The top reported proficiency rate is 59% in Science. The lowest is 52% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Manila School
Manila School is a public elementary school in Pleasant Grove, Utah, serving students from prekindergarten through sixth grade. It is part of the Alpine District, the largest school district in the state, and sits in a city that was once an agricultural center for strawberry farming and has since grown into a family-oriented suburb within the Provo-Orem metropolitan area. Pleasant Grove retains a small-town character through events like the Strawberry Days festival, the second-oldest community harvest festival in Utah, and its setting slopes off the Mt. Timpanogos bench, giving the area a distinct geography.
The Alpine District is in the midst of a major reorganization. Voters approved a split into three separate school districts, with the change taking effect in the 2027–28 school year. Pleasant Grove will be part of the new South District, along with Orem, Vineyard, and Lindon. Families currently served by Manila School should expect new governance, school board elections, and potential boundary adjustments as the transition moves forward.
Academically, Manila School performs well relative to other elementary schools across districts in Utah County. The school’s overall proficiency, across math, reading, and science, lands in the top quarter compared to its county peers. In math and science, a clear majority of tested students meet state proficiency benchmarks; reading proficiency is also above the midpoint for the county, though slightly lower than math and science. These results come from Utah’s RISE assessments. Because the school only serves through sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to consider, and chronic absenteeism data was not reported in the available information.
The student body is predominantly White, with a smaller but measurable Hispanic population, and very small shares of students who are Asian, Black, Native American, Pacific Islander, or of two or more races. A modest share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which is lower than many elementary schools in the county and reflects the community’s overall economic profile. Data on students receiving special education services or English learner supports was not available; a parent interested in those services may want to contact the school directly.
Pleasant Grove has been growing steadily, with a population increase from the last census to recent estimates. The city’s housing market is active: home values and rents are above the national typical level, and the area’s cost of living reflects its proximity to the broader Provo-Orem job market. The school sits in a residential neighborhood of Pleasant Grove, one of several elementary schools distributed across the city rather than clustered on a single campus. Street life is seasonal and suburban, centered on Main Street and the city’s annual festival.
Manila School fits families who want a strong-performing elementary in a stable, growing suburb with a distinct local identity. The upcoming district split is a near-term change to be aware of, but the school itself is well-regarded academically within its county context. Parents seeking a school with a very low share of students in poverty and a largely homogeneous demographic makeup will find that here. Those interested in specialized programs, course access beyond the standard elementary curriculum, or detailed information on staffing and discipline will find those areas not covered in the available data and may wish to follow up with the school directly.
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