About Thornton Jr. High

Thornton Junior High School is located in North Fremont.  Students attending Ardenwood, Brookvale, Forest Park, Patterson, Oliveira, and Warwick Elementary Schools attend Thornton for the seventh and eighth grades before going to American High School for grades nine through twelve.  The student body at Thornton Junior High represents heritages from five continents and island nations. The many cultures and languages at Thornton are a strong reflection of American multiculturalism. Thornton Junior High has an enrollment of approximately 1300 7th and 8th-grade students. 

In preparation for adding 6th grade to the Thornton community in August 2023,  a new Science and Math building has been constructed using bond funds.  Phase 3 of our construction has begun which will include the addition of counseling and other support offices being added to the front of the school along with a new student drop-off loop.  (Phase 1, the new track and field, was completed in January 2021. Phase 2, the new Science and Math building, was completed in July 2022.)  

A strong electives program includes robotics, Minecraft,  leadership, dance, yearbook, French I and II, and Spanish. Music electives include chorus, beginning band, concert band, and symphonic band.  Art electives include ceramics, arts and crafts, and lettering/calligraphy.  Through visual and performing arts classes students demonstrate their creativity in the following forms:

•  Winter and Spring Music Concerts 

•  Spring Drama performance 

•  Bands compete at local and state levels 

•  Artwork displayed locally 

• Art competition at the county level

After-school academic enrichment, in cooperation with parent volunteers, is offered in math, science, and geography. 

Thornton has a very active PTSA that meets monthly to plan and support programs and activities that help staff and students in being successful. The PTSA raises funds, recruits volunteers, and organizes events and celebrations for the students of Thornton.

We are committed to the mental health of the students and have two full-time counselors and one transition counselor.  We also have a part-time counselor from Youth and Family Services to serve students.

 

Thornton Junior High School's Mascot: The Thunderbolt