Thomas Dale High School

When are they going to build a new school for these kids. This school is the biggest in Central VA and way overcrowded!!! It has two campuses!!! A ninth grade campus and a 10-12 campus. I just dont think this is right or fair to the kids! A new school board rep for the Berumuda will hopefully mean we will get a new high school in Chester for our kids!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 kids go through this high school. I would love to rate it higher..however there are issues that can not be ignored. Although all 3 were stellar students, it wasn't easy. But nothing in life is easy. However, my largest complaint would be how rude and unfriendly the front desk staff is. This was a topic of countless discussions among many other parents who shared the same experience of condescending attitudes. We have the right to expect more. We are the parents of the students we entrust them with. We do deserve mutual respect. I have been ignored standing at the front desk, rudely spoken to and often talked to as if I should know what to do. However, most of us do not. I have great kids, never in trouble, with no need to hardly have to visit the school, of course I would not know where to sign in and who specifically I need to speak to regarding various issues or questions. All I ask is for the staff to be welcoming and realize we are on the same side...which should be the well being of our kids at their school!
--Submitted by a parent

I would rate this school a -5 they dont even care what goes on in the school. Some of the teachers are horrible and can't (don't) teach. They expect the students to get good grades and high scores on the SOL with out their time being sent .
--Submitted by a parent

This is my first year at Thomas Dale and I expected more from it than it is. Some of the teachers are horrible and can't (don't) teach. They expect us to get good grades and high scores on the SOL but the don't teach us anything that's on it. There are a lot of bugs in the school. One week there was basically an infestation of gnats, everywhere we would go there were gnats. Other than that, the school is just okay.
--Submitted by a student

Some of the teachers have chosen the wrong career. They have more interests in power and control than the success of the students!
--Submitted by a parent

I am new to the area and very impressed with both the curriculum and the staff. It was really easy to enroll and the staff was very friendly. So far my child has had a very positive experience.
--Submitted by a parent

All four of my children graduated from Thomas Dale High School, and I also taught there for three years. I was so impressed with the level of dedication on the part of the teachers and administration. They are old school in that they believe in going the extra mile to really make a difference in kid's lives. Many of the teachers have been at this school for years and years, and yet they are still constantly making changes and improvements to the curriculum to stay abreast of innovations in education. I couldn't have asked for a better education for my children. Three of my kids went on to college, and one into the Air Force. One was just accepted into the Mason School of Business at William and Mary which has a very demanding curriculum. I feel like this school really prepared my kids for success in life. Thanks to all the dedicated Thomas Dale teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators who helped them along the way!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at Thomas Dale High School. This year they raised the cost of the food at lunch and the administration is horrible. Very over crowded and needs tons of work.
--Submitted by a parent

It is overpopulated, but so is every other school in the Chesterfield district from high schools to elementary schools. The administration does the best they can with the ever increasing student load, and from personal experience I can attest that they do their best to form relationships with as many of the students as possible (even those with discipline problems). The teachers are all knowledgeable, most having masters. Good school if your children are into the arts. SOL scores improve with every entering freshmen class.

My kids (2 have gone here) have gotten a great education. The administration is tough on rules and kids who might misbehave and I appreciate that. My kids played sports and played in marching band, jazz band, and show choir. They were always around 'good' kids. Thumbs up TDHS!
--Submitted by a parent