Angie’s Academy — Local services in New York

If someone is considering working or volunteering at this afterschool program, it would be wise to think twice. A person that I know volunteered over the summer for the Kindergarten and Grade 1 class, as well as the Grade 5 to Grade 9 class, they told me that the experience was extremely stressful. The younger students often ignored their homeroom teachers and included some troublemakers who had already begun using inappropriate language. The teacher appeared overwhelmed and disengaged. In contrast, while the Grade 5 to Grade 9 students were not as challenging, they frequently used profanity and sometimes exhibited violent behavior. Managing this age group was stressful, but it was still easier than working with the younger classes. Additionally, the Kindergarten and Grade 1 students tended to see volunteers more as friends than authority figures; for instance, when asking to go to the bathroom, they would run off instead of walking in a straight line.Furthermore, the Director, Ms. Mandie, often required volunteers to take pictures while she went home to rest. She reportedly contributed little to the program, leaving at 10 AM and returning around 3 PM. Despite instructing volunteers to refrain from using their phones while working, she frequently used hers, which seemed hypocritical. Volunteers were also asked to help her to bring stuff back to her “office” without consideration for their distance from it, effectively making them feel obligated without regard for their time.Additionally, Ms. Mandie would act friendly in front of parents and during phone conversations, but many found her to be quite strict and somewhat rude in reality. It was noted that most of the pictures shared on her WeChat moments were taken by staff, with few being captured by her own camera.

Edit: The director likes to talk bad about her workers too. Deleting the review just shows that it’s the truth, not even replying to deny it.

Replying to the owner:

You said you will try to train the volunteers? When volunteers first joined and help, you never gave them help or advice. And you also never trained them before they join your afterschool and help. All you do is just get mad at them when there are no parents around. You also never say what they did wrong. All you do is just spam text your volunteers and tell them what to do all day and you stay at home and chill. What about the volunteers? Why can’t they take a break like YOU? They may not be the owner, but they are human like you, too. And you trying to make a positive impact? I don’t think so. You have a bad temper to the point where all the staffs will talk bad about you behind your back and hate on you. You can’t even take care of your students right, too. They are very noisy in the hallway and the younger kids always run in the hallway to get to...

The overall experience is disappointing. The staff is often overworked and not appreciated. The management is awful, it’s always about the profit rather than genuine care for the kids or the team. The scheduling is messy with little communication, and the owner always finds a way to blame the workers rather than taking responsibility. There are very little engaging activities for the kids, and most of the time they’re completing worksheets they have already done. This response is to add onto the previous two-star review because everything that was said is the truth. The owner or “Ms. Mandie” always gives excuses on top of excuses which creates a negative environment that is difficult to work with. Please take better care of the kids and...

Angie's Academy is a after school with high integrity and support. Ms. Mandie the school’s director, is completely committed to providing a warm and safe environment for children, she has done an amazing job staffing the school with teachers that are just as committed. The class instruction is professional and organized. My son has only attended the school one year so far, the care and attention they give to my son exceeds of my expectations, while at that same time providing him an opportunity to have fun with the friends he has made. I highly recommend the...