Manchester Township Elementary School

The teachers are wonderful but the principal is so concerned about doing it all right that she presents an air of nervousness that is obvious after the first encounter. She should just relax and trust her staff- they seem professional enough to do the job. She makes me edgy. Other than that, I like the school. My children are in grades 2 and 5 and overall have been very satisfied with the teachers. Wish they would just let them teach!
--Submitted by a parent

I am stunned that there is anyone who is dissatisfied with this school. Both my children attended k-5 and loved it from the start. There are more than enough activities offered at this school...Chorus, band, drama, gifted & talented program, just to name a few. The interaction between the faculty and students is amazing. This school has some of the best teachers I have ever known. They do involve the parents and encourage it! The staff is wonderful, friendly and helpful. I can't imagine why anyone would not love this school!
--Submitted by a parent

It is unfortunate that a select few find the school unsatisfactory. Perhaps they haven't fully grasped or experienced the hard work and dedication the teachers put in to their students. I only have rave reviews for the school and the district as a whole. The whole staff, including the principal, are responsive and approachable. There are many activities children can join and participate in, only if the parent(S) dedicate their involvement in their child. I cannot think of any activities I was able to do when I was growing up in Jersey City, except maybe play 'kick the can' in the streets with my friends. I know it is a little difficult to interact with other children outside of school, but that is why many activities are offered. It is wonderful that we are able to be a part of a growing and caring community.
--Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed in this school. Academically, there is no flexibility for students that are of high intelligence-only for special needs. There is not a lot of opportunity for kids to be involved in things with their classmates, which is important. Also, there is a major restriction on parent involvement in the childrens' classes, which is very unsettling. Parents are not only not encouraged, but not allowed to interact with their child's teacher, and children are restricted socially. I find the atmosphere full of tension and the office staff is highly unprofessional. I think there is a lot of organization that is needed in this entire district, top to bottom.
--Submitted by a parent

I am new to the area and my children are new to the school. We come from a private school and I was a bit concerned about them starting public school. But immediately my anxiety was replaced for within two weeks, my son, who normally takes time to adjust to new situations (he's 7 years old), loved the school from the door. He had problems learning in his past school, but within the first two weeks, I saw an immediate improvement in his reading and in his spelling. And the most amazing thing I discovered was that the principle knew all the names of the 500 students that attend the school. This is an excellent school. I am so happy and excited that my children attend. Dawn Fields
--Submitted by Dawn Fields, a parent

My daughter is in the fifth grade and my son is in the first grade. I am very pleased and satisfied with MTES. Their academic programs are terrific. They have an outstanding teaching staff and office staff. My daughter has been exposed to different instruments through her music class and their art program is wonderful. The only thing I have question with is the allowance of involvement by parents. It would be a much nicer atmosphere for the parent/teacher/student if there were not so many restrictions on parent visitation. That is my only problem with MTES. Otherwise, I would recommend anyone to send their child to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this school. The teachers actually care about each child as if it were their own, along with the principal, Dr Scudese. I actually wish I was back in school! They make learning fun, parent involvement is encouraged. When I volunteered there the staff was wonderful, and the children actually hugged me on a regular basis. I cant say enough about this school.
--Submitted by a parent

It is satisfying to see that the principal/school staff know each student, whether good or bad by name...they involve themselves with every grade level and interact with the students. The overall caring of the teacher to the student is awesome, they truly care about your child's learning and give extra attention where needed. I am extremely impressed with the school district and the overall emphasis on pride, learning, & caring...accompanied by safety with their D.A.R.E program. This is truly an excellent school system!
--Submitted by a parent