Manhattan Academy

Posted: February 17, 2023

The meanest teacher who loved to yell at the kids and publicly shame them. It was horrible.

Posted: February 17, 2023

Posted: October 17, 2022

My son has been at MA since he was 8 months (currently just over 2) and we love it! Couldn’t be happier with the teachers, facility, environment. Can’t recommend MA enough. We’re so thankful our son goes here!

Posted: October 17, 2022

Posted: October 17, 2022

Posted: October 17, 2022

Posted: October 17, 2022

Posted: October 17, 2022

Posted: October 17, 2022

Posted: October 17, 2022

Posted: March 7, 2019

The kids are allowed to be kids while getting them in a habit of doing homework. I love the balance.

Posted: March 7, 2019

99% of teachers we have met here are awesome. And most importantly I trust the director to takecare of any non-optimal situations.

Posted: March 7, 2019

Respect - is a building block of this school. We see the difference between our son and our neighborhood children. It's marked!

Posted: March 7, 2019

The director is really open, with good listening skills, is always available and whats surprising is that the owners are also quite available. They are always open for feedback too. Fantastic!

Posted: March 7, 2019

Posted: March 7, 2019

Posted: March 7, 2019

Our son has been at MA for 5 years, since he was 1 year old. We have had the best experience. I read all these negative comments here and it just made us sad. We had to write our experience to balance the boat a little bit.
The director is open and communicative. She is not the coziest person on the planet, but she is always available to every parent. The teachers are just fantastic. The community is so strong. We have made some lifelong friends through MA.
And lastly, the education is excellent. We didn't know how awesome we had it until we toured other top ranked private schools in the area, and realized MA does a better job at academics, extra curricular and whole-child development.

Posted: October 5, 2017

Posted: October 5, 2017

Posted: October 5, 2017

Posted: October 5, 2017

Posted: October 5, 2017

Posted: October 5, 2017

Posted: October 5, 2017

What an unbelievable school this is. We are in our 3rd year here. Our child has a learning disability and the school has gone out of there way to help. They have even hired a new educational assistant who specializes in learning disabilities. We have the biggest class at the school with a 10-1 ratio Student to Teacher ratio. Most other classes are 7-1. More then anything are the values taught to the kids. Our first day of school (we started in november) the teacher introduced her to the class, saying we are a friendly school and we make everyone feel welcome, and each kid introduced themselves. We were bad parents and forgot our daughter's lunch, so had to deliver it at lunch time, the whole class sat together, 1 boy told my daughter to sit at the table with them, while another boy laid out a napkin for her lunch to rest on. That was the very 1st day of school. From that time on, we knew it was the right choice. Its 3 years later and she looks forward to school every day.

Posted: January 22, 2017

Posted: January 22, 2017

Posted: January 22, 2017

Posted: January 22, 2017

Posted: January 22, 2017

Posted: January 22, 2017

Posted: January 22, 2017

We had our daughter here for a year. She started in the infant room, which was overwhelmingly understaffed by inexperienced and not in the least bit nurturing or warm staff. After several months she was old enough to transition over to he toddler room. Parents were not permitted entry into the room. Bottles were no longer allowed, nor pacifiers. The list of rules and restrictions was so lengthy, rigid, & militaristic, that she hated the transition and cried on a daily basis for months. We gave her a couple months to adjust, but she genuinely hated how harsh and inflexible the teachers were. They do not adjust their care to the individual needs of each child at all. It's very much cookie-cutter mentality in the infant and toddler rooms, almost reminiscent of the boarding school scene in the opening chapters of Jane Eyre in her childhood years at Lowood. No, the kids are not forced to wash their faces with water so cold that it's turned to ice. But the emotionally nurturing, welcoming, compassionate that encourages each infant or toddler to thrive is completely absent. We pulled our daughter out after many months of her screaming in the car every time we drove on Manhattan Beach Blvd. with the school within sight from her car seat. She magically returned to her old cheerful, secure, not-screeching self within a few weeks of transferring to a much more laid back and loving environment at another preschool in Manhattan Beach, which also happened to be considerably less pricy.

Posted: June 6, 2016

Manhattan Academy has committed to teaching my daughter the basic life skills that will stick with her forever. My daughters teacher is well respected and extremely caring of her students.

Posted: May 9, 2016

My son attended the infant center for 3 partial days. I pulled him out because –among other issues & concerns– I witnessed an infant:adult ratio of 7:1, a blatant violation of state licensing regulations.

