Norman Thomas High School

I graduated from Norman Thomas three years ago. In contrast with the other reviews Norman Thomas offered me many opportunities and prepared to attend a top 10 liberal arts college. If the student is committed to learning he/she will find many opportunities and great mentors. While at NTHS I had great mentors (Ms. Ofeck and Mr. Ravage and Ms. Darios)they help and guided me with the college application process. There are many resources available, to help the student become involve in a variety of academic programs inside and outside NTHS. If you attend this institution make sure to become involved in different extracurricular activities, take a few AP classes, maintain a good GP and you will most likely be accepted in a good college. Make sure you visit the college office, maintain good relationships with teacher and the administration they will defiantly help you in the college process.
—Submitted by J. Anchundia, a former student

The school has a great business program but overall it needs quite a bit of work. The principal and parent coordinator are very helpful, but I'd like to see a bit more enforcement by them in terms of the teachers and students acting out. I went here last year and now am in a way better school and a way better environment, overall. I do sincerely hope they get their acts together.
—Submitted by a former student

I believe as a student of this school that parents need to be warned before sending their kid(s) to this school because it is nothing like they say it is. Teachers dont want to teach, security needs improvement. Something needs to be said and done in order for something to get done about this matter. Sincerely, Damien Robertson
—Submitted by a student

I went to this school and I feel that I does not prepare you for college. The environment is very hostile. The students seem to be more concerned with hooking up, rather then learning what is need to succeed in life. If I had to do it over again I would go to a liberal arts school, which would prepare you better for college. Business courses can always be learned in college but without a good foundation of liberal arts, it makes college life very difficult!
—Submitted by a former student

I went to this school for my freshman year only (2001-2002). I really did not find this school too satisfying. I do have to say that there were a few good staff there. Other than that, my favorite thing about this school was the extracurricular activities, which I definately participated in. The quality of teaching is much better, I am now a senior in another state and I can say that I learned more the days that I showed up in class freshman year than I have since moving before the start of my sophomore year.
—Submitted by Cheri C., a former student

The school so far seems to be good but I don't agree with the fact that the kids cannot have a cell phone. After 9-11 and the black out I am shocked that the kids cannot have cell phones. God forbid something was to happen to my daughter on the way home or another terrorist attack how will I know where she is? At least with a cell phone if she can't contact me she can contact someone I know and we would keep in touch. It's not like you can trust the public phones that more than half the time do not work. I think something should be done about this.
—Submitted by Lisa, a parent

I just Graduated in June of 2004 and I must say that the school and teachers provided me with all the techniques I needed to start off my college experience. However, the security in the school must be changed. The security guards are to friendly with the students and most of the time let the students get away with a lot of things.
—Submitted by a former student

While I respect Mr. Satin for trying to make Norman Thomas a better school I have to say that the students that hang out on the 6th floor need to be removed from the escalator area. As a parent I expect that my child goes to school to get an education that will help her excel in life. Everytime I visit the school I see students (female) who are more concerned with their lovelife than their classes and the male students are too busy trying to prove they know more than the teachers. In conclusion it would be a good idea if the teachers would utilize the disipline codes rather than waste their time trying to go toe to toe verbally with students who haven't got a clue. There are enough security in the building; utilize them.
—Submitted by Susan Handon, a parent

My Daughter currently attends this school and she loves it. Since she started Norman Thomas in 2001 the school has added programs that seem to interest the students. Like any other public High School there are fights but since the arrival of Jean Pierre violence in the school has gone down. I think Norman Thomas is a great school and that Mr. Satin and the teachers, security guards and other staff should keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Norman thomas last year, and to be honest this school did not approach all my need as a student.
—Submitted by karen Inestroza

My 3 sisters-in-laws attended this school. I am appalled to see the quality of education in this school right now. My two children currently attend this school. I am saddened to see that the dress code is not enforced, and the number of gang members attending the school. The fights occuring almost daily outside the school is of great concern to me. I am hoping my kids come out with a good education to start them in at least a part time job to help them through college. The teachers are to be commended!
—Submitted by a parent

this is a grate school and its an individual kind of setting for students. In general you will get what you put in from this school . awsome business programs!!!
—Submitted by a former student