Thunder Hill Elementary School

9357 Mellenbrook Road

School District

Howard County Public Schools
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for Howard County Public Schools

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 February 23, 2024

The school in general is pretty good. I have no complaints about the academic curriculum, rigor, or ensuring my children are adequately challenged. My only concern and complaint is the administration. Unfortunately, I have never had a single experience where they have ever returned a call or email that I have sent. To have issues addressed, we have to bring it up when we are at the school for other reasons (pick-up, drop-off, field trips, volunteering, etc.). The front office staff has improved with regard to professionalism and responsiveness over the past few years. The assistant principal has been in her position since my family has been at the school and has always been professional and fairly responsive, with the exception of emails. I feel the kids and parents trust and respect her. I wish I could say the same for the principal. She seems like a very nice, polite, and lovely woman, but commands zero authority. The students do not acknowledge or respect her. Even during the most recent Back to School Night, children and parents talked over her and chattered when she spoke and she was completely unable to gain control of the audience. When issues or concerns arise during the school year she seems to not understand parents concerns about safety, instructional time lost in class, or handling disruptive students and just nods in agreement. Part of it could be due to administration higher than her, but that does not account for her docile or conflict-avoidant behavior in general. I would rather she attempt to resolve or at least address issues or concerns. Again, she is a lovely woman just not as authoritative as the assistant principal. The PTA is great and very active. Though there has been a large number of new teachers this school year, the teachers are strong instructors who are very caring and dedicated to the students. All in all, it is a decent and solid school, despite the decline in ratings this year, I am very happy with the academic growth and progress with regard to students and would recommend it.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2023

I'm very surprised by the negative reviews. Our child has attend THES for 3 years now and we've had a wonderful experience. Even more so when Principal Hurd took over. Her and the assistant principal are friendly, responsive and caring. When I've had to reach out to them I get calls back within a day. The school is very diverse, there are numerous activities and all school get togethers we've attended, and our child's teachers have been great and easy to teach! Our child loves going to school and the others in our neighborhood love it there too. There is so much school spirit, and welcoming attitude. I cannot wait until my next child attends there for kindergarten. We don't even want to move out of this district we love it so much.
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2022

Thunder Hill Staff is extremely rude in some occasions.I won’t be listing names,But the teachers always have attitudes against the little kids,It just doesn’t sit right with me when a 43 year old is holding a grudge with a 7 year old,It is completely unnecessary.But this school has amazing rules,amazing norms and classroom norms,But i feel like they’re just there to give the school a good reflection,Because the kids do not follow those amazing rules.Which says a lot about the administration and the principal herself.I wouldn’t even wish this school on this devil himself. 3/10
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2018

my son has been failed at this school but I offer support and ideas and they were turned down we cant wait to leave
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2016

The administration at this school demonstrates no leadership. I have 3 kids who attended or are currently attending and have witnessed a steady decline in quality of teaching (actually an increase in a lack of teaching) and an increase in attempts to hide or obscure the decline. When my oldest first started, parent involvement was high and they were constantly inviting you in to the school to volunteer or observe. When Common Core was introduced the parent volunteers were kicked out of the school. When redistricting plans came up, very little information was shared via the PTA or administration. By limiting knowledge of what's going on they keep discussion and possible opposition to a minimum. This is occurring district wide in Howard County to one degree or another but the newly approved administration at Thunder Hill takes it to new levels. The condescending attitude towards parent and students is breathtaking to behold.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2016

We as a family transferred to Thunder Hill in 2014. The teachers and parents have been very welcoming and helpful.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2016

The school itself is nice the staff are extremely rude there additude seems as if there doing me a favor letting my kids come to this school! They also need a new drop off/pick up system... they have buses pulling in and 2 different drop off/pick up lines the "drop off" lane your child has to walk in front of several moving buses and depending on the line u may be ask to pull fwd to 2nd cross walk and I haven't seen a crossing guard there! So with that being said if your child isn't a bus rider plan on arriving early to get parked (along curb) the "bus lane" or come (late) after the cones have been picked up! One wrong move and the staff may chop off your head! Sorry but I like to makesure my kids get to and from school safe I'm a mom of 3 I've been doing this for years and I've never seen a system done like this.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2015

Great teachers! The parents are supportive. The PTA is very active. We have great events like STEAM day & 5k/fun run.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2015

My son has been at the school since kindergarten in 2009. We purchased our house based on the proximity to the school, the schools test scores and the student to teacher ratio. A lot has changed over the past 6 years. We have seen the physical building change, the teachers change, redistricting and also school practices and policies. The most notable change has to be the introduction of Common Core. While this is not subjective to Thunder Hill, it has had an affect on the entire landscape. I can see the great challenge its adoption has posed to the people and the schools culture. The grades, test scores, and curriculum have all suffered. That said, we have a 1yr old now and if asked the question "Would you send him to Thunder Hill?" the answer is yes.Despite the many challenges the staff and administration have maintained a positive supportive, safe and nurturing environment. The strong community involvement also aids in making sure the school maintains such high standards.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2015

GREAT ACADEMICALLY! Not thrilled with the teacher last year. Current teacher is very astute and brings to my attention concerns that are on point regarding academics and has a good plan of action for improvement. There is bullying that has not been addressed. Discussed it with the principal a couple of times and there has been no correspondence with me or any plan of action. The problem still exists... Office staff is very COLD and condescending and not very approachable. It's as if they have an attitude when they see me walk through the door and are doing me a favor by taking the time out to speak to me... The biggest problem I have is when I forgot to give my child lunch money, they were insensitive and had no compassion; they would NOT give my child any lunch that day, but gave a cereal bar and told to inform me how much the lunch costs as if I was an idiot.... SERIOUSLY??? They could have collect the $2.75 from me the next day... I think its a very good school but the office and support staff either needs an inservice on customer service or needs to be replaced, principal included... AND a reminder that they would not have a job there if it weren't for our students.
Submitted by other on April 08, 2014

the staff do not treat you well especially when you are outgoing and always "out there". Also if your parents are not American citizens. Most of the time the teachers will teach well but they think students should keep quiet and be respectful all the time. I think students should be allowed to express their feelings.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2013

This school is a hidden gem. The teachers are very caring & want your children to succeed. I had two children attend from K-5, one had an IEP and the other was in GT classes. They both were successful. It shows that this school can meet whatever needs you place before them. I'm great flu to the entire staff. The parents are very active in the school & there are always opportunities to volunteer.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2013

Excellent school with great administration and staff. The after school program is an excellent addition to the already stellar environment.