On my son’s 3rd day when I dropped him off, there was another baby alone & unattended in a high chair for the 20 mins I was there. Shortly after I arrived a staff member took a bottle away from the baby, but immediately walked away. This baby was then alone in the high chair without any bottle, food or attention from staff for the rest of the time I was there. I put my son in a high chair next to the other baby & began feeding my son Cheerios. I needed to get to work, so I asked a staff member to take over feeding my son. She dumped many Cheerios on my son's tray, but he was not old enough to pace himself & needed to be given no more than a couple at a time. My son began shoving fistfuls of Cheerios into his mouth, & I expressed concern that he might choke. The staff member moved the Cheerios into the cup holder of his tray & walked away! My son continued grabbing fistfuls from the cup holder, so I removed them, putting them back into the container so he wouldn't choke. I eventually flagged down the infant center director & asked her to take over feeding my son. I asked her the names of the other staff members. They go by last names which seems inappropriate for an infant center & makes it difficult for parents to know who is caring for their baby. I was shocked when the infant center director didn't even know the name of one of the staff members in the older infant area!

I felt so uncomfortable leaving my son that I returned to pick him up a few hrs later. When I walked in, there was 1 adult caring for 7 infants, including my son. I stayed for about 5 mins gathering up my son’s belongings & the entire time I was there & when I left there was still the 1 adult caring for the remaining 6 babies. This is a clear violation of state licensing regulations & a breach of MA’s promise of a 3:1 ratio in the infant center. My dealings with the administration after I withdrew my son were mind-bogglingly frustrating & revealed that the administrators are powerless & the owner is unreasonable.

Another reviewer noted back in 2011 that she witnessed a 6:1 ratio in the infant center. I wish I had put more weight on that review before enrolling my son.

Posted: April 25, 2016

Posted: April 25, 2016

Posted: April 25, 2016

The owner and administrators do not exhibit these values so I don't have faith in the school developing these values in its students.

Posted: June 22, 2015

Posted: June 22, 2015

Posted: June 22, 2015

Our family has been extremely fortunate to be part of Manhattan Academy for the past six years. Our two kids have flourished in Manhattan Academy’s incredibly warm and loving environment and we have been amazed by how much they have grown in their confidence and independence during this time.
Manhattan Academy has been a wonderful preschool and Pre-K experience for our children. Our kids have been nurtured, loved, and very well prepared for Kindergarten. The teachers at Manhattan Academy are top-notch – Mrs. Woolard, Ms. McIlraith, Ms. Maldonado, Ms. Perkins – they’re all fabulous! Most importantly, the Director, Mrs. Robley, has been an amazing leader of the school. She was recently promoted from Assistant Director and has done a great job continuing the high standards while also making some excellent improvements to the school.
We really appreciate that our kids have received a well-rounded education. The Montessori Method has allowed our kids to proceed at their own pace and prepared them so well for Kindergarten that they’re at least 1-2 years ahead of the curve. We also appreciate that the school offers Spanish, Science/Outdoor Environment, P.E., keyboarding, music, and art as part of their standard curriculum.
Manhattan Academy is a great option for working parents because they have early morning and extended day care options. Our kids really enjoyed the after school enrichment classes like swimming lessons, chess, and sports camp.
Somehow, while maintaining a nurturing learning space they encourage an academic rigor that we have not found anywhere else in the South Bay. If you want a great place where your child will be challenged as much as he or she can handle (but never more than that), Manhattan Academy is the best place in the area. We love everyone there and think of them as extended family.

Posted: June 22, 2015

Posted: August 1, 2014

I loved the school, and thought it would be a perfect fit. We spent 5 yrs here, and it was not until leaving did we realize the truth. My child adjusted well to the new school, but would not engage in some work activities. When questioned by the school psychological department it was discovered that there was a fear of being wrong and what the teacher would do. Nothing physical, to be clear. In the Upper Primary classes apparently when a child is questioned and gets the wrong answer they are ridiculed in front of others and torn down. It took some time for my child to be comfortable in the new school... just be aware. My other children did not have this experience, and I believe it was only isolated to a certain teacher.

Posted: February 25, 2014

What a fabulous school. We have been part of Manhattan Academy for a couple of years now. Two kids...super happy! Love the teachers and staff. I love it when I drop off my children and I people laughing and singing in the halls or at the copy machine. What a happy place to be and I feel great leaving my kids for the day. I know they are well cared for, learning a lot, and happy to be there! If you haven't already, check this place out!

Posted: February 10, 2014

We stumbled upon Manhattan Academy in 2011 when I heard they had opened an Infant Center. I was hooked from the first introductory meeting. My daughter is now in her third year at the school and is thriving! She is loved and cared for by all the teachers and administrative staff. She is confident, outspoken and happy. Since she spends more time there then at home (let's be honest about this), I can only thank all the teachers that touch her life.

