Manitou Park

My sons have attended the school for 3 years and 1 year. I can't compare but I can share our experience. The building is new and beautiful. Staff is friendly. We have had one amazing teacher and 3 mediocre ones. Parent involvement is encouraged but it hasn't been clear how exactly I could be involved other than the PTA. You are welcome to eat lunch with your child which is neat. The classrooms are at capacity, very full. The one big problem we have had is the style of discipline. The class often gets punished as a group which is very frustrating when your kid is not the one making trouble yet is punished every day. In fact it's so frustrating that we are changing schools next year. They also let the kids talk at lunch but then when a mysterious, unknown to anybody level of loudness is reached suddenly everybody gets punished with missing recess time.It is ridiculous, not effective and hasn't been effective for years, yet they keep doing it! When I talked about this to the principal, my kid was put on the spot in front of the whole class, I was told that's how it is in life and we might as well get used to it and generally nobody cared I had a problem with it..
--Submitted by a parent

I do not recommend this school!! My Grandson is a 1st Grader and a 5th grader beat him up on the bus for talking too much.There were many witnesses, and then she threatened to hit him again with her instrument case!! The school only sent home a note with the 5th grader and only made her say sorry..This is supposed to be a non bullying school ?? The Principal was too busy to deal with it so had the Vice Principal handle it..She apparently doesn't care about the safety of the children as being important!!!

My daughter & son go to this school! My son is a 1st grader & my daughter kindergarten. I can agree with other comments that there are a couple good teachers there, like Ms Dorgan & Ms Clifford. But there is a lot of violence in the school. they say they have a "no bullying policy" but they dont enforce it well when it comes to punishing the bullies. Also if your child has any special needs:DO NOT take your child here! they do not have the time or patience to deal with it! My daughter who has a developmental delay, adhd & sensory processing disorder was having a bad day & they couldnt handle her so they sent her home! Also my son had told his teacher many times that he was being bullied & she always ignored it! Then a 5th grade girl punched him twice in the ribs & attempted to hit him with her instrument case. All the school made her do was say sorry & send a note home to her parents because this was the first time she had gotten in trouble before!
--Submitted by a parent

I feel there are a few nice teachers at Manitou Park but also have seen some others that lack child skills! There are a few that should be teaching military school in my opinion! I feel they punish the entire group (taking recess time away) even though it's not all the kids fault...just a handful of kids ruins it for everybody and I highly do not agree with that!!! For Safety sakes...I feel the big playground should be fenced since it is attached to a PUBLIC park! They shouldn't wait for something bad to happen before putting up a fence! Every other elementary school has a fence!!!! The vice principal has a good sense of humor which the kids seem to enjoy!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter transfered to Manitou Park earlier this year and has made a complete turn around in her school work. The staff is awsome and she loves her school.
--Submitted by a parent

The think the academic programs are excellent. I do wish they could have more physical activities though. I've been there only 2 years and I've had great success with my childs teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school to any one. The classrooms are overcrowded and the children do not get the attention they need. They only offer one recess and it's at lunch time. this is uncalled for.Children need time to feel free and let loose while in school. I am all for learning and work but a little play is alright too. There were days that my son was unable to finish his lunch due to the rush rush atmosphere. Also they have gone throught three principals in the last several years. this does not show much for this school at all. the discipline is unfair and your child will not be treated prpoerly in certain situations. I had too many problems at this school and my child no longer attends. Also be ware of school supplies you will be providing them for all the children not just yours. NOT COOL!
--Submitted by a parent

The principal is horrible, she told me that a one child had the right to hurt another child without retribution or discipline. If you worry about your children's safety it will not be protected here.
--Submitted by a parent

My family and I would like to give manitou a good review, as last year my son attened grade k as mrs patterson as his teacher as maurice had learned alot his first year of school his teacher worked with him as shes a great teacher I hope to see her teaching w/manitou for years to come. As maurice is returning to manitou for 1st grade this year we are so exsited!
--Submitted by misty salmi, a parent

Manitou used to be much better than it is now...now they are less involved with students, over-crowded, not empathetic at all, and lack true heart. There is no warmth to this school! They give the kids 15-25 minutes, depending on how well they behave, to eat lunch, go potty, and play outside! UNACCEPTABLE! RIDICULOUS! My child comes home starving half the time! Not willing to work with the parents to figure out what is going on either. I WOULDN'T recommend Manitou Park Elementary AT ALL! NO WAY! The best thing is they have a few nice teachers.
--Submitted by a parent