Dupont Manual High School

Some teachers are excellent; others are lazy, i.e., no grades posted for more than 8 weeks of instruction. If a student is 18 and cuts school, there are NO consequences. I think the school is afraid that if they push the issue with the kids, the kids will drop out...and Manual's precious statistics will be hurt. As long as you make the school look good, everything is great. Kids who have problems are ignored. This is wrong. I'm a retired teacher, and I understand the demands on teachers' time. But for the most part, Manual does not live up to its reputation. I'm very disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

Manual's status isn't unwarranted. In my experience what truly makes Manual different is the students. Each magnet is filled with with kids who are not only well rounded, but also outstanding at their specialty. For instance the 500 member, hardcore academic Math Science Technology Magnet has an average ACT score of 32 (This is insane - this is comparable to the average ACT score of students at ivy league institutions). The Youth Performing Arts School puts on entire shows including the lighting, choreography, prop design, everything that almost seem professional and sends musicians to Julliard on a regular basis. The communications magnet regularly produces a yearbook that wins national recognition as the BEST IN THE NATION. You could fill pages with superlative accomplishments like these. Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that the motivation behind these initiatives comes from the students. I went to a private school before attending Manual and the difference between the two is both the best and worst thing about Manual - It is like the real world where you are responsible for making choices that ensure your success. You have to show initiative.
—Submitted by a student

Whoever posted "Manual is a incredibly snobbish. If you miss one day of school, you will" I have a few bones to pick with you. The whole idea of this 'Manual hand chooses students..' Why shouldnt they? Of course a school should hand pick their students and Manual strives to choose THE BEST. We choose the best students that we believe can take the rigor of advanced classes and AP courses. It should be an honor to be in Manual. I am a MST student and as a sophomore, I take AP Physics and AP Chem. We have magnets so we can CHOOSE the best students to teach. In ways it does matter how you teach students and in some ways it doesnt (take statistics) and if you have students who just want to pass a grade, send them elsewhere. At Manual, we pride ourselves at being the best. The BEST we can be, through both natural selection and the rigors of teaching. The fact that you puul from a lottery or you feed from Barret has nothing to do with anything; I went to a Catholic K-8 school and I am still one of the tops of MST. It does matter that we pick students. To be the best you must have the best setting possible and I think that duPont Manual has the absolute best setting for gifted students.
—Submitted by a student

This is by far the best school in Jefferson County. You are completely prepared for the rigor level of college. It teaches students to be responsible. I mean, the professors in college aren't going to constantly remind you about missing assignments or your failing grade, so the teachers here don't. But, you have to be prepared for a lot of hard work. If you can't stand the pressure in high school, imagine college! Another great thing is the diversity. Due to the different magnets, you will be in classes with people with varying interests and backgrounds. And, to address a previous review, if you start comparing Manual to Male, you can't just look at the state rankings. There is a reason Manual comes first, the difference is tremendous! Also the rivalry with Male is just a way to show our immense school spirit. We take pride in our school, unlike most other highs schools. The red/white block schedule gives you more time each meeting with your teacher. Plus, it gives you an extra day to do your homework. XD I 100% recommend applying, it is an amazing experience. :)
—Submitted by a student

Manual is a incredibly snobbish. If you miss one day of school, you will be trying to catch up for WEEKS! And, the whole red/white day thing can be confusing. Especially since the students are always so busy, and piled with homework and projects. When i went there, I was on the honor roll with all a's and b's, but i was so stressed out all the time! i couldn't imagine 4 more years of that! Everyone was so....competitive and aggressive. The rivalry with male was...insane. I transferred to Male, actually. And it amazes me, Manual HAND PICKS ALL OF THEIR STUDENTS, and Male pulls from Barret, JCTMS, Johnson, and a lottery, and Male is #2 in the state. Male doesn't choose their students, THEY TEACH THEM. The point is,don't choose Manual. Choose Ballard, or Male, or Eastern, or Butler. Not Manual.

