Mandarin Cir
Manlius, NY 13104

This school does some things very well. The teachers are fantastic, and there are excellent extracurricular opportunities, particularly music and art. However, the school came nowhere close to meeting our children's needs. The curriculum and administration are inflexible and very unfriendly (either through ignorance or intentionally, hard to tell) towards kids with high academic ability. All classes are grouped heterogeneously, meaning the strongest students are divided among different classes; effectively limiting their chances to interact with academic peers. There are only 2 honors courses (not counting foreign lang), both in eighth grade; algebra is considered honors, but half the students take it and the pace/depth are consistent with regular classes, honors in name only, too much repetition and review. For humanities, all students are grouped together, again with very slow pace and low expectations. My kids were not challenged, and started high school years behind some of their peers in other districts (particularly in math) due to the inflexible policies (no acceleration, etc). The school has very high stand. test scores, but this is partly due to the no-acceleration policy.

Moved to this school for its great reputation and I have never been more disappointed.If we were aware of the Open Concept Classroom, we would have Never bought a house in this area.The progress they use as a “report card” does not reflect my child’s ability level and has left my child in tears for the first three quarters as the staff has stated 2s and 3s are what you get to show progress. This grade is given even when my child receives nothing but 4s on all assessments for each quarter.When asked, school staff has stated they grade the quarter based on the required end of year standards…meaning they are not being graded on work that was completed for that quarter.All categories are generalized on the progress report so you don’t know what your child is actually being graded against.I have had better experiences in other districts.If any of your children need any kind of Special education services or if they are gifted….their needs will not be met.This district refuses to provide services in a timely matter as they prefer to “hope and see” what becomes of it.For the gifted kids, don’t expect any differentiated instruction to challenge as they won’t receive it.

This is an incredible learning environment for kids who want to learn. Our children were challenged, yet taught to succeed. Education was a priority, and teachers cared that the kids were getting a good education. Our kids were involved in sports, music, and AP classes. Excellent across the board. We knew the school was excellent when we lived there, but since moving, we have realized how special that school really was. Wish my kids could go back. I can't speak more highly of a school or staff. If your kids like learning, and want a good academic experience, send your kids here!!