Thames River Magnet School

I visited the school for the first time today, looking for options for my 5 year-old boy. I had the experience by phone first, the receptionist was cold, unfriendly, and not helpful at all. I found the same behavior in the women attending the front desk, they never greeted me, ignored me while I was there waiting for being "attended", kept chit-chatting and it took the 3 of them to be helpful at all. I hope the rest of the staff are not like this!

I was SO pleasantly surprised with this school! My son had Mrs. Nystrom for 1st grade and she was fantastic. It was so fun at the open house to see so many upper elementary kids come in and give her hugs ... my overall experience with the staff & teachers there was great. The kids get art, music, PE, and library/media one day each week, each with a dedicated teacher/classroom. You don't see that very often in public schools any more! Class size was great as well; I think my son only had 17 kids in his classroom.

My kids were picked up in the lottery after spending a wasted year at the local "blue ribbon" school here in Groton. So far the experience has been pleasant. Any issues that happen,the VP is on the phone with me telling me this happened today and this is what we did to fix the problem. Any time my child is seen at the nurse the nurse calls me to let me know even if its super minor. I don't mind I'd rather know if my child has a fresh cut that I can look at after school and treat. Mr Moon is amazing. He's the robotics teacher and all the students love him! My students know more about the 3D printer and drones than I do. They also offer musical instruments for the students in the younger grades which has been amazing! This STEM school has been a good choice for us. As far as someone saying something about rough kids quite honestly my kids had more issues in the other local school with bullies because of the Academi students not being watched. Also, everyone merges together in the Middle school anyway so keeping them away from the "low" income kids won't last forever. Also, its good to be diverse.Academic wise my student started the year a grade and a half behind in reading and math. By March was at grade level and excelling daily. They really went above and beyond helping in reading and math. I have no issues with this school and would recommend this school.

Do Not Send your children to this school. The principal is very unprofessional, she is very rude! There were multiple incidents that occurred that she never reported that needed immediate action to insure the safety of our children. On top of all that they do not care about the education, there were things that my son should have been learning while attending 2nd grade at Sacred Heart School. He was completely behind when it came to his education. I have since then switched schools, his reading has improved greatly! He is finally on track on where he should be for his age and grade. If you want to go to a private school I recommend St Patrick’s Cathedral School! We have never been so happy with a school until now. The staff/educators especially the Principal are wonderful and definitely care about the well being of hour children. The moment I walked in I felt the presence of god/ light and love.