Big Thompson Elementary School

7702 WEST HIGHWAY 34

School District

Thompson R2-J
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Thompson R2-J 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 June 16, 2024

There is a widespread and well-documented issue with physical contact and violence in the school. Our children attend Big Thompson Elementary and have encountered bullying and violence regularly since they have been there. After a year of unsuccessfully trying to address within the school, we escalated to the district and have found no success. Meetings we have had with staff are a clear attempt to placate and get us to drop it. We chose to send our kids to Big Thompson for the STEM and nature curriculum. Much of what they have learned and some of the teachers they have had were superb, but they have faced an unreasonable amount of physical contact and bullying since being in the school that has made it difficult for them to learn or enjoy being in school. Over the past year, we know of a dozen other parents who have removed their children due to this problem. The problem is serious - including inappropriate sexual contact in more than one instance. It is horrifying that these problems continue without being addressed. This is after continued complaints from a multitude of parents and several instances of serious injury, including a child having a femur broken in gym class. Ultimately, the principal is culpable for the problem, but is clearly a widespread and long-running issue that goes beyond the school and is being tolerated by the district.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2024

While advertised as a “STEM and Nature School”, children rarely leave the classroom sue to extreme behavioral issues. Administration refuses to address violent behaviors resulting in serious injuries. Unfortunately children cannot thrive and learn unobstructed here because of the physical violence happening.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2024

Big Thompson has great teachers here and friendly kids
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2024

Our kids have thrived at Big T. We love the staff and environment they create. Everyday is a new opportunity to learn and grow. From Lego Robotics to knitting clubs there is something for everyone.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2024

All three of my kids have attended or are attending Big T. I am so thankful for this school, its teachers, and its staff and leadership. Looking around at all the crazy in this world, I know that my kids are surrounded with common sense and compassion. All my kids have unique personalities, strengths, and struggles. I've always felt supported in maximizing both their academic journeys and their social/emotional growth. They have been part of both Gifted and Talented classes for math (and one in reading) and have been pulled out for individual help in reading when they were behind! I certainly don't blame the school for areas they have needed (and received!) extra help. Mrs. Walgast is amazing and really cares about each child's success in my experience. We feel very much a part of the Big T community, and I know that when I have concerns I can go to any of the teachers or staff that I need to in order to have the issues addressed. Education is a very difficult job in this day and age. Big T also has fun after-school clubs (chess, knitting, Math Olympiad, lego robotics) for the kids to be involved with if they choose and a nature area right across the street that the classes visit for additional hands-on learning. They also have great "specials" classes (like art and computers and PE and library) and an Innovations class where they learn the basics of programming and robotics. I highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2024

We have been at Big T for 6 years. Our oldest went through with no issues and a great experience. She had a wonderful group of kids since Kindergarten. Our second child to attend Big T started having issues of violence where she was both the victim and then the aggressor. One instance included my daughter being handcuffed by 2 students and drug around the playground. We as the parents were the ones who had to demand these issues be addressed. The principal at Big T didn’t respond appropriately, nothing changed and there were no consequences including consequences for it own child. When we asked for meetings with other parents we were denied and told that it’s none of our business how she handles the other students. We removed our daughter from Big T. Along with many other families we are currently taking action with the School Board, Superintendent and the State demanding that the safety of the children at Big T be addressed. The teachers at Big T are absolutely amazing but the administration is not. I would not attend this school until the Principal is replaced.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2024

Excellent top down leadership from Mrs. Walgast, the principal, and all of the staff. They are engaged and willing to fill in any gaps that exist. We trust the decision making of the school’s administration and their safety while at school. Thank you to Mrs Walgast and her team of excellent teachers and staff!
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2024

Big T is our school of choice and the only school I want my elementary aged kids to attend. The educator of the year for 2023-2024 was from Big T. You get excellent staff at every grade level and behind excellent staff is excellent leadership. You cnat have ine aithout the other. There is compassion, above and beyond service, and restorative approaches to problems. The principal knows every student, the siblings of every student, and every parent by name.I have one easy student who is kind to friends and follows instructions without question. I also have one difficult student who struggles with boundaries, ADHD, anxiety, and social & emotional connections. One of my children is in the gifted and talented program. My children are excelling at Big T and I appreciate the patience and understanding involved. There is open and transparent communication between parents and staff. It comes down to trust and relationship building. I am contacted by teachers, the nurse, the front office, the principal if anything happens at school. I do not worry about my children while they are at Big T, and that peace of mind matters.Every school experiences challenging situations. I would rather send my child to a school that experiences lockdowns for big horn sheep on the playground than for threats from human sources. Big T is a safe school.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2024

