Thoreau Demonstration Academy

7370 East 71st Street

School District

Tulsa
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
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 other on August 29, 2023

I graduated from Thoreau after it reopened in 1999. While middle school can be socially challenging anywhere, my experience at the school was academically and psychological traumatic. Teachers did not teach foundational academic concepts in many cases. For example, when I attended, we were not taught basic middle school math curriculum. Since math builds upon itself, not learning the basics put me severely behind in high school. Class sizes were very large, even with a para teacher in the class, and there was too much emphasis on group projects versus individual accountability. There were a lot of thug type students / gangbangers in training there since the admissions are not based on academic merit, it’s just a lottery from various parts of town with no credentials. Lord of very mean kids that would bully others.I’ve heard it has declined even more and sadly, was at its best early on when I attended. Thankfully, I left TPS for private school, but would have had a happier experience going to one of the many excellent private schools. Pls look carefully prior to sending your child here if you have other options!
Submitted by other on July 26, 2023

My experience was rough. There was a lot of bulling and when I was in 7th grade most of the teachers made it clear they hated us. Us students couldn't trust our counselors especially since if you reported something they never took it seriously and told the other people involved what you said or did and who told. I had an experience where I got pushed down the hill at school and the nurse refused to send me home and did not let me talk to my mom. I was told they would tell my mom what happened they didn't and the principal said my mom was overreacting for bringing it up. The rules on the bathrooms are insane they are locked during class and only open during passing period if the person who has access to a key felt like it. Please do not send your kids there my experience is one of the good ones.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2023

So many positive things to say about Thoreau! My Daughter has never been able to maintain straight A’s and MAP score progression every time until she started attending Thoreau. The system of learning that they utilize, including Tribes and Microsociety just works well for her. She has matured both socially and academically, it’s amazing! The school itself is smaller so I think it’s a lot easier for the students to maneuver in between classes. The teachers that she has had have been superb in not only teaching but holding students accountable for their learning. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a bright future with college goals in mind.
Submitted by other on January 28, 2021

My 3 years at Thoreau were honestly some of the best 3 years of my life. There were so many things about the school that made me excited to go to class everyday. Although the school is strict with the uniforms and there are large class sizes, every classroom had a sense of community. The teachers were friendly and I even got close with a couple of them during my time there. The teachers try to have fun with the students by making funny jokes and making projects fun. The projects, like Brotherhood and the 7th grade boat races, made everybody think very hard about their work while also having lots of fun. Microsociety allowed us to learn how to work for our money, while also learning how to save it in a bank account, and even invest in stocks if we chose to. And to encourage students to try saving as much money as they could, there is an annual auction on the last day of school. This is only a glimpse at the type of experience you can get a Thoreau. I was a more shy kid, but when I was at Thoreau, I started to come out of my shell. There is a little cliche going on within the student body, but that's because the students all choose their own friends and groups. And even then, the students from the different social groups would still come out and work together in harmony. The counselors are so nice, especially Ms.Hongo. I ran into during my sophomore year and she remembered who I was, so the counselors do get to know their students. I wish I could go back and relive those years.
Submitted by parent on February 29, 2020

Would not send another child there or even suggest it unless your child is an A plus student, without any special needs, individual thoughts or acts like a middle school child because the expectations are too high and communication is lacking.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2017

We had high hopes for our child at Thoreau. Ultimately, this school did our child more harm than good. The current and former principal's philosophy is to spend money hiring more low-paid assistants and fewer actual teachers. The result is extremely large class sizes, teachers who cannot get to know their students, high levels of frustration and difficulty finding and keeping quality teachers. Forty students in a class is the norm. This year, there are classes with 50 students in a room. The result is very detrimental to students who are not assertive or extroverted. While a shy kid, our son actually loves to make personal connections with teachers and administrators and always did so in elementary school and again (now) in high school. However, in the three years he was at Thoreau, he made not one personal connection with a teacher and in fact was barely ever spoken to in his core classes. Teachers are supposed to have the freedom to bring students out of their shell, but when there are that many students in a class, they are treated as cattle, not as individuals. On a good day, my son felt completely invisible at this school. On bad days, he felt misunderstood and unwelcome.
Submitted by other on March 26, 2017

I have seen my daughter come out of her shell in her first year. Morning and afternoon tribe helps her be aware that different is good. Diverse backgrounds, cultures and grade levels and know they are "feeling" quite similar. Round tables in the large low lit classroom makes for a more relax approach to learning. Her mandatory volunteer semester project had her thinking of how to help the best way possible. Having her think outside "her needs" not just for a grade. Emerald city has her learning how to work for your money and go after the job you want. Complete with resume and interview. Working not always your dream job but earning those hard earned emeralds and enjoying her "day off".Living a mini real life balancing school, work, sports and fun. Has worked well with her and makes me a happy parent. You know your child and and not a perfect fit for everyone. I am glad we made that choice together. Highly recommend shadowing when open spots available.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2017

Great school with lots of opportunities for kids. Sadly, budget cuts have limited some ways to get kiddos involved. Teachers are respectful and helpful. Class sizes are very large, but I saw good results.
Submitted by student on August 06, 2016

As a student I didn't like the large classes. I also didn't care for micro-society. Many teachers have favorites and try to be popular by joking with the "in crowd". This school LOVES athletes... Idolizes them. I witnessed a cheerleader doing handsprings in the hall, teachers applauding. My friend got in trouble for bumping someone in the crowded hall during class exchange!!! Whatevs. This was not the right school for me. I wish I could get those years of my life back!
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2016

1) Uniform code isn't enforced for all students. Many girls wear their skirts too short, way above the TPS policy of a dollar bill width...like micro-minis from the 1960's. Yet a student forgets to wear a belt and receives a summons. 2) 40 students per classroom- no individualized help when needed. One teacher in classroom with an assistant, but the teacher directs the class and the assistant doesn't participate in instructing the class.3) Micro-society is mandatory and that time could be better spent on core class instruction.4) Two years ago, a 6th grade math teacher rewarded the quick learners, all "A" students, by allowing them to sit at the front by the Smartboard. So, the students struggling in the class, many from not being able to see the board or hear the teacher ( as there are 40 students per class ) were punished and put on display in the back of the classroom.5) 6th grade: some, (not all), students allowed to use calculators in class and on exams.6) 7th grade supply lists includes a calculator and mandates calculators be brought to class.. Yet students are told they can't use a calculator, not even to double check their homework assignments. What is the point of purchasing the calculator?7) Too many projects assigned, and often multiple projects due at same time from multiple classes. This along with regularly assigned homework. My student gained nothing from these projects.This family does not recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2013

This school was the best thing that ever happened to my son at that age. The staff in this school, from the janitors to the high admin staff was so kind and helpful to my son, who has special needs. I am so very glad that my son had the opportunity to learn and grow. The school nurse was a wonderful advocate for my son. I am forever grateful.