Manus Academy

Posted: August 18, 2019

Homework was appropriate. Our student was never overwhelmed by the volume and only had few projects.

Posted: August 18, 2019

The classroom teachers we interacted with over the years were approachable and did a good job of moving kids through the subjects.

Posted: August 18, 2019

There is an emphasis on a character topic each month.

Posted: August 18, 2019

The administration at this school do not understand needs of children with special needs. Never saw Ms. Manus during the years our student was enrolled.

Posted: August 18, 2019

There is a low degree of tolerance and/or flexibility from the administration. Example - Student with sensory issues did not particularly like music as it is an irritant. Parents asked for student to be excused from music time at the school, but were told it was an expectation of all students and student would need to participate. Does this show an understand and tolerance for special needs?
Administration will not tell you of this inflexibility when you talk to them.

Posted: August 18, 2019

They do try to foster positive relationships among students. Did not see any signs of bullying.

Posted: August 18, 2019

After trying to make it work over a couple of years, we decided not to re-enroll our student at Manus. While they portend to address kids across the spectrum, there is little tolerance for differences in style from their set "program." The two different classroom teachers we had were good, but the administration at Manus make it an unattractive choice. Suggest you fully explore their flexibility before you enroll.

Posted: June 28, 2019

My autistic rising seventh grader has attended Manus for two years. Manus is the best thing that's happened for him! He has learned so many skills and is adequately challenged with academics. The small class sizes and supportive environment have changed his ability to learn. He is no longer constantly overwhelmed and stress, but confident and able to participate.

Posted: June 28, 2019

Curriculum and accomodations are tailored to each student's needs. This includes homework.

Posted: June 28, 2019

Every teacher is a special education minded teacher. They use positive encouragement and skill building to help students grow and adapt.

Posted: June 28, 2019

Every day the students take a called called skill building which helps them understand their own emotions and those of their classmates. They are taught to verbalize, to use "I statements" and communicate effectively. The students are recognized for positive behaviors through the Caught with Character program.

Posted: June 28, 2019

I've been extremely impressed with the work Mrs Manus, Mrs Taylor, and Mrs Osborne do on a daily basis. They are effective leaders and excellent with the students.

Posted: June 28, 2019

Our experience with Manus Academy has been life changing. We were at a turning point in my son's life- the start of middle school. He has gone from constant panic and meltdowns to a much happier and healthier young man. He is learning and thriving!

Posted: June 22, 2019

All employees at Manus exhibit leadership qualities. Those in authority do a great job ensuring structure is in place to help each student adapt to a daily routine and shine. Questions/suggestions are responded to promptly and communication is top of mind.

Posted: June 22, 2019

We have attended several schools in the Charlotte region and interviewed with several more. There is not another learning institution in Charlotte that provides the individualized learning environment and holistic focus on the well being of the student as Manus Academy. Each student can be him/herself at Manus and grow more confident in their own abilities.

Posted: June 22, 2019

Bullying is not tolerated. Every student understands what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior and knows how to report inappropriate behavior.

Posted: June 22, 2019

We are so glad to be part of the Manus Academy and recommend it to any family looking for a new school for their child.

Posted: June 22, 2019

There is minimal homework at the Manus Academy. Each student receives the individualized attention he/she needs during the day and masters sections of each course before proceeding to the next.

Posted: June 22, 2019

The teachers at Manus are great in working with each child's needs. The class sizes are small and each student is able to work at his/her pace. Moreover, each teacher takes time to make sure social and life skills are taught throughout the day in all activities.

Posted: June 22, 2019

Manus is more than a school. It is a community. Each month, there is focus on a character trait. Students that are witnessed exhibiting that character trait are awarded with a "caught with character" sticker. They wear them with pride and the practice is great for encouraging desirable behavior and maturity.

Posted: June 20, 2019

They have a character trait of the month recognition award that is very effective. I think it successfully motivates all the children to do well and strive to be compassionate, respectful and to have integrity.

Posted: June 20, 2019

The leadership is excellent. The headmaster and the principal are fantastic listeners. They are constantly troubleshooting to meet the needs of our child and our family. I'm impressed daily by their ability to meet our needs. Our child has extreme anxiety and learning challenges. They have been able to successfully accommodate us on every level.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Manus is built on its ability to meet the needs of kids with learning differences. It completely accommodates the child's needs in this area completely.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Bullying is simply not tolerated in any way, whatsoever.

