| Date | Who | Comments |
| 3/20/2012 | parent | Our child is in second grade. We absolutely love this school! The teachers we have had ,have all been wonderful. We especially love the Talented and Gifted teacher! What a great program. There is such a wonderful diversity of people at Manning Oaks. The PTA does some great events. We recently attended the silent auction and dinner and were so impressed with the lovely evening ! This school is a gem in Alpharetta! |
| 3/3/2012 | parent | I have 3 children at MOE, and our 5th grader has attended since kindergarten. We have always been pleased with the quality of education, and the number of educational activities presented to the children. Though some things have changed with the recent staff changes, we are pleased with the way the school is run. The new Principal has instituted a fun program for encouraging positive behavior, and addresses peer issues like bullying right away. I have volunteered at the school each week for the past 6 years, and the front desk staff is always polite and welcoming. My only complaint is that due to the re-destricting process a few years ago, MOE lost many single-family home neighborhoods, and consequently, parent volunteers. Many parents still volunteer, and the programs the PTA puts on are still fun and varied, but we can feel the pinch. Overall, our experience with MOE has been very good. |
| 5/9/2011 | parent | In response to the single star rating on Feb 22nd post...first of all, not sure what school you were at, but our VP is a woman, not a man. Bullying is a very serious issue and is not taken lightly, but can only be judged by the people involved and those who witness it. Did you come in for the parent speaker on this issue that the school paid for? Did you kid participate in the bullying efforts? I did...and I learned a lot. The staff is very attentive and the front office is amazing!!! They always have control of the entire building and its security and never cease to amaze me! They are queens of multitasking. It is sad to see parents complain about a school and its staff when most of them don't bother to do anything to resolve issues with the school rather than talk bad about it - not thinking of the consequences it hold for the rest of the students and parents. I am glad you have decided to go to a private school, which is what many of the complainers should do rather than bash a great school. One bad apple does NOT spoil the entire bunch! |
| 4/24/2011 | parent | Manning Oaks is not the same school anymore! I have had children at the school for almost 7 years. Although, we loved Principal Reinig, the school has gone downhill in just 2 short years. The school has lost 2 AP's and 1 Curriculum Specialist that were the backbone of the school. The New AP does not always know what she is doing and treats teachers in a very demeaning way. Many teachers have been in tears this year! The new Curriculum Specialist has not gained the respect of the staff and it has been 2 years. She is not supportive of the teachers, doesn't appear to know what she is doing either and constantly has my child's teacher doing her job. Over half of the teachers are requesting to leave the school this year because of the CST and AP. We are hopeful the new Principal will make necessary changes so that half of the school does not try to leave next year! Please bring back the old MOE! |
| 4/19/2011 | parent | We have been MOE parents for 7 years, ever since our now-middle schooler started kindergarten. MOE has been tossed around by the school board during some nasty redestricting campaigns and has lost a lot of single-home neighborhoods--and the active parents that come with them--in the process. Parental involvement is now lower than wealthier schools, but I am always impressed by the number of people, despite their full-time jobs, that show up to volunteer. We have been consistently impressed by the dedication that individual teachers have to their professions. They are saddled by state requirements and unnecessary bureaucracy from the school board, and yet remain optimistic and enthusiastic in their profession. The current Curriculum Support Specialist is nothing short of amazing--she is as good as they come. I don't love all the teachers--who does?--but we have always felt good sending our kids to MOE every day. Our middle schooler got a great start at MOE and is top of his middle school class. We know our elementary school does a good job preparing kids. |
| 4/18/2011 | parent | I have 2 daughters at MOE, we have been at the school for 4 years now, and we love it. Everything about the school is a positive: excellent teachers, diverse culture, strong PTA, and a united and happy staff. We will so miss, the principal Ms. Reinig, as she is retiring this year, she has well managed the school for the past 13 years, she truly cared about the children and teachers and always strived for the best! I would say the school has a great vibe to it, and will continue to thrive with the new appointed principal. There is a lot of parent involvement and PTA support at the school. In response to the last review: I do not believe the personal touch is gone, I would say MOE has the most caring of staff's, they are so in tune with the students individual needs and willing to work with them to reach their goals. I do not find MOE to be a school that only teaches to the test, they do focus on the CRCT just as much as all the other Fulton County schools, they spend time talking to the children and prepping them for the test, the staff tells them to do their best, and not be stressed about it. We love Manning Oaks,great school spirit! A++ |