Big thompson elementary has been our choice school of choice for many years. My oldest son started in 2018 and we have love it ever since. The staff and especially Mrs. Walgast have been a huge blessing to our family and children. My kids feel safe and valued at this school. Mrs. Walgast does an amazing job running this school, and providing a safe learning environment. Thank you Mrs.Walgast and staff of big T for all that you do!
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2024

There isn't a day that we aren't grateful for Big T! Our children have thrived, and one of our kiddos struggles with reading and writing. The teachers, other staff, and principal care deeply about the students, and it shows. My kids LOVE going to school at Big T, and don't like to miss a day. They feel safe and supported there. What's really interesting as a parent on the outside is how they go about working with kids who struggle with educational challenges - like one of our kids - and the kids who struggle with emotional challenges. I don't know how they do it - they work so hard to work with both to move them forward with the skills they need in life and in the classroom! We continue to be grateful for the education they receive, but most importantly for the support they receive for their emotional well-being! Highly recommend this little school with huge impact. We really feel a sense of community, and appreciate how invested the teachers and principal are in the students!
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2024

Great teachers but unfortunately the leadership is awful. Students are being physically and emotionally targeted and traumatized and the principal does absolutely nothing. Families are leaving this school as their children are not safe and the principal does not put kids first. New leadership is a necessity at this school!!!
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2023

Big T has been our home for all of elementary school. My two kids have been well-educated and loved by this great community of staff and students. Big T is a special place: beautiful setting, well-connected to its community, great teaching and test scores. We have been so blessed by this great school.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2023

Basically, the school has good and kind teachers who are following bad marching orders. Both of my kids got a weak foundation in math that they'll probably never fully overcome. I never saw any evidence of STEM being more than a buzzword that the school paid lip service to.Some specific memories:> When a problem kid threw a fit, did they haul his butt out of the classroom? No. Instead, they had all the OTHER kids leave the room and go to a neighboring classroom, halting the learning of two full classes of kids. Crazy.> Being told that "Math isn't taught the way we learned it" (i.e. lots of practice). "It's taught at a conceptual level now" (i.e. they show several different ways to do it - causing confusion - but don't assign enough problems to internalize any one of them). This "new math" teaching goes against ALL research on effective learning.> My daughter getting a "3" on their silly 4-point scale, on a spelling test where she got all 10 words and two bonus words correct. Why? "3" means "meeting expectations", and she was a good speller. "4" was literally unreachable. Crazy.What terrifies me is that this is probably a good proxy for the average modern American elementary school. The goal is NOT to help each kid reach his or her full potential. It's more about going at the pace of the slowest kid in the class so nobody is left behind.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2022

When I was there they didn’t do anything about bullying and the teachers don’t support mental health
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2017

We came to Big T as a "school of choice" : it was the one school in the district where we had only heard positive reviews, we were pleased with what we learned about differentiated learning in our discussion with the principal, and our son instantly was drawn to Big T because of its "awesome upper (turf) playground"! We have felt spoiled by the education our son has gotten-- almost like the perks of "private school" tuition-free. We are indebted to his gifted/talented teacher, and to the principal's vision for giving her such influence within
Submitted by other on January 22, 2016

Engaged staff. Inspired CEO with long range vision in practice. She coordinates staff, parents and community to the benefit of the learning environment. The STEM focus curriculum is working at every grade level. This is a pace setter school.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2015

My kiddos have loved their experience at Big T Elementary! It's a small school with a caring community feel, excellent leadership and a staff of incredible teachers. My boys have really thrived in this learning environment, especially with the new hands-on STEM focus. We highly recommend this Loveland school!
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2015

A small school with a family atmosphere and the ability to obtain and keep amazingly talented teachers. Consistently high test scores, nature and science focused (my child knows more about nature than I do and she's 7!), a curriculum based on the STEM basics, conservation (they compost their waste), respect and academic success. Best school in the area and I'll gladly drive an hour to get to it if need be...
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2012

We have had a fantastic experience with Big Thompson. Last year my son's kindergarten teacher provided an excellent foundation and sense of excitement about learning. This year has been every bit as positive. It is absolutely true that the staff is warm and friendly. We love the enthusiasm surrounding the unique history and location of the school. The nature and science emphasis is reflected throughout program and really promotes a sense of curiosity and respect for the natural world. Big T has been a perfect fit for our family! We can't wait to see our daughter begin school here as well ;)
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2012

Big Thompson Elementary school is a small school with a very dedicated staff. The support staff and teachers work hard to ensure our kids have the best opportunities and learning environments. As a small school, Big T has a huge sense of community with a warm, welcoming group of parents and wonderful volunteers. We are very excited about our new principal and the direction our School of Nature and Science is headed. My kids have really excelled at Big T and we're thrilled that Big T is the school of choice for them.