Thornton Middle School

I really like this school because it lets you have fun as a kid and it helps you learn to. They also have helpers, to personally help someone with their school problems (if they have any). Clearly, this is a really good school.

Student are encouraged to use their voice and get involved in forming clubs.

Having both my kids at Patterson for the last three years, I've seen how the teachers there really help them grow. I love this school which cares a lot not only about students' learning, but also their emotions and feelings. My older kid used to really hate going to school and would often end up in tears during preschool. But ever since starting at Patterson, things have totally turned around. The teachers there really looked out for her and always encouraged my child to express herself confidently. The vibe at Patterson has not only helped my kid academically but has also given her a major boost in self-esteem.Moreover, the school offers a diverse range of enrichment programs which are all led by Patterson teachers. From arts and crafts to dance and movement, debate, drama, coding, band, recorder, and more. Thanks to their enthusiasm, my kids have the opportunity to explore various activities and discover their passions. Ms. Dil (new principal), has brought about a lot of positive changes since she joined in 2022. She's super friendly and easy to approach. You can catch her walking around the campus, helping out kids and chatting with parents. Classrooms have been transformed into awesome maker spaces, flex rooms, and sensory areas, giving students even more cool stuff to explore and learn from.PTA also does a great job working with the school, putting together fun activities like bedtime story nights, fall and winter festivals, celebrations for the school's 65th anniversary, and even free art clubs for students. They're all about building a supportive vibe within the school. Patterson's been awesome for my kids, and I totally recommend it to parents looking for a school that's nurturing and academically challenging!

Our kids have grown so much since starting at FCS—academically, socially, and in confidence. What we love most is how loving and supportive the environment is. Every teacher truly cares and puts their heart into the kids, and you can feel it every day.The small class sizes make a huge difference, too. Our kids get more attention, more guidance, and more chances to be heard. They’re not just another face in the crowd.We also really appreciate how the school values art and music. Our kids have discovered new interests and feel proud of what they create.Even though it’s a Christian school, there’s absolutely no pressure. There’s one Bible class and chapel once a week, but that’s it. Plenty of their classmates aren’t Christian, and everyone feels welcome.Overall, we’re just grateful. Our kids are happy, growing, and surrounded by people who genuinely care about them. It’s been such a good fit for our family.

Both of our kids attended preschool at POP but did not continue with elementary. It was one of our biggest regrets to date. We returned in 2020 and our eldest has continued on to middle school and our 5th grader will follow suit.After being away from POP for 3 years and enrolled in the various public schools (due to address changes) here are the main reasons, we came back and will stay until middle school.#1: Christ-centered. This school is rooted in kindness, mercy and grace.#2: Education: The curriculum is challenging with advance math and offers a wide range of elective classes such as Spanish, art and music. Lower teacher-to- student ratios.#3: CommunityThe overall community here is an extended family unit. The staff/teachers are committed and dedicated to every student. The goal is for your child to succeed not to just get by. The parent community is very strong and shows up for their child and the school. The administration is always thinking of ways to improve for the better of the school/students not for profit or other motives.