Posted: January 9, 2014

Both of my sons attend Manhattan Academy, my younger son goes to the infant center and my oldest is in preschool. Our family is so happy here. The infant center staff are very loving and friendly, everyday he comes home with something new he has learned. My older son loves his class, we have tried 3 other schools here and none of them met my standards. He has learned so much at this school, more than I expected. I don't understand why this school doesn't have better reviews because We LOVE it here!

Posted: December 8, 2013

We have 3 children at Manhattan Academy since 2008. Our first child has gone through the Toddler, Primary, Upper Primary and now is in Elementary 1st grade. He has developed wonderfully and into a well-rounded, smart, articulate, social, confident young boy. Every teacher he has had has been an inspiration to his life. We have the utmost confidence in MA to continue his growth and development through the Elementary program. Our second child has been in Toddler and now in Primary. She has the same qualities and development as our son and a completely different personality. She is reading, understanding numbers, very creative and artistic. There is a wonderful group of parents and involvement in her class with a variety of events and solid curriculum always happening. We are very pleased with her progress and she just turned 4. Our third child started in the Infant Center, which we have recommended to many other families. She moved through Infant Center to the Toddler campus and on her way to Primary. Again, a completely different personality from her siblings but on her own accelerated path and has grown tremendously. Overall, MA is a brilliant school we highly recommend!

Posted: November 21, 2013

Our child has been at the Academy for over 5 years and is currently working through the elementary program. Over the past several months, the enhancements being made to the elementary campus, as well as administration, will only help strengthen this great school. The amazing teachers that surround each and every child work together as one unit, not only to provide very strong academics, but continually guide them through these important years by providing the appropriate tools, love and support to help strengthen their character and build self-esteem. Other programs that are offered far exceed what is out there in the public schools. A dynamic physical education class, public speaking, current events, technology, Spanish, art, music, theatre, dancing, and cooking, are just to name a few. These children will leave this school very well equipped academically and personally to tackle middle school and beyond. I highly recommend scheduling a tour to see for yourself.

Posted: August 3, 2013

This is a great pre-school. From 18 months of age, the toddler environment follows the Montessori method. As children move up to the main campus, at the age of 3, the children are treated to an absolutely lovely, light, bright and true Montessori classroom experience, complete with access to an outdoor environment with greenhouse and play structure. The school has a pool, offers swim lessons after school as well as many other wonderful extra-curricular programs. The emphasis is on following the child but also on preparing the child for an academic career and a life-long love of learning- whether you decide to stay for their small but excellent elementary program or move onto another school. It is an excellent school for working parents, the after-care is very high-quality and the school doesn't take too many vacation days. Children will be reading fluently and silently with a great emphasis on comprehension and phonetic spelling by the time they reach kindergarten or 1st grade. Use of the Montessori math materials ensures great conceptual awareness of high-level math at a very young age. Teachers are warm, caring and dedicated.

Posted: March 9, 2013

This is one of a number of schools the owners have. It is run more like a business than a school, and the directress is hit and miss. She can appear warm, but also ignore emails and inquiries. They have a higher turnover of teachers than other similar schools and a past teacher confided that the problem is the directress. The owners appear to keep her because she fits their business model. There are better alternatives to this school.

Posted: February 12, 2013

I visited every private school in the South Bay. Some even twice. First off, as a parent, you need to know exactly what you're looking for as far as an education for your child. For me, I wanted a healthy structured environment run by a no nonsense director. I believe it starts at the top. Some of the comments about teachers leaving in droves...very confusing as the one's I've spoken to genuinely seem to appreciate the environment they're in. My daughter is currently in primary. Never went to school before this year. She's knows all her numbers, letters, is starting to read a bit, is writing clear..and very often comes home singing in Spanish. She also comes home nightly, without being told, and practices her letters because it's so much fun to learn. She constantly tells me how much she loves her teachers and school. I think a big problem with our education system is that the teachers aren't stern or focused enough in preparing our kids for their future. Most schools lack structure and have a too care free of an attitude. I'm paying good money for my child to not just learn, but retain knowledge. And so far, in what I've seen, my daughter is doing just that.

Posted: December 2, 2012

extremely dishonest people working at this school... I would NOT trust this school to teach my children any honesty or morals.. at least one person working there is trying to deny fault in a collision after clearly admitting it to the officer...Thank God for police reports...

Posted: September 23, 2012

My child attended this school starting at the younger building. I was expecting the elementary building to be great for my child, but it ended up being a complete failure. One teacher in particular cussed at my child. My child was only in the 1st grade. When some kids were bullying him, I spoke to the principle and was astnonished to hear her ignoring me and dozing off. Get away from this school while you can.

