William L Thompson School

Thompson is an amazing school. The curriculum is challenging, while still presenting an opportunity for all students to be successful at their level. Last year I saw my daughter make great strides with Mrs. Anello and this year I am seeing the same growth and challenging work with Mrs. McShane. I am so please how the teachers even with an AP student they want to continue to find new ways to move them up and keep them interested. My other daughter faced more challenges and they worked with her just as hard, so it's good to see from opposite educational situations just how much they put in to help all kids ! Great Job Teachers !! Debby Dunne - Parent
--Submitted by a parent

I have been here at Thompson school ever since I was in kindergarten. I am now moving onto middle school, and I do enjoy all of the teachers. They are up to the job to help kids learn, whether they struggle or not. They provide an excellent accelerated math program; it was fast-paced, but it was slow enough for me to learn. I have enjoyed my stay, and hope for others to have a great time, too.

Thompson is a phenomenal school! We have been so pleased with each teacher my daughter has had from Kindergarten, and now to 3rd grade. The curriculum has been a great balance of challenging work mixed with fundamentals and "specials" (art, computers, gym, music) The principal is warm, friendly and seems to know every student in school. Her door is always open and my daughter has said that several times that she welcomed her in easily when she wanted to share an essay she'd written or piece of art she had made. The entire staff is warm, friendly, and seem to genuinely care about each student. Careful attention is paid to give struggling students the extra help they need, and more challenging work is given to those that are above average so they are never bored. Overall, Thompson looks out for each students well being, emotionally and academically. Wonderful!
--Submitted by a parent

My older son is finishing Kindergarten and I'm amazed at what he has learned and at the pride he feels in his achievements. Mrs. Lyon accomplishes in 3 hours what other schools achieve in a full day...and she does it twice each day.
--Submitted by a parent

My two daughters attend Thompson and we could not be happier with the school. My girls have excelled since transfering from Chicago Public Schools 18 months ago. The teachers work hard and communicate well with parents. The staff is friendly and easy to reach. The district also has a wonderful PTO that sponsers many great events for the students.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased and greatly relieved to find Thompson School as wonderful as I had hoped. We moved here 2 years ago from a GREAT school district where my daughter was doing very well both socially and academically and I was extremely concerned with the school environment even though I did my research prior to the move. And I must say that I am more than happy with her continued successes in this school. I think the principal as well as every teacher she's had so far are GREAT. They really take an interest in the children. The principal knows all her students/teachers and families which I find amazing. The learning environment is relaxed and caring in which the children can feel successful. There is a wonderful amount of diversity and politeness and tolerance is promoted. Overall, I feel Thompson is a positive learning environment and I couldn't be happier!
--Submitted by a parent

Our main reason for leaving Chicago was to get into a good school district for our eldest son who would be entering kindergarten. We are very please with our choice of Lake Villa. Our son also loves the school and most of all his teacher, Mrs. Monson. I was very happy to hear him say, 'I love school' one day. Mrs. Monson keeps the students busy, but in a fun way since my son never complains about school work.
--Submitted by a parent

Thompson has a terrific staff of dedicated teachers. The principal knows everyone of her students personally. Considering the large enrollment at the school this is quite an accomplishment and a testiment to her dedication. Most of the teachers are equally involved with the students in spite of the fact that they are underpaid. Parent involvement at the school is very high-maybe overly involved at times that give the appearence of favoritism (ie those parents who volunteer the most tend to get their students with the teachers of their choice) The school, like so many others in Illinois experienced budget difficulties- the school has kept music, art, computers as part of the curriculum but lost many of the extra-curricular activities such as after-school tutoring&homework club. Overall Dist 41 provides a quality education.
--Submitted by a parent

Great support staff: spec. ed staff.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I are extremely pleased with Thompson School and the staff we have worked with. Our daughter is in 3rd grade and we have felt comfortable with the teachers she has worked with over the past few years(Mrs. McGrath, Miss. Carlson-Mrs. Curran and Mrs. Pederson.) She is learning the skills to progress through school with solid academic grades, and has the confidence to approach new situations. We feel this is the best experience we could have hoped for and look forward to the next few years moving as smoothly as this one is. Ms. Wooldridge is providing the skills and strategies for our daughter to become an independent learner and instilling in her the tools to better handle school and life. Thank you to everyone for your openness and professionalism. Betsy and Kevin Thomas
--Submitted by Betsy Thomas, a parent