Posted: June 20, 2019

I would rate my experience a 10 out of 10. I would highly recommend this school to anyone who is seeking a successful academic and social environment for their child with learning differences and/or anxiety issues. My child would not have the high self esteem and academic success that she has today without Manus Academy!!

Posted: June 20, 2019

They make sure that homework is appropriate and is always review.

Posted: June 20, 2019

The teachers are beyond phenomenal in every way. They love my child and have an amazing ability to deal with her severe anxiety.

Posted: June 18, 2019

I feel that the homework assigned is a review, as it should be. My child feels positive and successful.

Posted: June 18, 2019

They teach in an encouraging manner and geared directly towards my child’s manner of learning.

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: June 18, 2019

Posted: June 18, 2019

My child has had a great school and learning experience that I don’t feel would have been experienced elsewhere.

Posted: January 16, 2019

Small class sizes, non common core material to prepare for eventually leaving, non challenging material, and taking and retaking tests and units until a passing grade is received is not supporting students ... it's setting them up for failure if they ever leave. Which they never want you to leave.

Posted: January 16, 2019

I have never been involved in a conversation about this.

Posted: January 16, 2019

I'm not sure here. I know that none of the teachers have a state license to teach in North Carolina. I was told they go through a "rigorous summer training" but after talking to my son's teacher (who has never taught before), he said it was 3 weeks and "kind of bizarre." Odd. Not reassuring at all.

Posted: January 16, 2019

I'm honestly not sure. They are rewarded on Fridays for good behavior throughout the week.

Posted: January 16, 2019

Every issue will be solved with "tutoring" which is one of the more comical parts of this school. Student acting out? Let's finish homework after school. Student not wanting to do work? Let's finish assignments after school. Student bored? Let's do supplementary material after school. And yes, EVERYTHING you do after school, you are charged for. I mean let's be realistic, this place is business, and no one knows where the name comes from. There are 2 principals who seem to be in a love-hate relationship. They are very good at faking it in front of parents but I overheard the taller one talking with a teacher when I was in the lobby and I couldn't believe the amount of disrespect that I heard from the principal towards this teacher. He walked away with his head down just totally defeated. She then had the other principal come in the office with her and the laughing was heard all the way into the lobby. They effectively get money from parents, that's a sure thing, but as far as true leadership? They seem to be captaining a sinking ship, and they know it.

Posted: January 16, 2019

I think we had high hopes but should have asked more questions. My son, if he stayed at Manus Academy, would not be able to apply to college because he is not receiving the high school credits to apply to college. There are also no sports teams here. Ask about the high school credits to apply to college or how the credits transfer to another school. Ask about discipline and how bullying is handled. Ask about the credentials of the teachers. Ask to meet the person who the school is named after (lots of fun rumors about her between parents). Ask about the background of both principals. Ask about student turnover rate. Just some things I wish we had done.

Posted: January 16, 2019

Homework is insultingly simple. At first, you'll say to yourself 'wow I didnt know my student could do this!!' they can do it because everything they bring home is review in order to impress parents at home to make it seem as though this new setting is magically working. My student very often talks about how he's embarrassed to do his homework with friends in the neighborhood because the level of difficulty is insulting compared to kids in the same theoretical grade. Assignments are not review from the material of the day or test prep, assignments are based on material that they have already finished. I don't understand this approach.

Posted: June 15, 2018

I always feel that my questions and any concerns are taken seriously. If there is a problem, we usually don't hear about it until they've already figured out a solution. I love the flexibility they have to make schedule and academic changes in the middle of the year, or even in the last quarter if it is determined that it will be better for your child. That is a rarity and makes this a special place.

Posted: June 15, 2018

Ever since we came to Manus, there has been such a positive focus on all the things he CAN do while also taking learning and academics seriously. It is not a glorified daycare, for sure -- students are expected to work hard and learn, just at the level appropriate to them. My son talks about school with our (typical) neighbors and feels proud that he goes to school, and has homework, and learns about current events, and writes essays and takes tests, just like all his friends. He gets to be 'one of the guys' in that way, even though we know the curriculum has been individualized for exactly what he needs. A win-win. I love the extras too -- the communication skills class, the journaling and goal-setting and opportunities for self-reflection, even teaching my son how to cope with stress and frustration. The weekly reports really help us to know at a deeper level what is going on at school.

