Thoreau Elementary School

29 Prairie Street

School District

Concord
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

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 January 23, 2023

I've had 3 out of 4 kids attend this school. 2 of the 3 received IEPs that they likely would not have received at other schools. As a result, all my kids have flourished at Thoreau. The teachers, assistants, staff, and administration are all wonderful and truly care about your kids. Test scores are secondary, even though they are quite good as well. Teachers and staff want what is best for your kids and are willing to help your kids get to the next level. We have loved every teacher we've had so far and hope that continues. We've had experiences at other elementary schools that have not been nearly as positive so Thoreau is a pleasant change for us.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2020

Thoreau is a top notch school in the area. Every teacher here is amazing, and there's a strong culture of caring for our children. There are so many opportunities for learning here, and the school itself is beautiful. I was amazed when I first toured it at Parent Night the first time. There are inspirational quotes by Henry David Thoreau everywhere, and the school is filled with lots of light. Even the playground out back has lots to explore, from fields to woods to hills to the basketball court. We feel so lucky to be able to send our children to this school - definitely a wonderful experience!
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2014

Thoreau recently ranked among the top 25 elementary schools in the state. All the schools in Concord offer nearly identical curriculum. The neighborhood surrounding Thoreau is dense with families with children attending the school - a strong local community with the school as its hub. They are currently looking for a new principal, with an interim principal in place.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2013

My child has been at Thoreau now for 2 years. We love Thoreau & all the staff here. The principal, teachers, and staff work solely for the children! This school has excellent teachers! There are school specialists on staff that help enhance the children's education. When I have any questions the principal has been very responsive. I volunteer in the classroom, art room, and library and this place makes me happy (my child feels happy about school too). There are many extracurricular activities offered before & after school; Art, Music, PE, & Library are always in every child's schedule. There are new changes happening in this school but my child is thriving because of them. When my child reaches the projected level for each subject per grade level, the teachers and specialists go above & beyond to keep my child progressing (so much so that my child is almost 2 grade levels above the required levels in some subjects!). So far every parent and teacher that I have talked to are happy. Where we moved from my child would have had to go to private school so I am by far very pleased with Thoreau and am looking forward to my infant going here when the time comes.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2013

This is a good school that is going through a difficult time. There is a new principal that is implementing a new curriculum and many long term teachers are pushing back on it. This has caused a lot of tension through out the school and some teachers have left/ terminated. The Teachers are complaining to the parents and the PTG leaders are pushing for the removal of the principal. There needs to be changes but every group is digging in and won't budge. The sad part is what was once a great school with a vibrant spirit is now a gloomy place where most parents just want to get their kids through and to the Middle School.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2010

Lovely school settings. My daughter really loves her class activities and her teachers. I can see she made a notable progress within the first few weeks from teh start. She loves spelling, reading and counting.