| 2/22/2011 | parent | Used to be a good school. Manning Oaks has really gone downhill over the last few years. The personal touch is gone and it has become very political. Test scores are pushed to try to achieve the "School of Excellence" award and needs of students are pushed aside. A few good teachers remain, but very disappointed with the new vice principals. Waited 2 weeks to get an appointment with vp only to be seated in the lobby for 45 minutes past the appointment time. He was taking phone calls and looking over our shoulders at a student the whole time we were in his office after my husband and I both took off work to meet with him about a very serious issue. Bullying is a severe problem as teachers chat on park benches and don't supervise children at reccess. Also have witnessed bullying at lunch and on buses. Removed my child from this school mid year to put him in a private school. Apathetic attitudes from administration and very rude office staff. I volunteered at the school 3 times per week for 3 years and never could manage to get a smile or polite greeting from the front desk staff. |
| 1/31/2011 | parent | Both of my children are straight A students at MOE. Every teacher either one of my kids have had are still there. There is a teacher there (I am not allowed to say her name) who has never had either one of my children, but has initiated at least 4 wonderful extra curricular programs that my children are involved in: National Elementary Honor Society, Safety Patrol (5th graders), tutoring the younger students, and Student Council. It is so important to get the students involved. They thrive on that stuff! I love MOE! |
| 7/1/2010 | other | Hi nice school good is is is is is is is is is is great |
| 5/25/2010 | parent | We have been there 6 years. Maybe it's how the educational system works (or Fulton County) but both I and my child feel the teachers have to teach to the slowest learners in the class. The advanced students are the ones suffering. Seems they would rather work on the slower learners and get them up to speed because there are more of them than advanced kids. Great for them, bad for us. It is a struggle to get 'help' for the advanced kids. TAG is one day a week - in middle school it's TAG math, TAG science, etc. I guess I'm just disappointed with the entire system, not just MOE. My kids were not challenged here at all. Their hardest subject was music. The PTA however, does have some neat activities for everyone. |
| 5/3/2010 | parent | I have had three children attend MOE and have had a wonderful experience there. The entire staff is great and concerned about each child's learning. It is a wonderful learning environment. |
| 5/2/2010 | parent | It's sad when a the Principal's sole concerns are test scores. The bright star is the PTA, other than that a 'typical' Fulton county school, cares nothing for the students, learning or individuality. |
| 12/26/2008 | parent | My daughter Idazha Hammonds graduated from Manning Oaks last year and she is now attending Otwell Middle in Cumming Ga i know the eduation she recieved while at Manning Oaks prepared her for middle school i am very pleased to say, so thanks to all the admin staff and teachers at Manning Oaks. |
| 12/3/2008 | parent | We have been very pleased with MOE! Just this week MOE was named a 2008 Georgia School of Excellence! |
| 11/12/2008 | parent | Our experiences at Manning Oaks have been nothing short of amazing. It is an incredibly diverse school--you should see the crowds at International Night!--and our 2 kids are exposed to so many different cultures. The teachers have always made sure that the schoolwork our kids is challenging so that their interest doesn't wane. I appreciate a teacher who doesn't think that 'good enough' is good enough, and we've met plenty of those at MOE. We are huge fans of Principal Reinig. She definitely creates a wonderful environment. Manning Oaks gets some flack because it is less affluent than nearby schools, but it is far richer in the things that really matter to us. Dedicated teachers, strong staff, active PTA, and a vibrant student body. |
| 11/8/2008 | parent | I have two children at Manning Oaks - our experience has been excellent. The teachers are always willing to listen and work with me as a parent to address the specific needs of my children. My children have made strong wonderful relationships with so many kids in the school. It has been great as a parent to watch my children flourish during their elementary school years. |
| 11/6/2008 | parent | My son is in his fourth year (3rd grade) at MOE and we absolutely LOVE it. We purchased our home in order to send our son to MOE. The teachers and admin. staff are incredible with the children and parents. The volunteers are amazing and very involved. Our son is exceeding in ALL areas, due to the quality of his teachers and the follow-up support he receives at home. Communication and support is always available and we love the diverse cultures. Excellent job, MOE!! |
| 6/23/2008 | teacher | I am a teacher at Manning Oaks, and I have to say based on my past experience in other schools, this by far is an INCREDIBLE school! I have never felt so supported by administration and parents. Fulton County Schools is a data-driven district. Teachers are supplied with everything they need to teach effectively. It has been truly amazing and rewarding being a part of the Manning Oaks faculty. |
