William L Manning Elementary School

Manning Elementary school is an O.K. school. I graduated from there a few years ago and I had pretty good teachers but their were some exceptions. The main problem is the condition of the building. I know the heating system stopped working a week or two ago and that the school was hit by a tornado about two years ago but not much could be done to fix any damage. Their were a lot of leaks and mold when I was there with buckets in every classroom to catch falling water. All the walkways are outdoors and there is no gymnasium. The walkways are covered but the coverings are very damaged. The entire school is basically in structural disrepair. Their is a pretty good program for the academically gifted and there is a track that Physical Education is held on when the weather is nice enough. Their is no spelling bee or science fair. There are no foreign language classes but their are art, music, p.e., and library classes that all students attend. The student body is mixed with people coming from a wide variety of home situations. It serves half the town, Belmont Elementary school serves the other half. They are probably the best elementary schools in the area.

This school is average, at best. My daughter attended Kindergarten there last year and I was not impressed. The school has received minimal updates over the twenty some years since I attended. Her teacher was good and had been recommended to us by friends. The school was seriously lacking in after-school programs which really disappointed me. Unfortunately, this is still the absolute best public elementary school in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children attended Manning Elementary School and my sister is a teacher there. It has always been a wonderful school. They have teachers, like my sister, who really care about their students.

Manning is a wonderful school where the student learning is put first. Mr. Kennedy is an excellent principal and the students, parents and teachers want Mr. Kennedy around for a long time. If you are looking for an excellent school and learning enviroment for your child Manning Elementary is the school for you!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The majority of teachers at Manning are highly qualified and very dedicated. The principal, Andy Kennedy, is a wonderful leader who stays involved and accessible. He can be found all over the campus and has been known to stop students on the sidewalk to congratulate or compliment them. The buildings that comprise the school are not what they should be - it is very old - but the school is on a short list for a new structure within the next few years. The additional programs offered are good and there are several. I agree that there is an insider's click within the PTA, but that is parent politics and has nothing to do with the quality of education delivered to the students. This is a wonderful school. Both of my children have had great experiences here. I would not send them to any other in this county.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children in this school. K-3rd grade lucked out with teachers. THese teachers care, Mr. Kenendy, the principal, a true asset. The vice p, she is not so great.
—Submitted by a parent

At first I thought this was the best school in town. I found that some of the teachers arent very pleasant. The ones that are nice are very easy to work with. The PTA is kind of scarey...nobody seems to have much to say to new comers. If it wasnt for the bad teachers it would be the best school in town. The way the some teachers disapline I think is just too harsh. In my opinion it should be monitored by the principal better.
—Submitted by a parent

There are some very good teachers at manning. But there are some very bad teachers there too. If you get a teacher wh o is bad your child will suffer. However, the good teachers are really good. It is a toss of the coin which teacher you get. The principal is great. The Spanish teacher is lousy. The music teacher great. The PE teacher lousy, etc. The PTA is good if you are an isider but if you are new to the t own you will be left out. There are good after school clubs but only a few students can join, limited space and leaders. Good science fair opportunities. Few field trips.Older building. Good playground. Great principal.