Manual is overrated. Some teachers there are fantastic educators who care deeply about the students. Others do not want to be bothered with a student who isn't off-the-charts brilliant in every subject. I found a couple of teachers to be downright complacent, even lazy. Administration is ineffective when it comes to ensuring the emotional safety of students subjected to harassment by other students. School counselors are completely overwhelmed with a 450:1 counselor/student ratio. (There are 4 counselors for approx. 1,800 students.) I don't know where the 18:1 student/teacher ratio came from, my kid was always in classes of at least 22+ students. My repeated, sustained efforts to engage teachers, school counselors, and administration in supporting my struggling child were exhausting and ultimately unfruitful. Sports coaches have little oversight. There is no process in place for parents to voice concerns about coaches without running the risk of getting their own kid benched or cut from a team. My child now attends another Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence (private) high school and is flourishing there, both academically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent

Not trying to be cocky, but Manual truly is, hands down, the best high school in JCPS. Teachers are blessed to have Intelligent and motivated students and students are blessed to have amazing and passionate teachers. Every student feels at home and enjoys their high school experience. At Manual, seniors don't ask one another 'hey are you going to college?' they ask, 'what college are you going to attend?' If you are a worried parent, do not hesitate to send your kids here; they will recieve a wonderful education.
—Submitted by a student

Manual has unique methods to teach a diverse group of students.
—Submitted by a parent

I had an amazing experience as a student at Manual. The excellent teachers and high academic standards pushed me to become a class valedictorian and receive a full college scholarship.

Wonderful school and the teachers care about the students. I received a great education there.

Manual is a school of excellence. Both the teachers and students are excited to be there and learn from each other.
—Submitted by a student

I have an illness that requires i be in the hospital, missing weeks at a time from school. The teachers are so helpful and suggestive when it comes to catching up. The students must know they are in high school. It is their responsibility to go to the teacher. Teachers will not find you. Personally, I think it's this sort of thing that builds character.
—Submitted by a student

Any school of this caliber will undoubtedly be held to the highest possible standards and viewed through the most discriminating lens. We have set ourselves up for pointed criticism and intense scrutiny directly proportional to the amount of hype and accolades that we receive. I can honestly say, without any degree of hesitation that as both a teacher at Manual and a parent of a current senior here, there is no other place I would rather teach and/or send my child. Teaching here is a joy, a blessing most teachers could only ever hope to experience. My students are amazingly insightful, unflinchingly compassionate, wildly talented, respectful, and full of fabulous ideas that they freely share with their peers. I have never seen a fight here in over ten years at this school but I have seen numerous examples of great kids helping one another succeed at ridiculously high levels.
—Submitted by a teacher

Dupont Manual is an outstanding school! I can't say enough about the quality of education. It is outsatanding...
—Submitted by a parent

My son is currently a sophomore at Manual. He is failing and I have only been contacted by one teacher. I, myself, contacted the rest of his teachers. They seem aloof and snobbish. They act as if they could care less that he needs more help. We are very disappointed. I am a parent that cares and wants to help them help my child succeed and they don't seem interested.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the fact that the main supplyers to duPont Manual come from Meyzeek Middle School, where my child went. It has personally benefitted them in getting in to the rigorous MST program at Manual.
—Submitted by a parent

Having graduated Manual in 2003, I was very pleased with the abundance of Advanced Program and Advanced Placement courses. I was also very pleased with the Visual Arts Magnet. I feel that it's one of the best visual arts programs for high schools in the country. The other magnets our excellent as well. Including YPAS and MST. In my year, our class was 3rd in the country in National Merit Semifinalists.
—Submitted by a student

I honestly can't see myself going anywhere else. The people at Manual are phenomenal.
—Submitted by a student

I am clearly displeased with Manual in the past year. The standard of students has decreased, simply caring only about grades, rather than intelligence. Any student can study. It takes another kind to actually have intellect. Manual once was the best. I am sad to say that no longer has this title been upheld. Just like Rome, it shall fall.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a recent graduate of manual and if you want your child to excel, manual is the best high school in Kentucky for them to do so. There are different core programs for specific areas of study that include the Math Science Technology Program (MST), Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS), High School University (HSU), and the Visual Arts (VA) programs. All of which include exccellent teachers and friendly staff. Did you know that more than 93% of all Manual graduates attend college? The numbers speak for itself. Great school, excellent programs... Go Manual!
—Submitted by a former student