Mission:

We will…

  • Examine the policies and educational practices which cause inequities. 
  • Commit to a shared set of beliefs and attitudes.
  • Engage with our students, families, and community members to create an inclusive and flexible environment.
  • Support a culturally responsive academic and social-emotional learning environment.

Vision Statement:

Our Thornton High School community fosters a culture and climate that ensures access to quality educational opportunities and a strong sense of belonging for each student. 

Thornton High School

Thornton High School is an urban high school that sets on the southern end of the Five Star District.  THS was built in 1974 and opened its doors in 1975.  Thornton is a comprehensive high school that services 1766 students.  THS has a positive academic reputation and is home to the fourth oldest International Baccalaureate Program in the state.  The IB program (Diploma program) was established at the school in 1992, Thornton High became authorized in 1994.  In the 2010-11 school year, Thornton High was recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the top comprehensive high schools in America, this distinction is given to school’s that have a large percentage of students taking an accelerated course of study, via Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes.  Thornton High School has a rich tradition of academic and social excellence.  Adams 12 Five Star Schools invested in the “Thornton Corridor” by announcing that all of the school’s feeders would seek authorization as IB schools in the Primary Years Program and Middle Years Program.  The K-12 IB continuum in Five Star Schools will culminate at THS with the Middle Years Program and Diploma Program. This will undoubtedly continue 35 years of academic and social excellence at the school.

School Stats

Student Enrollment:  1407
American Indian or Alaskan Native:  0.71%
Asian:  7.54%
Black (Not Hispanic):  2.20%
Hispanic:  71.48%
White, Not Hispanic:  15.79%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander:  0.07%
Multiple Races:  2.20%
Percent of Students on free and reduced lunch:  68%
Percent of teachers with advanced degrees:  67%
Average years teaching experience:  12

School Resources

The Colorado Department of Education's Web site enables users to gage school performance, access student data and learn about student achievement efforts.

Academic Programs

While all schools in the Five Star District follow a common and comprehensive curriculum, our school also offers some unique academic programs:

IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) Mission Statement:

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the IBO works with school, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Thornton High School will welcome its first class of “whole school” IB/MYP students in the 2015-2016 school year.  Essentially all 9th graders will enter as IB students and be given a choice to continue (via the Diploma program) in their junior year or choose an alternative pathway to graduation.  It is important to note that the International Baccalaureate is a world renowned approach to learning that aims to develop internationally minded people who, recognize our common humanity and shared guardianship for the planet.  IB learners strive to be:  Inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.  Students graduating with an IB Diploma can potentially earn up to 24 college credits.

Athletic programs

  • Boys & Girls Cross Country
  • Football
  • Wrestling 
  • Girls Swimming
  • Girls Gymnastics
  • Boys Golf
  • Girls Golf
  • Boys & Girls Track and Field
  • Boys Basketball • Softball 
  • Girls Basketball 
  • Girls Soccer
  • Boys Swimming
  • Boys Tennis
  • Baseball
  • Girls Tennis
  • Volleyball 
  • Boys Soccer