Posted: June 15, 2018

There was one time that a classmate made an insensitive (not openly rude) comment about my son and the teacher handled it immediately and that was the end of it. My son has never had another issue.

Posted: June 15, 2018

We couldn't be more delighted! Our son has grown into a real student and a successful one at that. With the right curriculum, caring teachers, and an administration that makes the whole system flow so smoothly while still being open to changes or adaptations when appropriate, it really feels like just about the perfect place. When I read a couple of negative comments, I was truly stunned . It's like hearing about a completely different place. We've been here for years and we couldn't be happier!

Posted: June 15, 2018

My son is given work to do that he actually has the ability to do, but just needs more practice. Gone are the days when (before Manus) the assignments were way beyond his ability and required hours for him -- with lots of help -- to complete. If you want your child to have more homework, you can request it, but it will be given at the appropriate level. Our kids don't need to be overwhelmed...they need to gain confidence and work to mastery of subjects, but in a calm and positive way. It works very well for us!

Posted: June 15, 2018

My son enjoys all of his teachers. And even teachers that don't have him in class know him by name, so there definitely is a welcoming, family-like culture. My son has been challenged to grow and improve and he has astounded us with how much he has grown. I greatly appreciate the teachers and staff for their positive approach to education. I always look forward to the quarterly conferences because I get to hear from another adult who really knows and likes my son, while still wanting the best for his continued development. After several painful years at another school when conferences were unhappy events detailing all the ways my son didn't measure up, it is such a joy that he is now at a place where he is celebrated for who he is yet still encouraged to grow.

Posted: June 15, 2018

My son loves the "caught with character" program and is very proud when he is 'caught' doing something good and then proudly wears his sticker for the rest of the day. I see the focus on positive choices making him want to be a person of character. Excellent culture1

Posted: June 14, 2018

The homework is insufficient and does not reflect grade level work.

Posted: June 14, 2018

The teachers are cold, unwelcoming, patronizing. The teachers focus far too much on the negative and pay little attention to the positive.

Posted: June 14, 2018

The school says it fosters character in the students but it does not. In fact, it fosters an environment of bullying (which is largely ignored by staff).

Posted: June 14, 2018

The Leadership is not effective at all. The leaders have no interpersonal skills and act as if they have never been around children with special needs before.

Posted: June 14, 2018

Again, students are made to fit the rigid paradigm on Manus. Manus does not meet the students where they are at. If a student has unique needs, it's a problem.

Posted: June 14, 2018

The school does not effectively deal with bullying at all. The older students openly and routinely make fun of the younger ones.

Posted: June 14, 2018

Our experience at Manus was a complete disappointment. The leadership was greatly lacking and the teachers were rigid and very negative. The building was dark and the majority of students looked unhappy. Avery negative experience indeed.

Posted: May 28, 2018

Most homework is a review of material students have previously mastered. Some classes, where students are learning to take notes in preparation for college, do include note-taking-homework assignments.

Posted: May 28, 2018

The organization is focused on one thing, the student. It's important to make each student feel safe, successful and cared for. The school is not about the adults who work here; its about the students who learn here. Teamwork is essential to our success. No teacher is an island. We accomplish great results here because we work together as a team to ensure our students are successful.

Posted: May 28, 2018

As an organization, we know it's important to focus on our students' character as well as their academic success. Students are closely supervised, providing opportunities to coach them with regard to integrity, compassion and respect. We use a Caught with Character program to call attention to and reward students who demonstrate good character without prompting. Each month, we highlight one-character trait through lessons, but we recognize all examples of good character every day. At the end of the month, a class and an individual student are rewarded for being recognized most frequently throughout the month.

Posted: May 28, 2018

The leadership supports the student body and the staff. They are familiar with each student and his or her family. They help to develop the students program so they know the details of each student's learning objectives, barriers and motivational factors. The administration supports the staff through coaching, training and guidance. All administrators were once teachers and/or tutors at this school, so they are very familiar with the processes of orchestrating a classroom, record keeping, reporting and communicating.

Posted: May 28, 2018

Each student's program is highly individualized. Which means the classroom teacher needs to know each student's learning objectives, strengths, barriers and motivational factors. This is why the classroom sizes are kept small; the student-teacher ratio is 6-to-1. The small setting ensures students are not lost in the crowd or forgotten because they quiet or shy.

