Thomson Elementary School

[Anonymous]

We haven't experienced any bullying issues at Thomson and the recess period is well supervised.

[Anonymous]

Any more input on Thomson, especially for grades 1 and up? How's the lack of outdoor space for the particularly active kids? How is it a Reward school, when their scores don't seem much better than some of the Rising schools? We're planning on visiting but would also appreciate any insight from current families. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

We are a current pre-k family and plan on keeping our two children there for the next several years. I've been really impressed with the teachers in 1st-5th grades and teacher retention has been great the past few years. The school has a family feel with very strong individualized instruction and also a lot of fun class projects.

My active kids don't have a problem with the indoor play spaces. I like that they can have recess when it rains and snows. There is limited large playground equipment, but pre-k has access to the bikes and trikes. In the upper grades, they rotate use of all the play-spaces, so there is a variety of what they do in each space. Sometimes classes are in the gym and serious pick-up games are played.

I don't know the details about the reward/rising/developing categories. Thomson's DC-CAS scores were good in comparison to other similar schools, but the scores went down with the new PARC tests much like other schools.

Come and visit!

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for your reply; it's especially helpful to hear about the use of the available space.

Are there any parents of first-graders and above? I know at some schools(like our IB), there's a huge difference in the PK grades vs. the rest of the school. I called to ask about an open house and was told to wait until after enrollments are due on May 2.

[Anonymous]

I realize this thread is old, but am wondering about this school. Any general comments? I have a four year old. If I move in boundary, do you still have to lottery in to prek?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I realize this thread is old, but am wondering about this school. Any general comments? I have a four year old. If I move in boundary, do you still have to lottery in to prek?

Yes. Even IB you must lottery for PreK.

[Anonymous]

I'd heard many nice things about Thomson, but had some concerns after attending an open house. Go see for yourself, I'd say.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd heard many nice things about Thomson, but had some concerns after attending an open house. Go see for yourself, I'd say.

Could you be more vague?

LMG: you're concerned that most of the kids who go there are not middle class?

[Anonymous]

One of the best preschool teachers from the JCC went to Thompson a few years ago. She is amazing! If the school still has her and other great teachers, go for it! Our kids are at Cleveland and thrive in a DCPS dual language program at a diverse school - international, race, socioeconomics.