Thornton High School

9351 Washington Street

School District

Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Adams 12 Five Star Schools 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 July 08, 2020

My experience at this school is really good!
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2019

10 out of 10 this is a great school.
Submitted by student on January 22, 2018

I was a freshman at this school and I dropped out before second quarter. I got invited in the IB program, even though I don’t live in the Adams 12 district. The work for IB is obviously supposed to be harder but teachers didn’t help very much, and I often didn’t even turn in homework for my Math teacher or even go to her class. I ditched from this school very much because it was incredibly easy. All the office told me was that I needed to stop and would threaten me with contracts or court which some kids are on, my boyfriend and I would take the bus just across the street and go home. There’s zero motivation here, and a very large chance students will be influenced by other students to do wrong, I never was this way but here it’s easy as 1,2,3. If you stay good the principal is great and even though our varsity sucks we have great spirit.
Submitted by student on August 19, 2017

Most teachers dont try to help students learn how they feel is best learning, they want to teach how they learn best, causing more people to fail.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2017

Two of my children choiced into the IB program at Thornton HS, rather than attend their home school in district. If I could go back in time, I never would have allowed my kids to attend a single day of education at THS. The IB program is at THS for the sole purpose of keeping this failing school afloat. Counselors don't care about the students, they don't prep students for college, my junior has never even been to the counseling office to review his transcript. They are there to keep kids from dropping out and dealing with the relentless issues within the school.The IB program is an embarrassment to the true meaning and vision of the program. Freshmen and Sophomores get a false sense of academic stability and wellness, only to be thrown into this rigorous and complicated diploma pathway their junior and senior years. They are not prepared, no one cares and the students are let down by the school. It happens over and over again.There is no school spirit, no sense of togetherness, no effort to improve academics. Their former band director had innapropriate relationships with students. Programs that thrived and did well were/are largely overlooked. I would never recommend this school to another student, ever. I am fortunate that my oldest survived the experience and has moved into college and my junior has a positive outlook on his future.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2016

THS relies on the International Baccalaureate program to increase testing scores. The former principal, Johnny Terrell, had no connection with the students or staff. The counselor, Patty Rollison, is disconnected and provides no guidance to the students. This school has so many issues the quiet students are left in the dust. There are no support systems for students that need out of the box thinking. This was the worst experience for our child who is extremely intelligent. We regret choosing this school. Please do not choose unless your student can do everything on their own including navigating the graduation requirements, chaotic hallways, unhelpful school leaders and crime. The majority of the teachers are incredible but overwhelmed. It's the poorest excuse for a school and the International Baccalaureate program should be moved to a school that has the means to provide guidance and support to all students not just the ones that are failing.
Submitted by other on May 14, 2015

you are all very one minded about the educational systems, people are saying there is certain "molds" and classrooms are over crowded, complain of fights? are you kidding. this is the students, NOT THE SCHOOL. THIS SCHOOL IS AMAZING, EVERYTHING FROM THE GYM TO THE HUGE GORGE IS AMAZING AND THE CUSTODIAL STAFF THAT WORKS EVERY SINGLE DAY TO KEEPT IT CLEAN ARE AMAZING. if you are criticising what is inside (which changes every single year) then you are only criticising the parents of each and every student, good luck with that. IB has its own curriculem, you dont like it? you dont blame it on the teachers, thats so incompetitent! this school is beautiful, and its only trying to open doors for everyone! -'15 senior from THS
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2015

Thornton High School has many problems. They recruit students for their MYP/IB Programs but do not provide the support the students need. The teachers are fantastic but are stressed out by the main stream classes that are not in the MYP/IB program. Many students and parents do not care and the administration spends the majority of their time on the "bad" eggs. Mr. Terrell, the Principle, is militant and does not understand students have different needs and support. He will not discuss challenges and believes all students should fit one mold. Overall, the experience is very poor. If this is not your home school I would strongly reflect on whether or not the environment and program is right for your student. If your student is self sufficient and needs no support it may work for them. If they need support and encouragement this is not the school for your student.
Submitted by other on April 07, 2014

Overall I think it's a good school, however there is a large number of absences. Making them have a huge problem with attendanc. Also there has been many fights recently.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

This school does an imcredible job of making all students feel welcome and providing a challenging education that better prepares the students for college!
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2014

The "idea" of the Thornton High School International Baccalaureate program drew us in, the execution is often times poor. The classrooms are overcrowded, the guidance counselors are not helpful, and resources are bare. We were sold on the "individual approach to learning" that was promoted, but this is anything but that. It is a one size fits all learning regimen. We regret making the decision for our child to attend this school.
Submitted by other on November 06, 2011

Throughout my four years at Thornton I had many life experiences that have shaped who I am today. The teachers at Thornton played a large part in my success. The extra curricular activities offered and staff made school a second home for me. The support I experienced molded me into the teacher I have become today. I am forever grateful for the staff, teachers, and students that changed my life and made my high school career memorable and life changing! Class of 2006 - THS Trojans!