Research Manchester Middle School public Schools in Colonial Heights, Virginia

“I am a CBG student at manchester and i think it is amazing. it might not be like any other middle school but it is in some ways. The teachers really do care about each of their students. There is a diversity so no one at manchester has to live in a ' bubble', it will prepare us for the real world. The students are very very school spirited everyone who goes to manchester has pride for it and everyone who goes there sticks together as one.At plays and ttalent shows the crowds are flooded with students they have so much pride. This is a perfect place for anyone and anyone can fit in somewhere at manchester.”

“I am a student at this school. I think that this school is incredible awesome at everything.There is nothing from stop by and signing your kid up.”

“I'm also a student at Manchester.I must admit, because I'm a CBG kid here,I think the CBG people get more oppertunities.A lot of people push in the hallways and there are some fights here. I still think that it's a pretty ok school.Though a bit below average.”

“Manchester Middle School has been a great experience for my 7th grader. The teachers and administrative staff are supportive and willing to provide the best education for each child, whether honors, CBG, regular education or special education. Regardless of the schools' location, once a student enters the building, parents are assured that the environment is safe and the students are given a quality education. The transition to middle school was smooth for my daughter during her 6th grade year. The 7th grade year is even greater. The Lancers & Navigators are the greatest! I'm sure all of the teams are great!”

“I have 3 children attending Manchester Middle School. All 3 are honor roll students and involved in after school activities. They enjoy the school as well as their classmates. The teachers are easily reached through e-mail with any questions or concerns. The teacher of the year, Don Felice is the ultimate students teacher. He makes learning fun with his quirky stories and roll playing of important people in history. I am sure there are some teachers that are past there prime, but you will find that anywhere. I have chaperoned many field trips and I observe the same parents time and again. The diversity of the school allows the students to interact with all walks of life which prepares the students for life in America today. The trouble that occurs at Manchester is the uneducated families that move out of the city to the county, all they want is attention.”

“The CBG students are not totally separated from the general population as suggested by one parent below. Only the four core courses - english, science, math, and social studies are specialized. CBG students get plenty of opportunity to interact with the 'reg ed' students in their language and other elective classes. In addition, Manchester offers excellent extracurricular sports and special interest clubs.”

“I am a former student at this school as of 2004. This school now has many discipline issues. Everything at this school is based on FAVORITES. The principals don't communicate with the parents and don't give fair treatment to everyone at that school. When I went 35 students on one team were in dager of failing I don't just blame the student but I blame their parents and the teachers of that team. Now 100+ students are in danger of failing, but of course they aren't going to let the parents know this. It is a Shame that you can't walk through the hallways of that school without some smart little girl/boy saying stuff to you for no apparent reason, and they get a baby hand warning. The teachers get involved with it is almost too late.”

“My problem with the school, as a mother of a seventh grader, is thier lack of morality in the school. The SLAM poetry thing they do is not screened by competent people. Yes I agree with freedom of speach, but there are some subjects that are just not apropreate for 11 to 13 year olds. I have to work twice as hard to make sure my daughter isn't de-sensitized.”

“I'm not a parent, but an eighth-grade CBG student at MMS. I love Manchester and my teachers are great. The building is old (built in fall 1964), but it's wonderful all the same. Non-CBG kids may not enjoy the school much; I agree that CBG and RegEd kids are separated, so I don't know much about the other side of the picture. I do know that we have great after-school activities like drama and sports and clubs, all of which are open to CBG and RegEd. Electives are fun and are taught well. I will say, though, that the school is very crowded. I know I don't really qualify for a Parent Review, but maybe a kid's point of view would be helpful. I'll just say that I'll miss MMS very much next year.”

“My son has been going to Manchester for 2 years. Since his enrollment his self esteem has gone down 100%. I've heard that the CBG honors program is excellent. But, if your child is just an average student he will receive a below average education. The teachers do not go out of their way to help or listen to the students. The CBG students are totally separated from the general population, which I think is ridiculous. But, the CBG parents still complain that the school is not in an area they feel comfortable with. Again, my concern is what about the average students? I would not recommend Manchester Middle School to anyone. I am considering selling my home so my son will have the opportunity to go to a school where the principal and the teachers care.”

“As a parent of a gifted education student, I am very involved and interested in the quality of education that my son is receiving. While the physical plant of the school is less than desirable, the Administration and CBG teachers have been excellent. We are very pleased with the leadership provided by the Principal and the dedication of the staff. This is my second child to go through the CBG program, and although I was initially concerned with the location and quality of the school, I would not hesitate to recommend it to another parent considering the CBG program.”

“The gifted program and teachers at Manchester are very good, but there seems to be some resentment of students in that program by other students at the school. There also seems to be some racial conflict at the school, but the administration and teachers keep pretty tight control over the students and discipline and safety isn't a huge concern. The fact that the school is a former high school provides some extra perks (e.g., football stadium) that other middle schools don't have.”