Posted: May 28, 2018

Bullying is not tolerated. Keeping students safe via adult supervision is important to the learning process. Attentive supervision helps students feel safe and provides opportunities for teachers to coach students in social situations. Small classroom sizes (6:1 student-to-teacher ratio)ensures teachers can monitor students effectively.

Posted: May 28, 2018

As a mother of an adult child who graduated from a public-school system in another state, I wish this school was available to my son when he needed it.

From the moment I walked into this school, more than 10 years ago, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. The work can be challenging, but it's also rewarding. There is nothing more important than our students' needs. The students are the focus of our day. The organization of classrooms, storage areas and other work spaces are designed to maximize instructional time and the time spent interacting with students. Classrooms are designed to ensure any staff member can substitute for a teacher and not waste time looking for materials and lesson plans. It's important to be able to lay your hands on needed materials, lesson plans, files and student work in seconds.

Posted: May 22, 2018

Where else can you get a 6:1, or less, student to teacher ratio? The administration at the school is very supportive of the teachers and students. Students receive specialized, individual education far superior to an IEP in a public school. Teachers, assistants and administration work to ensure each student is learning to the best of his/her ability. Students must show mastery of each lesson before moving on and have opportunities to redo lessons where they have not shown mastery. That does not happen in a regular school setting, no matter what anyone says, I've been there. There might be accommodations for students but they are required to learn so much content per year to be tested by the county and state, not here.

Posted: May 22, 2018

Due to the student-teacher ratio being low, there is little chance for bullying to happen. If and when it might happen it is addressed immediately and steps are taken to remedy the situation.

Posted: May 22, 2018

There is little homework assigned to the students and it is only review work of content taught during the day in the classroom. Typically, students may have homework, other than daily recreational reading, one to two times per week. Of course this could change if a student has missed several school days.

Posted: May 22, 2018

The administration and owner let you know what to expect before you are hired because you spend some time in the classroom in order to get a good indication of how the program works and you get great training to prepare you for teaching the curriculum. I have been so impressed with the fact that the owner has created all the curriculum and I get everything, including answer keys, to use while teaching the students for every subject. There is continuous training and assistance if any teacher has trouble with a subject. The teachers only teach the level of curriculum they understand and master. I have seen reviews where it says that the teachers do not have teaching licenses, however, that is untrue. I am double certified to teach in NC and most of the teachers here have worked in the education field. Regardless, since this is a private school with specialized curriculum, everyone is taught and trained with the curriculum, unlike a public school.

Posted: May 22, 2018

There is a monthly character education activity that every student participates in. Students are also awarded 'caught with character' frequently for displaying character traits. There are special events every Friday to involve all the teachers and students. This is truly a unique school for teachers and students because it isn’t rushed, it isn’t all academics, but it is mastery, the way school used to be taught. There is applied learning and social skills incorporated for students to learn how to manage many different types of physical and emotional barriers that might preclude them from thriving in a public school EC program.

Posted: May 22, 2018

They work to ensure the teachers are prepared to teach the curriculum. Work with the students and know them all by name and what is special about each. They cover classes when necessary due to an employee illness, emergency, etc.

Posted: May 22, 2018

I left the public school system to work here and have not had the first regret. When my former co-workers ask me if I like my job, because it is a different type of program/teaching than a traditional school, my husband jumps right in and talks about how our quality of life has improved. I have my evenings and weekends to myself and family, rather than spending time creating lesson plans, grading homework and having to do all the things sent down from Raleigh, the local school district and a school’s administration. You aren’t spending this time preparing plans for the next day, week or year. I am so glad I found this school, I have recommended it to numerous people, to both work and send their children, and if I had a child with special education needs, this is where I would want them, not public school. The students are so sweet and the parents are very supportive and appreciative of all the work we do to help their children thrive. This is truly a unique environment and I am very glad I found a place where the students are truly cared for and the staff really helps each other out.

Posted: May 10, 2018

Wonderful. Coming back next year. The difference this school has made in my son is simply amazing. He is happy again at home and doesn't fight going to school in the morning.

Posted: May 10, 2018

Homework was a daily struggle/fight in our home. Manus Academy only assigns homework that my son has already mastered and he can do independently.

Posted: May 10, 2018

These teachers are wonderful. Every teacher knows my son by name and always makes him feel welcome, safe, and valuable.

Posted: May 10, 2018

Posted: May 10, 2018

Posted: May 10, 2018

Posted: May 10, 2018

My son was bullied in public school and hated school with a passion. Small classes mean the teachers can work more effectively with him and his classmates and head off problems before they start. He has FRIENDS now which is something that he never had in public school.

