Thornton MS

Thornton MIDDLE SCHOOL

Home of the Thunderbolts
Thornton Middle School is located in North Fremont. Students attending Ardenwood, Brookvale, Forest Park, Patterson, Oliveira, and Warwick Elementary Schools attend Thornton for the seventh and eighth grades before going to American High School for grades nine through twelve. The student body at Thornton Middle represents heritages from five continents and island nations. The many cultures and languages at Thornton are a strong reflection of American multiculturalism. Thornton Middle has an enrollment of approximately 12900 students. 

The Thornton staff is comprised of dedicated professional educators who provide a demanding curriculum using challenging instructional strategies following the state standards for the teaching profession. Staff members continuously broaden their knowledge and skills by attending conferences, workshops, seminars and enrolling in higher education classes and programs. 

Our school’s vision statement is to educate students to be lifelong learners, logical and critical thinkers, effective communicators, and contributing members of their communities. Students will be empowered to achieve academically and socially through engaging lessons. Students will develop respect for themselves, others, and the diversity of our global community. Our school’s mission statement is to ensure that all students achieve their full 21st century academic and social potential. 

The principal collaborates monthly with the other principals in the American attendance area. The focus of the collaboration is equitable teaching practices that provide challenging curriculum with opportunities for all students to learn. With that focus at all levels, students become aware that high expectations are the norm and perform accordingly. 

A strong electives program includes classes in robotics, leadership, publications, speech, yearbook, French I and II, and Spanish I. Music electives include: chorus, beginning band, concert band, and symphonic band. Art electives include ceramics, drama, dance, arts and crafts, and lettering/calligraphy. Through visual and performing arts classes students demonstrate their creativity in the following forms:

• Winter and Spring Music Concerts

• Spring Drama performance

• Bands compete at local and state levels

• Art work displayed locally

• Art competition at the county level

• After School Clubs

• Intramural Sports

After school academic enrichment, in cooperation with parent volunteers, is offered in math and science. 

Thornton has a very active PTSA who meets monthly to plan and support programs and activities that help staff and students in being successful. The PTSA raises funds, recruits volunteers, and organizes events and celebrations for the school and students.