Simcheck, Northville, MI 48167

First, I think one of the best yardsticks for measuring a school is how much children do or do not want to go. My kids are literally sad when school ends for the summer, so that says a lot about Thornton Creek.This school is outstanding. I grew up in Northville, and this school provides everything I have come to expect from a Northville education. I can't speak to special needs, but they appear to have a substantial number of staff specifically dedicated to those children. We have two kids who attended pre-K through 3rd grade (currently) and I have been nothing but happy with their school experience to-date. Principal Jewett is highly engaged and has a good handle on everything going on at the school, he even takes time to visit EVERY incoming Kindergartener. The office staff is courteous and helpful. Everyone is pleasant, the pre-care kids club program is run by a lot of positive and nurturing folks. Northville is a highly competitive district, which means that children whose parents do not want to put in the extra effort may seem "behind," even though they are probably more than adequately skilled for their respective grades. But that hardly falls on the school, whose teachers work very hard to push everyone forward.I can't presently complain about a lack of homework - while that does seem to be the case, Northville continues to produce a high number of overperforming students and so, not being an educator, I am going to judge the program for its results, not its methods. While I accept that it would be possible to jam a few more "facts" into the heads of 7-year-olds with homework, the purpose of lower levels of education, to me, is to provide the fundamentals (math, reading, reading comprehension and social skills) that form a solid foundation for later learning and generally being successful humans. And in that regard, it should be very hard to complain. Excellent staff, administration and resources, with a community that is always willing to pitch in when needed. A great launching pad for your kids!