4635 Pierce Dr
Manhattan, KS 66502

I went to MHS from 9th-12th grade, graduating in 2022. Some items not reviewed due to lack of reference to other schools/others' experiences and my failing memory.Orchestra: 3 orchestras when I went, non-audition groups for 9th grade and 10th-12th, and an audition group. Audition group was roughly college-level and was one of the best in the country. Non-audition groups came in right behind the audition group during competitions.Band: Had several groups, including a jazz band, with audition and non-audition bands outside marching season. Several members of the band made it to the state ensemble and/or solo competition.Choir: Had several groups, including non-audition, audition, and pop choirs (latter included dancing).English: My experience with the English teachers varied from year to year, but most were good. The teachers for AP Lang prepared us quite well for the exam, and the same was true for those who took AP Lit. There was also a dual enrollment English course through the local technical school which covered equivalent material to AP Lang and AP Lit.Math: Every teacher I had ranged from quite good to amazing. The AP Math teachers were a Godsend and did not get enough credit for their amazing work.Biology: The anatomy & physiology class was good enough that it would have been dual enrollment if not for the only prereq being 9th grade biology and a teacher recommendation. AP Bio was hindered by COVID but was very good when we were in the classroom. There were several other options for varieties of AP and non-AP courses that seemed quite interesting. The teachers were beloved by most of the students who took their classes.Chemistry: Ordinary chemistry was a walk in the park as long as you went to class and did your homework. College-level chemistry courses were taught by 1 teacher, and he was always willing to help students after school and let students study/ask questions.Physics: Very good, the only friction point being the lack of an AP Physics C (calc-based physics) course - unless a student self-studies and gets help from a teacher.Tech: Offered a variety of woodworking/welding courses; the welding courses were free dual enrollment through the local technical school.PE: Was PELibrarians: Extremely kind and helpful. Also run a 3D printing lab for students.Advisors: Tended to push students either towards K-State or local tech school. Did their best to help struggling students.

Great school! My child is attending 7th grade here and loves it! Amazing staff, teachers, and administration. They care so much for their students at this school. Everyone, from the office staff to the prinicpal and vice principal, know my daughter - and everyone else - by first name. I wouldn't trade for any other middle school in town! Sometimes 'ratings' aren't everything.

As a parent of two young girls, I can honestly say we feel incredibly blessed to be part of the Oliver Brown Elementary School community. From the moment you step onto campus it is clear this is more than just a school. It is a place built with intention, care, and a deep commitment to giving children the very best start in life.The building itself is beautiful, bright, clean, and thoughtfully designed. Each grade level has its own space, giving students a sense of belonging while still feeling part of the larger school family. The common areas invite collaboration and friendship, and knowing there are FEMA rated safe rooms right here in the building gives me peace of mind every day my girls are here.What matters most to us is the people. The teachers and staff genuinely care about the children, not just their grades, but their growth as kind, capable, and confident young people. My daughters come home excited about what they learned, eager to share their stories from the day, and proud of the friendships they are building.The quality of education is strong, but equally important, there is a culture here that values curiosity, respect, and community. I have seen how my girls are encouraged to ask questions, try new things, and support each other, and that is a life skill that will last far beyond their elementary years.For families considering Oliver Brown, I can tell you it is a place where kids are safe, challenged, and cared for in equal measure. It is a joy to watch my girls thrive here, and I am grateful every day for the dedication of the staff and the blessing of such a wonderful school right here in Manhattan.