Thunderbolt Middle School

A 9 out of 10 really? That's a laugh this school is the worst I've ever been to. More like a 2 out of 10 maybe.

Arizona has the worst public schools in the United States and Thunderbolt isn't an exception. Overall this school is just terrible. Academics are terrible, learning environment is terrible, there's no consequences for students misbehaving, controlled by cliques, overcrowded, this is one of the worst environments to send a child to school in. Okay where to start. Teachers: To be honest teachers here aren't bad but they don't make learning very interesting. Academics: Terrible in every sense of the word. They are learning things here other states have learned 2-3 years ago (sometimes more). Tests are a breeze for kids who have moved into the district from out of state. Cliques: Many of them. Many kids don't know half of their grade because they stay inside their group trying not to talk to "outsiders". No consequences: You can get away with anything in this school. Curse all you want, fight in between periods, disrespect your teachers, there's no punishment. Overcrowded: There are classes that have 35 students in them! This town needs two middle schools but due to AZ's budget cuts on education they had to shut down Daytona. My tip: Don't move to Arizona W/ kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the worst public school my daughter has attended. They are rude, uncaring, and the principle is terrible. My daughter is a straight A student. The academic part of it is ok, but everything else is just awful.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was an honor roll student until he got to Thunderbolt & it all went downhill. The policies make it difficult to be all you can be there. Some teachers are allowed to have their own grading scale, where you get an F for no date on the paper. Some teachers dock a full letter grade for stuff like that. Others like to rip up papers if they are mad at the student, others throw them away for no name. My son is constantly assulted by other students in the hallway, yet no one seems to do anything about it. Can't wait til my son is out of there. We don't have a choice in schools due to budget cuts and they closed the other Middle School in town. My son is constantly bored & teachers don't know how to handle that well.
—Submitted by a parent

Thunderbolt is excelling and is academically challenging for my son Thomas. Thomas loves his school and continues to perform above average with the wonderful instruction and mentoring he receives from the administration, staff and educators. Thunderbolt deserves to win because it is a winner! Laurie Monson Anderson
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Thunderbolt and was an honor roll student all through Elementry. His 6th grade year was tough at Thunderbolt but he still managed to be on honor roll. This 7th grade year he is struggling to stay an average student, because of a school policy that lacks flexability. The policy states that missed work due to absence can not be picked up unless the student is going to be gone for 3 days or more. This is rediculous...it puts the student in a bad situation and sets them up for failure. Students can't keep up with the class and their assignments if they can't collect their missed work while out sick! Unfortunately, 1 assignment NTI on time can make a student go from a A to a D. On many occations the teachers lose the assignment and blame it on the student. It happens....trust me!
—Submitted by a parent

mrs. Mack rules! best teacher at t-bolt! its a good school too. the teachers here are cool
—Submitted by a student

I believe that Thunderbolt Middle School has the excellence that is shown in our test scores, extra-curricular activities and many honors programs. We have great support from our teachers in the staff and quality help for all learning disabilities. I, as a parent of a 7th grader that attends here, am very satisfied with the quality of education that she receives.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the best schools ever! We have some of the best teachers here. Also, there is a ton of school spirit. Our school is just the best.
—Submitted by Felicia, a student

I would have to say that Thunderbolt Middle is average at best. Both of my children have attended Thunderbolt and both breezed thru. Both of my children felt bored.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school with very dedicated teachers. The enrollment is too high for the size of the building and safety is an issue. In the past, the principal was wonderful. The curriculum is incredible and teachers are working hard. Parent involvement is key to a the success in any school and seems to be improving. Overall, a great school in need of a new principal!
—Submitted by a parent