Posted: May 8, 2018

This was a learning experience for my family. The owner should investigate who runs the school and better vet the teachers that are hired.

Posted: May 8, 2018

Homework is based off of previously learned material so students have already mastered it and are not practicing new material at home.

Posted: May 8, 2018

There are NO teachers at this school who have a license by the state to teach. While they may be doing their best, they feel bullied and intimidated by administration, leaving much to be desired in the classroom.

Posted: May 8, 2018

They have “character education” where the teacher reads a picture book or conducts an activity. Students are largely ignored or their concerns are diminished by administration. Teachers encourage effective conversation, but they better be supervised during it. Students learn how to bully secretly here, not why to not be a bully at all.

Posted: May 8, 2018

The administration wields an iron fist and staff is wholly aware. There are cameras with a live feed in 6/10 classrooms and the teachers are horrified of it. The administration runs a bullying technique to scare their employees into remission. This largely works at face value, but leads to a massive turnover rate.

Posted: May 8, 2018

The cirriculum is built from the owner who has zero interaction with students and minimal interactions with staff other than required trainings in which staff writes her curriculum or practices reciting it. The owner has no involvement in the plans for each individual student and the reports that are sent to parents are repetitive and simply a copy of what the owner wants to see. Administration scoffs at the owner while expecting staff to be respectful and adherent to the owners wishes.

Posted: May 8, 2018

Bullying will be dealt with if it comes to a legal manner between a lawyer, a parent, and the school. Staff was told they would receive bullying training and never did.

Posted: March 31, 2017

Bullying is the worst problem at this school. They try to effectively stop the bullying but it does not work. This school is full of so much drama and bullying, even from the staff. Nobody has respect towards each other and kids learn to bully than not.

Posted: March 31, 2017

This school never teaches anything different. Your child will be learning the same things and same concepts each year. Learning difference or not everyone is treated poorly.

Posted: March 31, 2017

The staff at this school treat children as if they are stupid.

Posted: March 31, 2017

This school is absolutely awful. This school taught no morals or instilled anything into my child. She would have learned more about respect and integrity from the streets.

Posted: March 31, 2017

The teachers and staff at this school are ridiculous and rude. They are very rude to the children and treat all students like they are toddlers.

Posted: March 31, 2017

Homework given out is downgrading and way too easy for any child. Children are given homework that they would be given in preschool.

Posted: March 31, 2017

My experience with this school was TERRIBLE. Everyone is treated like they have no potential whatsoever. The rules are overly strict and it does in fact feel like a prison. The staff at Manus are childish and disrespectful. This school is the worst thing that could have happened for my child.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!

Posted: September 30, 2015

Posted: September 30, 2015

Posted: September 30, 2015

Because the school helped me become a better person by be honest in my short comings and asking for help when i needed it. If a student needs help they are there to help and they show you ways to understand it and will stick with a student until they do get it.

Posted: September 30, 2015

when i attended Manus Academy my life was in chaos, and Manus gave me a chance and because of their school i complete turned my life around. i had a great teacher named Lesley who helped me when ever i needed it. I went from a student who didn't care to a student who finished early and graduated despite the everything against me. Since leaving the school i have needed help a few times, and they have always offered to help me be it tutoring or if i just needed paper work done. i would recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: March 2, 2015

Miserable place. I don't even know where to begin.... The self-paced/mastery system sounds like a great idea on paper, but it can cause students diagnosed with LDs to fall unnecessarily far behind. The rules are ludicrous and way too structured, to the point where I swear those rules are in place to avoid lawsuits. It felt more like a prison than a school. I feel like the administration of Manus are more in it for the wealth than actually caring about creating an environment where students can recognize and achieve their full potential. Don't give these people your money. Avoid like the plague.

Posted: August 4, 2012

Manus Academy was able to tailor education to my son's exact learning profile. It's great to bring your child to a place that assesses, tracks, and modifies the program to your child's needs. Roseanne and staff will advance your child where he/she can excel and work with your child 1:1 where he/she needs help. Expensive but worth the investment in creating life long learners.

Posted: May 8, 2012

Manus Academy is awesome! Small classrooms with an excellent curriculum! My son loves this school!! He has progressed beautifully where he was drowning in public school. Great parent/teacher relationships!