always appreciated by the directress.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“An administrative nightmare. Staff and parents are in constant fear of retailaition. Preschoolers start school for the first time, are taught the Montessori way by wonderful individual teachers they love, and form close friendships with their classmates. School year ends and their beloved teachers and other staffers dissappear in droves. They quit, contracts are not renewed, or are fired, and this happens year after year. Turnover is horrendous, and enrollment once kids are school age drops drastically. Directress is unapproachable and intimidating to everyone, including parents and we have no contact info for the owners. Parents are afraid to question or complain, for fear their kids will be expelled, when it's too late to find viable options other than ordinary daycare. Parents' Catch 22: further harm our children by taking them away from their friends/classmates or silently tolerate disrespect and victimization by people we're paying to educate our kids. It's sad.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Ditto to the June 11th entry. Also, the turnover rate among the teachers is extremely high which creates a disturbing degree of instability in a setting that should be quite fluid. The teachers are dedicated, loving, nurturing, and effective........they just don't seem to last long at Manhattan Academy. The school's director is less than warm and rather aloof. The administrative staff is usually very slow to respond to phone calls and/or correspondence. There is subtle, unspoken pressure to walk the line, smile, and not ask questions for fear our kids will be asked to leave the school. I hope to have my child placed in a more user-friendly learning environment soon.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children have been at the school for years. We have kept our children there because of great teachers. However the teacher turnover this year has been horrible and we are at our wits end with the administration. The condescending treatment has gotten worse every year. I would only recommend this school for K and under and only if you have a strong stomach for insulting weekly memos.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has been to this school for three years.The number of students seem to drop for the older ages. But this means better teacher - students ratio. This school is for the people who really focus on their child's academic education. But if you want a bigger shool with basic education, this school is not for you. The principal and the owner used to be hard to approach, but this year they are making big efforts to talk to as many parents as possible. I received an email from the principal to let me know her fun chat with my daughter during a recess time. They are also making more effort to put emphasis on Physical education this year. I am very pleased to this school effort to make children happy and focused.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As all other school this school has also both pro and cons. If you want excellent education with all teacher know your child well, this school is perfect for you. But if you want to have your child do OK in academic but have more time with big number of friends, this school does no suit you. But the school try to change their Cons. They almost finished building Swimming pool. And they will have better classrooms in a new building from this fall. My child is very happy there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a school who puts more emphisis on the dollars they earn, as opposed to the quality of education they provide. The childs needs play second fiddle to the money earned... wouldn't send my child there.”
This review was posted by a other.

“I am very happy with this school. I find it very accomodating for working parents as the school is open from 7a - 6p. They do not charge for before school care the after school extended care charge is nominal. For the younger children, the classrooms are bright, interesting and challenging. For the elementary and soon to return middle school, the class rooms are in a day basement facility for now but a new building has been purchased so that may change. The staff is phenomenal and very dedicated at all levels. As for the previous comment about expecting parents to give time and/or resources - tht is not true. Parent involvement is encourage as it should be but never expected or required. We have never found the administration difficult or unapproachable. Whenever we have called and made an appointment, we were met with courtesy and politeness. Highly recommend!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My kids have been attending since Summer 07 and here are my impressions as a relatively new parent to the school. This school has an unbeatable program for pre-k and I chose this school based on the caliber of teachers, programs and facility. What I did not anticipate however, is that the school seems to have a very sloppy and disorganized administrative staff. Seems they concentrate on hiring the best teachers, then skimp out on their administrative people. Checks get lost, enrichment program enrollment orders get misplaced, and phone calls do not get returned unless you call them back 2-3 times. I have a love/hate relationships with the school. Love the school and teachers, hate the disorganized administration.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Unfortunately courtesy towards the directress is not always reciprocated. The academics are good but the space for grades 1 - 6 is very limited and the class sizes can be as small as 4! Not good for social skills but adequate academically.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school has a wonderful program for Primary and Upper Primary (Pre K and K) classes. But, at first grade the children get moved to a dungeon-like classroom in the basement of a three story building. The windows are at ceiling level, so you cannot see out of them. There is no outside play area. Sometimes they walk to a large, public park, which means taking them out of the protection of the school and crossing a busy street.The school building just seems too small for this school. This school has been around for 30 years, but the directress is still trying to figure out how to run the school. The teacher turnover is astoundingly high. Overly focused on grades, a lot of going to 'Study Hall' if you get even a 79 on work, which means missing recess, which means more sitting. There is a lot of sitting.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“MA does not teach to test; unlike public schools which must in order to comply with No Child Left Behind law. The toddler, pre-K and K programs are phenomenal as are the teachers. Each child has an individualized curriculum tailored to their strengths and weaknesses so they progress and succeed at their own pace yet remain with their social peers. There are exceptionally gifted children learning at an accelerated pace yet kept with their age appropriate classmates. As for the School Director - if the parent is respectful, it is reciprocrated. Unfortunately, some parents feel that they have the right to barge in whenever they want & expect to be accomodated. They question school policy and want change to fit their needs. It is a business but with care and concern. Highly recommend this school. Wish Elementary was bigger but maybe there are plans to expand.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great academic program. In thee upper grades there is not enough recreation area at the facility for physical education in an outdoor environment. No playground available for 1st thru 8th grade. (Some trips to nearby park to compensate) Clasrooms located in basement area, no natural light. I foud it difficult to communicate with some teachers and both the vice principal and directress. Overall my child was quite happy there. The Upper primary program was oustanding. The 'Kindergarten' teacher was/is amazing.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is best for pre-K through 1st grade where the Montessori curriculum is used. From 2nd through 6th grades the academics are good, but the facility is very lacking. The teachers are enthusiastic and uphold a good curriculum in math and social studies in particular, but the principal and owners are not very approachable.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Pre-K/Elementary: The building is safe/secure & filled with lots of natural light. Children are able to come/go from classrooms to the outdoor environment; to play or to work in the garden/greenhouse or on outdoor art projects. There is a teacher outdoors at all times. Inside the classrooms are filled with traditional Montessori materials and if you peek in during class time you will see students happily working on all kinds of math, language, music, art, science lessons. To people not familiar with the Montessori method, it appears chaotic, but in reality, the children are learning at their own pace and rather than teaching to the lowest common denominator Most if not all the teachers have masters degrees. This is not a 'rich kid's school.' The parents are extremely dedicated to the best educational experience. The only drawbacks: smaller class sizes in upper grades due to small building, & an unapproachable directress.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school for children who are gifted intellectually. Since the curriculum is individually tailored to meet the needs of each child, your child can go at his/her own pace -- and yet be with children in his/her peer group. As for the previous comment - I think that is a point of view that is not widely shared by parents at manhattan academy. The individualized curriculum is actually an alternative to the 'teaching to the test' approach that is so prevalent now in the public school system in the wake of the 'no child left behind' law.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I allowed both my kids to attend this school for 3 years. The first two were O.K. The third year was horrendous for my son. Their goal is to completely 'teach to test'. I do not recommend this school to anyone.”
This review was posted by a parent.