American Martyrs School

1701 Laurel Avenue

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on April 13, 2024

Back when I went to this school this school was very poorly run. There was a lot of bullying going around and the teachers didn’t care. I would not recommend sending your child to this school if they are coming into a later grade as a new student as the kids that are already there will just be mean to your kid. I personally had a terrible experience at this school and do not recommend sending your kid in if they are new.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2023

Our kids are so much happier since we left. The teachers, students, administration, and other families are so much friendlier and more relaxed at MBUSD. And ironically, the curriculum and teachers are so much better at MBUSD! Never expected that one, but hey, you live, you learn!Pros: 1)beautiful, massive campus2) updated facilities andclassrooms3)library, tech lab, art room4) locked campusCons: 1)very high teacher turnoverevery year in multiple grades2) inconsistent grading betweenteachers and even by the sameteacher3) weak curriculum, particularlyin math. Public schoolcurriculum in MBUSD muchstronger in math, science4) teacher quality hit or miss,some ok, many substandard,few good5) huge bullying problem inevery grade, meanness seemsthe norm6) weak administration, bendsto the will of the wealthiestcelebrity families7) highly competitive atmosphere, very tense, much more stressful than school needs to be for a 6-yr-old8) type A personalities everywhere, overemphasis at all times on perfection--perfect scores, perfect appearance, perfect everything. Lots of pressure on kids to be perfect, by teachers, admin, and tons of uptight parents.9) conformity is the rule. Individuality is shunned. very little diversity. MBUSD actually has way more diversity, both elementary and middle school level.10) eurocentric standards for beauty. Most kids and parents have similar appearance--blone, blue-eyed JCrew look. If your kid doesn't fit this profile, they will stand out, and it does affect how their peers treat them (as the "other")
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2020

Our happiness has declined over the years...there’s a shift to admitting wealthy families, not necessarily Catholic, but influential & big donors. The money requests have gotten awkward. In retrospect my kids may have been happier at our local school. I hope the culture improves for the younger families
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2019

Amazing! There is no place we'd rather be. We feel very grateful to have our family and children experiencing the joy of the AMS community. We've been here several years now, and feel so blessed and happy with all that AMS has to offer. It's a community based on faith, love, respect, kindness, giving, and acceptance.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2019

We couldn't be happier at AMS. It is a remarkable place with excellent curriculum, teachers, families and administration.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2018

Extremely disappointed. Not what a Catholic school should be, not how Catholics should treat each other. It is a shame that administration cannot look at these reviews and do some soul searching on how to make this a great school that it used to be. Many families have left and there was a time that was unheard of
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2018

Such a shame. A Parrish with such potential and this school is just OK.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2018

Great school. Great staff. Exceptional leadership. This is why it’s tough to get and stay in this school. My children are and will forever benefit from being a part of this church/school. It’s tough to agree with the negativity...but that usually happens with less than average participation from parents. Teachers and leaders due just that; lead and teach. Parenting is left for the parents.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2018

We are new to the school community and have only been received with kindness and professionalism by faculty, staff and families. As a school administrator in another school district, I am very content with the growth in my child's learning. Many diverse opportunities at AMS.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2018

We are blessed to be part of this faith based school community.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

AMS is a wonderful school environment and an amazing community. The faculty and staff work with the parents to ensure the best for each child.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2018

AMS is great learning environment for my children. No place is perfect, but AMS continues to assess their areas of growth to make progress. I'm blessed to be part of this community.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2017

The administration and teachers give so much of themselves before, during, and after school. They are often present at extra curricular activities on weekdays and even weekends. The "total education" of a person, including building character, faith and compassion for others is a highlight of this school.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2017

the pronciple, teachers and whole administration are bullies no matter how much you donate they still demand more
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2016

I believe this school used to take pride in academics and good Catholic values. I do not see that anymore and put a lot of that on the principal. I feel she is a very unkind person who has her own priorities which is not the best interest of the children. I feel she is in over her head and needs to hire very expensive consultants to help her make key educational decisions that a good principal should know
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2016

We started out many years ago now with such high hopes for American Martyrs but as the years dragged on it became more and more apparent that the principal was not competent for the job. She has trouble with the most basic skills, such as looking at a parent in the eye and saying hello, let alone managing a school of this size. There is a pervasive disrespect of parents that starts with her and works its way down through many of the teachers. Not all teachers treat parents with disrespect, there are some excellent educators who care among the group but they are not the majority. Unfortunately the level of friendship the principal has with a teacher matters more than teaching ability. Teachers who who should be reprimanded or written up, often are not because the principal herself shows contempt for anyone who dares disagree with her. She rarely sides with parents if there are legitimate conflicts with teachers and issues that are brought to her attention are often not handled adequately or appropriately. Additionally, the principal aligns herself with a select group of wealthy parents she chooses to befriend, while others feel they aren't listened to or have their opinions or concerns matter.
Submitted by other on June 04, 2016

This school claims to preach what it does not practice. It's unfortunate that our principal is a terrible leader. She is cold, unapproachable and only cares about the ones who have the most money. It is very sad how this school has changed ... I highly suggest enrolling your child in public school to get a higher levelOf education!
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2015

AMS is a great school with caring teachers and supportive administrators. It has superlative academics, sports and activities, but, most importantly, a WONDERFUL Catholic community. Our children are supported and loved while they learn. I like that the school emphasizes faith, service and kindness. I'm not sure where the negative reviews and vitriol are originating from but that definitely has not been my experience. My children love going to school there and love the principal. I feel like the personal attack of her below is unwarranted and sounds unhinged. Bullied and threatened?? Please take that review with a grain of salt. If you are considering AMS, take a tour and see what makes this school so special.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2015

AMS has growing problems with its principal and administration. It's education is good, not great nor excellent. Many graduating families say that the public school system in the area better prepares the students for high school. It is known throughout the school that Principal Connelly has bullied and threatened parents and students since her coming to AMS in 2009. Families like the convenience and the amenities of AMS, but have ongoing problems with the principal's harsh tactics. If you ask students, almost all will say she never visits classes and nor is ever seen on school grounds- though she claims to know all of he students. The principal sends families performance surveys of teachers but never for herself. Why? Monsignor is to retire soon and unfortunately seems to let things be. AMS is loosing their "Catholic" mission- loving, kind hearted, understanding and patience- expected for what it was originally built for. Until they remove the principal it will only get worse. If you have other choices, consider it before AMS. You will save yourself from the issues so many families are experiencing. It's an issue WOSC should be surveying as well.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2014

This review although only one star reflects on the administration, not the community. The Catholic community is the very best part of American Martyrs School, the families we met in the 12 years there were wonderful and a blessing.Unfortunately, AMS is hindered by an administration whose priority in not the best interest of their students. Academically, studies like the math and sciences are under par. Morally, there is a huge dissconnect. Opportunities are consistently missed towards inclusion in sports, and with the administration learning through their obvious mistakes. With the parent involvement and resources they have AMS can and should be a GREAT place. But a small immoral group, in my opinion, has a handle on this school and it seems to be turning into more private school, less Catholic school environment.