Thurston Middle School

2100 Park Avenue

School District

Laguna Beach Unified
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Laguna Beach Unified 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 student on June 02, 2024

I have had a good experience at Thurston, they have very good teachers, a great principal, and good extracurricular activities. Mrs. Martinez is such an amazing teacher and you won't regret attending this school.
Submitted by student on January 24, 2024

This community is terrible. I would not suggest this hell to anyone.
Submitted by student on November 23, 2023

Awful people! Worst schools years of my life! They have a strict no phone policy you can’t even use your phone during lunch or you break.
Submitted by student on October 18, 2019

I would rate this school 10 out of 10. As a student there, I feel that I get the education and support I need. This school also has a huge library and I am very pleased because I have so many delightful options of books to choose from. The teachers and staff are all very supportive and kind. I feel very safe and come home every school day with little homework and plenty of new things learned. The school is well maintained and kept clean. They have an effective discipline program in place. I wake up each day looking forward to middle school and am excited to go to such a welcoming, fun place. Each night I go to sleep, eager to see what tomorrow has in store. Thurston is truly an amazing place that I love.
Submitted by parent on December 23, 2016

The school has a lot of thoughtful and caring teachers - unfortunately the administration seems much less supportive of cultivating top learners. With the impressive school budget and all the community support for the only middle school in affluent Laguna Beach, there should be more accomplished learners in stronger courses. Thurston (and LB High School) should be ranked highly, but they aren't. This may also come from a school board which does not prioritize higher school rankings nor support and encourage strong/advanced learners.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2015

This school has no leader - the principle is invisible - and no warmth or team spirit. Office staff is mean and cold. There is never any consideration or attention for any problem your child may have, if he has any. Only the teachers are doing their best and actually thet do it all. The administration is just nonexistent. Socially, it is verty clicky and nothing is done to avoid it. Many students can't even get a table for lunch and have to eat on the floor/grass. Good comments are referring to few years ago, when this school had a fantastic principal. This time is over. Good luck for 3 difficult years...
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

It comes from the top as the saying goes. TMS principle and staff care that each student is educated and important. The community in a whole and the parents involvement make this a #1 school.
Submitted by other on November 02, 2011

This is the best school anyone can ever go to! I encourage everyone to go there!
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2011

My son transferred to Thurston from Newport-Mesa School District last year and the difference is night and day. LBUSD is amazing and Thurston is a prime example. The facilities and teachers are top notch and they don't have any of the ridiculous "policies" or petty bureaucratic tyrants that plague many schools. My son loves it and is doing much better than he ever has. As soon as you set foot on this campus and meet the staff you'll be sold, but you won't really know how good it is until school starts. It's really an idyllic school.