| 5/21/2008 | parent | Another great year at Manning Oaks! I have been a long-term parent who brought my child here because this school truly values our rich diversity. We value the family atmosphere and are very comfortable going to the principal in a collaborative manner. You have made my child's year exceptional. Thank you. Happy Third Grade Parents |
| 2/25/2008 | parent | I am a very proud Manning Oaks parent and volunteer. I have the utmost respect and support for the staff, administration and fellow volunteers and I know that they DO have our children's best interests at heart. I truly feel that there is a 'familial spirit' at this school more than at some others you may find in the area. I have had many meaningful conversations with teachers about my children's progress, shared office visits and chats with the principal 'just because' (she truly cares about each individual that participates at the school) and mingled with other involved parents and families at school events and elsewhere. It thrills me to speak with my kids each night and hear about what they are learning, not just academically, but also as it pertains to building their character and an awareness of other cultures and the world around them. |
| 2/22/2008 | parent | We are a proud parents of three kids (5th, 3rd and 2nd graders) attending MOE for the last three years and we can t think of a better place to live our diversity in a very respective and successful environment. Every person from the qualify and professional staff to the committed parents and volunteers, made our experience pleasant since the first minute we walk in the school for the very first time. Every day it is a learning experience immerses in such a multicultural mosaic not to mention the excellence in education, commitment, creativity and care of the teachers; it is an inviting atmosphere to participate in the education and growth of our children. Whit all this being said, in this kind of environment success is the only possible result, this is why we strongly recommend MOE if you want your children be a part of real world. |
| 2/21/2008 | parent | I have been a parent, substitute teacher and a clinic aid worker at Manning Oaks for 4 years. My son is now in third grade and doing extremely well. We love the diversity at Manning Oaks. We have met so many wonderful people from different culturals and backgrounds. That's education by itself! I am confident that my son is receiving a quality education at Mannning Oaks. He is challenged, they have fun projects and gets excited about school events. I notice that the teachers prepare our children to be responsible and orginized. This helps for attitute and testing. We are very happy to be part of Manning Oaks! |
| 2/21/2008 | parent | My oldest started MOE in 2000 and is now a 'graduate', my youngest is a current third grader. I couldn't be happier at this wonderful, nuturing school. The school is filled with wonderful and eager to help parents, teachers who bend over backwards to work with the individual student, and a front office staff that is warm and welcoming. The quality of education is outstanding, both of my children have consistently scored in the top 10% on national normed tests. The administration gives 100% plus to everything they do. I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants a quality education in a warm and welcoming atmosphere! |
| 2/21/2008 | parent | I am a proud parent at Manning Oaks. I have my daughter attending MOE for the past 4 years. The staff is really awesome! They are very caring and genuinely love the kids. There is a good mix of experienced and less experienced staff. We love the diversity at MOE. I do not think that my daughter will get any better experience in tolerance to other cultures than at MOE! We've had multiple chances to move out of the neighborhood. But are trying to put it off until she starts Middle school. I would highly recommend Manning Oaks to other neighbors or any family that is looking to move here. |
| 2/21/2008 | parent | My experience has been that Manning Oaks is a great school with extremely caring and creative faculty and staff. The educational environment is first rate. Test dates are on the school and county Web sites. The PTA set a record for fund raising this year and attempts to foster communication. Enrollment has not dropped at the school. If poetry cafes, origami lessons and peer support are not creative, than I suppose there may be a lack of creativity, but I don't think so. |
| 2/19/2008 | parent | All schools in Alpharetta are not created equal. This school is being run in a manner that does not have the student' best interests at heart. If you attend this school, don't expect to know when tests will be given, don't expect your child to receive study materials to prepare for tests, don't expect to see books often, don't expect to see teacher's with long term experience and don't expect the PTA to act as a liason between parents and teachers. Expect to spend excessive amounts of time teaching at home and e-mailing the teacher or school. Be prepared to conference with the teacher/principal on everything. Teacher turnover and the number of families leaving the school is high. Teachers that try to be creative are shutdown. They're forced to operate like the Stepford Wives. Run! |
