Thompson Intermediate School

1509 Kent Dairy Road

School District

Alabaster City
Grade

4-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Alabaster City School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 30, 2024

I figured I would write a review since I seen only 1 recent review and I disagree with the recent review,( although everyone is entitled to their own opinion). I absolutely love this school! I have very low income and they sent me a letter during the first week of school offering a bag filled with food and juices every week, it's called backpack buddies. Everyone that I have ever spoken with has done nothing but be kind, respectful and has supported my family and myself in every way they can. My daughter has ADHD pretty bad and they have always helped my daughter like; If her mind starts wondering and can't focus very well they allow her to go to the special education room to get away from distractions. The only issue I have is they do not keep parents/guardians up to date with things going on at the school like when snack attack or Kona ice days that are coming up. But other than that A+ !!!
Submitted by other on October 09, 2024

This is over all one of the worst schools. Check social media, check online reviews. The entire alabaster school system isn't good for any child's well being. Emotionally, mentally, physically. This place especially will tear your child down. Do NOT put your child here. You will regret it. Ask them for a number log of how many withdrawals they have handed out over the last 3 years. I guarantee the numbers will shock you. Coming from someone who works here part time. Do not put your child here. You will absolutely regret it !
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2019

Leadership continues to retain ineffective teachers. Good students suffer and good teachers go elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2012

While I want to rate this school 5 stars, I simply can't. Far too many of the students are not capable of elementary work or can't speak English or are discipline problems. These students absorb far too many of the resources in terms of money, faculty resources and classtime. Good and average students are pretty much made to repeat 2nd & 3rd grade level work as teachers spend the first half of the school year trying to catch up kids who didn't crack a book all summer and have no respect for learning. The school does have parental involvement - if you don't work outside the home. Activities that involve parents like meet the teacher, orientations, parents meetings and such almost always occur during the day or just after school. I've had several teachers tell me that particular problem is caused by the principal and her unwillingness to work outside of school hours. Notification of events is made at the last minute. We were notified today of big "Parents Day" events that will take place next Tuesday after a Monday holiday. So working parents can't make arrangements to attend ahead of time, even if they have vacation days available because of the short notice.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2011

If you have a child with special needs or individual help with learning, this is an incredibly helpful school. The teachers and staff have made my child's transition to 4th grade so easy. I think that, after reading previous feedback and having dealt with special needs for years, parents often ask for the wrong kind of help or ask the wrong person. This school's staff offers an incredible amount of support for my child and our family.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2011

I've read most of the other reviews, and I have to say that I had a completely different experience. My child attended for two years. I never had a problem with any of the teachers or administrators. They were always very friendly and helpful. I volunteered as often as possible, and was welcomed and appreciated every time. My child was prepared for the sixth grade when he left this school. I think that was the goal.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2011

Our child just finished here, too, and it was an awful experience. The teachers were unhelpful and unresponsive. We couldn't get any help or even any quality feedback as to what was going on in our child's classroom. The administrators were no help either. They blindly stood behind teachers who weren't doing their jobs. Most of the other parents we know were in the same boat, too. If you have the means, find some way to skip Thompson Intermediate School and go to a private school. It's the only to get a decent education in Alabaster.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2011

This is a great school for students who are self-motivated, dilligent, calm and in love with learning. Basically, if your child loves to study on their own and is capable of teaching themselves then this is the place for them. This is not, unfortunately, the place for a child who needs to be taught or needs any kind of individual help. If they can't learn it own their own then they can't learn it here. In the end, they will get passing grades but based on our experience and the experience of those we know, very little actual learning takes place. I wish we had known sooner...
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2010

This is my child's second year at TIS after being homeschooled for 2 years after less than stellar experiences at private and another public school in the Shelby Co. school system. I was concerned about how she would transition into such a large environment and how she would handle a structured classroom. I'm pleased to say that she did wonderful and was actually crying the last day of class before summer break because she didn't want to leave. TIS is not perfect, no school is for that matter. But for such a large school, they keep things together. The admin, staff and faculty have always been welcoming and quick to reply whenever I have had a question. And with the beginning of a new school year, we're already receiving newsletters to keep us informed of what's going on and planned for the year.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2010

I see that other parents are disappointed with gifted and special ed programs, but regular students are not getting what they need either. The BAD news is that classrooms teach to the level of the lowest ability students. The GOOD news is that EVERYONE passes with As. Wheter they have learned anything or not.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2010

One problem there is the unprofessional and unpleasant administration. Depending on who you talk to, or what day it is, you could get much different information given to you. Another disappointment is the lack of challenging classes. It seems that students are passed on through regardless of whether they learn anything. No wonder TIS test scores only earn a 5 out of 10. I prefer that my child be educated than placated.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2007

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Submitted by teacher on October 06, 2007

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