Manhasset Secondary School

I don't even know where to begin. Teachers- a select few teachers are phenomenal while others deserve to be fired immediately. A good majority do nothing and just collect money. Others go above and beyond for students which is great. After-school activities- sports are everything. If you aren't playing one, expect to be lonely and picked on for all of middle and high school. Facilities- at least the school is quite nice looking. It was built in the late 1900's during as a Works Projects Adminstration and was tastefully decorated with eccentric moldings and tile details. Unlike earlier reviews, THE SCHOOL IS NOT FALLING APART. It was fixed recently. Overall- unless you or your kid aspires to be a lacrosse player, or a home designer looking for inspiration, STAY AWAY. SERIOUSLY.

I was shocked at some of the reviews I read regarding Manhasset schools. I attended the public schools in Manhasset from a young age, graduated, went to an Ivy League school and then a superb law school. I moved back to Manhasset so my children can obtain the same great education I did. One of my children is special needs and is thriving at Manhasset due to the superlative teachers and administration. The facilities are not falling apart. They are old, solid and well-built. Classic and well-maintained. The school is a safe place and vibrant place to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Manhasset for my 9th grade and half of 10th grade years. Though the teachers and staff were phenomenal, and helped me leave, the environment in this school created by the kids was very exclusive. You were either in a group or out of it - and if you weren't able to be classified, you were bullied and picked on. I was bullied so badly that I had to leave the school in the middle of my sophomore year.
—Submitted by a student

The revews prior to 2009 are not relevant. There is a new superintendant and principal and both are superb. I was not happy with the schools and had my children in private school but have brought them back and the schools are extraordinary. Manhasset gives you the choices of a 2000 student school, but because there are only 220 students per grade, those choices are available to everyone. Great math, science, programs that include individual research. Amazing music, art and theatre. Every AP imaginable. The class is getting into great colleges; Yale. Stanford, Princeton, Williams and Amherst all offered multiple acceptances. School has lots of money and it is being administered very well for the students and education. Hard to beat..
—Submitted by a parent

BEST SCHOOL EVER. I Love Manhasset. Great Teachers And Great Classes. Its Really Old School. Though Thats What Makes This School Great. Its Vintage. Students Are Cool And Are Very Welcoming. No One Is Ever Left Out. But We Are A Big 'Familia'. Everyone Has The Same Types Of Personality And Favorites. If Anyone Doesn't Fit The 'Manhasset Personality', We Would Love To Add. Teachers Are Really Cool And Are Amazing With Teaching Kids. Our Scores Are Sky High. No One Goes To A 'Bad' School And We All Have Great Future When We Say We Went To Manhasset High. Our Classes Are Really Fun And Educational. We Literally Have Everything From Drama To AP Forensics. Students Are Super Smart. We Are Amazing, Our School Is Amazing. Don't Listen To The Rumors, They Aren't True. GO TO OUR SCHOOL!
—Submitted by a student

It has excellent academics, with memorable teachers who teach with passion. And it gives students wonderful background in the arts-- a first-rate theater program, music programs that include choral, composition and even jazz, and an outstanding drawing and painting program as well. Kids thrive here!
—Submitted by a parent

Great renovated facilities, superb academics for self-motivated, bright kids, also outstanding art, music and drama programs. New principal taking better approach to discipline and education of the middle-track student.
—Submitted by a parent

It is great if your child is Talented and Gifted but otherwise children skate right through and no one bothers to steer the 'average' kide to become better or even great students. Your child can manage great grades if you can spare the $ for a tutor. As in all schools some of the teachers are great, committed and energetic, others are glad to work a part time job with higher than national average pay and benefits--plus once tenure is theirs, they most often do not lift an extra finger to hlep a child. Recently one of my children missed a class due to illness, then made arrangements to make up the work during lunch time, but instead the teacher went to a 'lovely luncheon'. The school definitley makes it difficult for working parents to be involved...
—Submitted by a parent

This school has shocked me! With all the talk about how great it is, it seems the teachers aren't putting the childrens knowledge first. The technology is old and the school is not diverse enough which adds to favoritism. My child dislikes going to school everyday and is going to be a junior.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are stellar especially the math. Principal (formerly from NYC)is leaving and a search is on for a new one. He was a good administrator Two new assistant principals this year are a great change. If you have special needs kid, good luck. You will have to fight like the devil for accomodations.
—Submitted by a parent

Academics are superb: music, art and drama are tops and there are extracurricular activities for everyone. Parents are very invested and involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids in this school from kindergarden on.I have seen good teachers and owefull ones I have to say the percentage of good to bad teachers is about good:bad 40:60. which is a shame. the administration lacks integrity and is self motivated. I have not seen an administrator put the children first. I have to beleive that this school needs a major shake up. there is favortism and personal vendeta's carried by school officials even if it hurts a kid and alters their future collage acceptance. The personel on staff have no loyalty for the kids.too many administrators on payroll that have no relevance for the education of the children.I am a very dissapointed parent one of too many that reside at the school district.
—Submitted by a parent

Facility is poor for the amount of money this school obtains. Gym ceilings are falling apart. Thumbs up for the number and quality of computers, its one of the best I've seen in high schools. This school does not give all students a lunch period which I find ridiculous. Teachers and faculty are given by law a lunch time. Why not the students? Sports teams such as volleyball are being cancelled. (Manhasset should realize that not every student wants to run track or play lax). Educational programs provide great opportunity for kids to prep for college. Just a shame such a historically great school fell apart the past decade.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are exceptional. Turnover in administration especially in the area of discipline has been noticed in the 2003-04 school year. Principal's strength is more administrative than inspirational.
—Submitted by a parent

A costly per pupil cost does little here to make this school shine. Old facilities, lack of leadership in administration.
—Submitted by a parent