Posted: August 27, 2012

Beautiful school with wonderful teachers!!!! You have to visit Manhattan Academy. They have an amazing program. I have 2 kids at MA. My youngest is in their toddler class and my oldest is in Kindergarten. We are very happy with the school and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Posted: July 27, 2012

Manhattan Academy is an excellent school. My son is in their kindergarten class and he has been there for 2 years. My daughter is in their infant center and I feel so comfortable knowing she is in good hands. The most important thing to me is that they have so many teachers with the babies so you know they are being watched and are getting lots of attention. Thank you to ALL of the wonderful teachers!

Posted: April 15, 2012

Our baby has been at the infant center for a few months and we are so happy. We visited many infant centers and this was the only one that exceeded the common teacher to infant ratio. Many centers have just one teacher to 4 babies and my husband and I felt that was too high. We are extremely happy now and look forward to seeing our little angel move on to the preschool in a couple of years. Great program, caring staff, and wonderful director!

Posted: February 21, 2012

They advertise a 3:1 ratio which was never executed to.Often times I would come pick up my child and see 5or6 infants to 1 teacher. 1 teacher in particular was horrible.She would glare at me,be evasive when asked questions,ignore me when I walked in,and generally look very unhappy to be working there.I oftened wondered how she was with my child when I was not there.There is high turnover with the teachers.Teachers were often gone and unknown subs were there to take care of my baby. My baby consistently came home with diaper rashes.It got to the point, I started providing my own diapers and wipes, I feared they were not changing her frequently because they were rationing their supply of diapers.Id tend to her over the wekend, and sure enough come Mon eve she would be in fits with a terrible diaper rash.The responsiveness from the school director was appalling. She rarely returned my calls when I had an issue with the infant school.The accountant on staff, surely couldn't be an accountant.Not once did I receive a bill that was correct.I thought the extra money I was paying would ensure great care.Wrong!I would not recommend this daycare to anyone who wants their baby in good hands.

Posted: November 27, 2011

I have two kids in this school for 4 years. Majority of the teachers are good but I agree that due to the meaness of the Principal, there is a high turnover among teachers. Also, I feel that this place is run more like a business than a loving school. In this difficult economy, they have raised their late pick-up fees from $2 per minute to $25 for the first 15 minute block and then $2 per minute thereafter. No one meant to be late to pick up their little ones but we do live in LA and traffic is unpredictable at times. Most parents are within 5 minutes late, if they are late, and have to pay the whopping $25 on top of the pricey tuition. Greedy!!

Posted: July 1, 2011

In my brief experience, it's been a pretty disappointing place. While I'd heard the teaching staff was generally strong, that has not been our experience; the teachers I've had contact with (upper primary) have been relatively inexperienced and unprofessional, and seem to lack warmth and passion for the teaching profession. The administrative staff is also a mixed bag with some of them genuinely lacking the interpersonal skills necessary to run a quality program. Although I'd read several unfavorable reviews of the school, I overlooked these comments as well as other red-flags; I wish I would have listened to my gut and avoided this place.

Posted: May 23, 2011

We have attended MA for 3 years now. I have 2 kids in their preschool program. We absolutely love their program, it is true Montessori experience and mos of their teaching staff is amazing. We believe it is a great option for working parents because they offer extended care after regular school hours. I'd have to agree with some of the reviews, the direction of the school lacks warmth and charisma, but when in preschool you don't really deal with the principal unless you get really involved. The parents are really involved even though a lot of them have full time jobs. Both our kids really love it and have learned so much, both their teachers are great and they saty in close communication with us. It's a bit pricey but if you need the full day 5 days a week it's a great option.

Posted: March 26, 2010

My daughter loves MA, and so do we. We've had nothing but the best experiences - her teacher (UPT) is amazing. Our daughter has blossomed this year - not only is she reading, writing, doing math, speaking basic spanish, etc, she's happy. Very happy. She loves going to school. She loves the kids in her class and all the different things they do every day (art, music, PE, literature, etc). We've never had a problem with the staff - the directress has been nothing but nice to us (she even offered me her parking space one day in the garage). The main teaching staff has been the same all year - the only teacher who left was the art teacher for medical reasons. If you can afford it you should do it - its been a wonderful first year for us and our daughter will be back next year for kindergarten.

Posted: February 26, 2010

Our child attended M.A. for many years. The pre-school years were great so it was hard to fathom how the elementary experience could be so lousy. The person in charge, the director-M.M., lacked communication and social skills. Her extremely rude and unfriendly behavior has caused parents and teachers to leave in steady droves. While the academic curriculum is good, M.'s nasty attitude created such a negative atmosphere within the elementary school that more than half of our child's classmates had left by the time the school year ended. Fearing repercussions, teachers and parents alike often left without giving the school their 'true' reasons. Thus, the school may sugar coat their sparsely populated elementary by stating parents are taking advantage of M. Beach's top-rated public school system in this challenging economy (blah, blah). Don't believe it! My rec-Talk to parents away from the school to get the real story.

Posted: February 17, 2009