I don't always review middle schools......but when I do, it's probably because their facilities are…read moreamazing. Why didn't I have stuff like this when I was growing up? #jealous I visited here as a speaker for Career Day on 5/1, talking about the wonderful world of engineering. After I lectured to three different groups of students, I was given a brief tour of the place by my friend--and current 8th grade teacher--Jason K. I was very impressed with the spotless appearance of the hallways and the tasteful student-made art that adorned the various display cases. The students seemed happy and well-behaved (at least when I was there, although a few weeks back apparently there was a false fire alarm, naughty naughty!) The gymnasium was huge and featured fitness equipment donated from a nearby business. The cafeteria seemed nice and the auditorium was vast. Yes, they have a theater that would rival many schools triple its size (according to an inside source, the expansive auditorium seats roughly 700, which is crazy). Add to that they have a freakin' AQUATICS center. There are a handful of high schools that don't even have a pool, but this innocuous middle school in Melrose Park sure does, and it's elegant. On top of that, there's a program/room for something called STEM--the acronym escapes me at the moment--that places a focus on engineering and technology [yay!] I saw a teacher using Lego Mindstorms to educate a group of students about basic wheel dynamics and couldn't help but notice the model roller coaster sitting in the corner. This tech lab even had a CNC wood mill and other learning stations to prepare eager young minds for high school and beyond. As if that wasn't enough, I'm told that all students receive a Macbook Air to use during class as an educational tool, and many quizzes/exams are administered electronically. Just awesome. I am totally envious of all the things Mannheim Junior High has to offer and wish I had all those things listed above at my disposal when I was 6th-8th grade. If I had to review my junior high (Eisenhower on 75th St in Darien), they'd get a solid 4 stars from me. But from a visitor's standpoint this place is incredible, and feedback from Jason K reinforces the full 5 stars. Sheesh, kids these days don't know how good they have it.

What a great visit. I went here while performing my work related duties. I had the pleasure of…read moremeeting staff and students. What a well run school with respectful students. I look forward to our next visit

Lunch food is really pretty good. Nice extra curricular and choice of classes. Very pleased with…read moregym class see image below. Nice neighborhood some issues with recreational drug usage and strict rules in school.