Thornhill Elementary School

This school is well-run with an active PFC, but the community at large tends to be remarkably toxic. There is a lot of gossip and privilege that undermines the wonderful individuals here, staff and parents and even amongst kids. If this community were less focused on complaints and more focused on actively supporting one another, then this would be a really nice place, but I would say that families considering this place should be wary.

We have two kids at Thornhill, and first lets get the bad out of the way: the principal. Largely a non-factor and when he is a factor it's never great. Aloof, somehow fears confrontation but also is combative, doesn't really relate to kids, not very involved with the ongoings at the school, I could go on for a mile... There are people employed at the school who would excel at this leadership role but are unfortunately not given the chance. So why do I still give this school 5 stars? Everyone else who works there and the community of parents who strive to make it a special place, which all happens despite the principal. The teachers try hard daily and are so committed to the kids. The administrative support staff cares deeply about each child. The PFC funded teachers (music, librarian, PE, art, gardening) are exceptional. The community of parents fundraises and goes above and beyond to make it a true community.

Teachers are fantastic and fellow students/families are welcoming.A very welcoming environment for kids to learn & grow in. Attentive, caring teachers & faculty - other students are generally friendly & well behaved, parents engaged in the school/community.Not as familiar with certain programs (special needs, etc), so can't really speak to that, but school is diverse & inclusive.

Our second child is leaving Thornhill this year and going to middle school. We have dearly loved the school, but as another reviewer wrote, the principal is definitely the low point. He is self-centered and immature, leading him to make decisions not for the good of the school or community but more to build his ego. He is completely unable to form a sentence (really). I think the school has gradually declined as a result of poor leadership.The teachers (as we have found to be the case in pretty much every school) are hit and miss, but there seem to be more better ones here than worse ones and some definitely memorable and wonderful teachers as well.We have loved the community, but it is slowly deteriorating because of poor decisions by the principal, who is threatened by the community and therefore works hard to keep it away.The school does not do this anymore, but it used to have "buddies" of different grade levels that would get together weekly or bi-weekly and play a game or other activity. Our kids loved that and it really helped to build community. So much has changed because of the pandemic and it's looking unlikely that it will return.

I have 2 children at Thornhill. My daughter is a wonderful little social-butterfly and would do well pretty much anywhere you put her. My son has some emotional difficulties and anxiety and has had a hard time adjusting to school. For both of my children Thornhill has been wonderful. The principal is one of the most caring people and has been amazing whenever I have reached out. Two examples - when my daughter was in kindergarten she had an issue with some boys bullying her. I emailed Mr. Daubenspeck and he called me back within and hour. The school not only contacted the families of the boys, but also had a meeting with my daughter to say how brave she was to say what happened and to ensure she knew she could always come to him if it happened again. Then the school took the extra step of incorporating anti-bullying curriculum for the entire kindergarten class over the following weeks. I was so impressed by this holistic approach. My son has anxiety and possibly ADHD, and school can be triggering for him. He is not easy, but again Mr. Daubenspeck and all the teachers at Thornhill have been incredible in making sure he has the extra support and accommodations he needs to feel safe and learn. Mr. Daubenspeck has gone out of his way to be a friend and advocate for my son. We feel truly lucky to be at Thornhill, and highly recommend the school. Oakland Unified has its challenges but the teachers, staff and principal at Thornhill do an amazing job.