| 6/16/2007 | parent | my two kids have been at manning oaks for two years and have had very inexperienced teachers who lack creativity. The school itself has a good culture but needs to do more to attract and keep experienced teachers. i agree that the focus is pretty high on monetary donations and needs to curb this. overall, its an okay school. |
| 4/17/2007 | parent | Love Manning Oaks...Looked at other Alpharetta elem. schools before buying our home in the Manning Oaks district and they seem to really have a more snobby reputation not really as nurturing as I would like for an elementary school. Manning oaks had really impressed us, so many great aspects. My kids were welcomed with open arm by teachers and students alike. Our children have really had a great year made great friends and learned above and beyond what I expected! I am so happy our choice of sending our kids to MOE really worked out for us. |
| 9/11/2006 | parent | MOE is a good school. There are so many wonderul, creative, and inspired teachers there! Out of my 3 students who have attended MOE, there has only been one teacher that we have not been thrilled with. The administrative team works hard, but seems to have difficulty supporting the teachers. Almost every year, we lose 10 or more good teachers. The parent involvement changes from year to year. Some years it has been extrememly high, and some years we can barely convince people to join PTA. Overall, it's a great school and I am pleased to have had 3 children attend school there. My last one in now in 2nd grade and the others have moved on-successfully-to middle school. |
| 9/6/2006 | parent | Very happy with Manning Oaks. The teachers and staff are great. They have a vast amount of technology. Each class has at least 5 computers and the kids use them often. We have moved from another Alpharetta school and are so happy at MOE. Some of the other schools in Alpharetta, it is more about what you drive, and what name brand clothing your child is wearing (elementary school is way too young for kids to have to start dealing with that!). Moe is a really positive environment for students and parents. |
| 9/3/2006 | parent | Manning Oaks is a great school! I have 2 children that attend and we couldn't be happier. The staff is wonderful, from teachers, to the front desk, to a wonderful school nurse all the way to the 'lunch ladies'. The kids are just surrounded by caring,happy, professional educators (rare find now a days). My children actually love going to school. They are receiving an education that is above and beyond the local private schools. Great parent involvement, always something fun going on, Fall Festival, Bingo Night, Band/Chorus Concerts, etc. |
| 6/14/2006 | parent | This school does need improvement. There are some great teachers there, but the way the school pushes you for monetary donations is a bit annoying, to say the least. |
| 4/22/2006 | parent | Manning Oaks Elementary needs great improvement. School news letters are sent home with incorrect spellings and improper grammar. They do not follow IEP's nor do they encourage children that are have different learning achievements. I disagree with the talk of cutting back on special classes like music, orchestra or a school nurse vs. cutting back on the Vice principal, the school psychologist who doesn't attend nor intervine with IEP plans as they should. The lunches are horrible and not worth the money. In my opinion this is the worse elementary school in Alpharetta, it's a shame. |
| 7/14/2005 | parent | The PTA, principal and staff at Manning Oaks Elementary have created a warm and friendly atmosphere where students and parents feel welcome. There is a sense of high expectations for students and the diversity in our school is embraced by the staff. Teachers adapt very well to the diverse needs of students. We love Mrs. Reinig - she genuinely cares about all students. I have had children in the school for 3 years and the school gets better and better. I am fortunate to live in this district. |
| 10/5/2004 | parent | I have one child in 5th grade at this school and one child that has moved on to middle school after attending this school for 5 years. Our experience has been that the faculty and staff at this school are very dedicated to providing a safe and challenging educational environment. My 6th grade child has done wonderfully in Middle School so far, partly because her 4th and 5th grade teachers prepared their students well for the transition. The Principal is an effective administrator and knows what the school and students need to succeed. If your'e looking for private, individual attention for a child, send him or her to private school. My opinion about this school is that I would not have my children going to any other private or public elementary school. I am looking forward for my last child to begin school at Manning Oaks. |
| 4/12/2004 | parent | This school has excellent academic as well as cultural and co-curricular programs. The 4th grade play, spring and fall music concerts, science fair reflects great standards for co-curricular and curricular standards. The teachers are very cooperative and friendly and the Principal is great. We love the school. |
| 1/9/2004 | parent | This school offers a token TAG program but does little for HIQ kids in the regular classroom. (Nothing more than required by law) Rote learning is the order of day unless your child has an official 'diagnosis' of a learning disability or is luckily enought to get one of the handful of creative type teachers. Woe is the child who is advanced and wants to excel outside the parameters of expectations. |
