Thomas Dale High School

Posted: October 7, 2019

With 3 children, one already graduated from Thomas Dale, I can confidently say each individual student’s experience at Thomas Dale will directly reflect the choices that student makes - who they choose to be friends with, how much they choose to study, how engaged they choose to be. Thomas Dale has been a great place for my children to learn this important fact of life and everything they need to be successful is there if they choose to seek it out.

Posted: October 7, 2019

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Posted: May 6, 2018

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Posted: May 6, 2018

Posted: May 6, 2018

Posted: May 6, 2018

Both of my children have attended Thomas Dale High School. I have found the teachers to be kind and caring and the administration to go above and beyond on more than one occasion. The community within the school is hard to miss and makes Thomas Dale home to the students and staff. Like anything, you get out of it what you put into it. Proud to be part of the Thomas Dale community!

Posted: May 6, 2018

Posted: March 17, 2018

Towards the end of last year, there was a temporary activity implemented by the name of "Respect Fridays." This took our extended enrichment time that should be used for test make-up, extra help with teachers, etc., but was taken away for this reason, without the student or teachers knowing. So we would plan to do those things, only to be unable to do them. Now, the reason why I am mentioning this here is because they mainly had us do things like writing an essay about bullying being bad, writing a poem about respect, etc. This shows that everyone who was involved in making these decisions were either ridiculously naive, ridiculously uninformed, or ridiculously dismissal of the real issue of bullying. There are teachers who bully the students, and referring to the incident report mentioned earlier, nothing is done about it when a student gets the courage to report it. Even if it is a student-student bullying issue, no one cares. No one helps. You fend for yourself. The "anonymous bully-reporting" Google form is a joke. There is also only ONE POLICE OFFICER at each campus. Each school is required to have at least two, but since we have two campuses, they are split up. Please inform me as to how I am supposed to feel safe in any regard when there is one police officer and over 2,000 students who could threaten my life.

Posted: March 17, 2018

Something else that should be mentioned is that the "cameras" outside most likely don't work. I believe this because someone broke into my brother's car after school hours, where it was parked in the teacher parking lot, and they "couldn't pull up the tapes." So either they can't be bothered when there's an actual crime committed at the school, or the cameras don't work.

Everyone says to "enjoy high school, that's the best time of your life!" Well, if these are the best years of my life, I don't have much to look forward to in the future. I'm sure there are some people who have had an enjoyable time at Dale... Ignorance is bliss. My four year sentence is almost up. There's a reason we call it "Thomas Jail."

Posted: March 17, 2018

I've had a few great teachers at this school. I don't want to discount those who truly care about the students and their jobs. However, there are many teachers who are angry that they aren't retired yet, hate children, are overtly prejudiced without care, and/or just don't want to be there at all. I'm an honors student, and I'm in C-level government. The way that the teacher treats the students in that class is rude, patronizing, and unprofessional. I am in the specialty center for orchestra. The way that the teacher treats me is absolutely ridiculously unprofessional. I do admit that I could handle some situations better, but I am still learning. I have been insulted to my face, lied to, have had remarks made under his breath about me as he walks away, etc. and when I try and speak up and express that the responses were uncalled for and rude, I am chastised more, and told that I am wrong by said teacher. It is extremely stressful to be a student at Thomas Dale.

Posted: March 17, 2018

We are pushed to develop strong character traits like resilience, patience, and self-sufficiency, that's for sure. Of course, we are coerced into being respectful, with the wonderful adage that is "Respect is a two-way street." That only works if BOTH people are driving...

Posted: March 12, 2018

It was ok I guess you could say. The staff in the front office are lazy and don't want to process requests. Teachers are nasty and rude towards students AND PARENTS and they don't have any sympathy when a student is out sick or has family issues. Teachers are ALWAYS late to class, but get onto children about being late to class. The grading is horrible. If you correct a teacher on their grading of an assignment, they'll deduct more points. Overall, it's a very unfair environment. There have been threats to a school shooting over social media a few times, and the county nor the school has said or informed parents about the issue, which is a safety issue for the kids. If I were a parent, I wouldn't feel safe sending my kid to school here. There are threats of violence, and there are also lots of drugs at Thomas Dale. It needs to be a happier learning environment.

Posted: March 12, 2018

The teachers here don't take late work, even if you were absent.

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Posted: December 4, 2017

Awful! Just awful. I have never been so embarrassed just sitting there waiting to be helped for a mistake absent for my Senior student. First of all, the lack of decorum's between the office worker is super awkward because, they gossip about you right in front of you. The Police guy from the back as well. It was just so embarrassing to witness at a professional surroundings. Let’s get it together Thomas Dale! If you’re going to gossip about a parent, please, wait for them to leave. It’s embarrassing to witness as a parent, let’s not forget that we are all adults and need some manners.

Posted: December 4, 2017

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Posted: March 28, 2017

I was a transfer student from Monacan and to be honest, I thought I was going to hate it. No, it was and is not that bad. It is not as small as Monacan but I knew a few people and was able to adapt in a day or two. The teachers are really nice and helpful.

Posted: March 28, 2017

I mean in order to learn anything you have to practice it at home and I think the teachers do a great job at giving homework.

Posted: March 28, 2017

If you need help they are more than willing to help you. They are pretty easy to work with if you need to come in early, stay after, get extra help they are willing to do what it takes to keep good grades.

Posted: March 28, 2017

The school instills in every student that they can make a difference in the world you just need to put the effort forward to do it.

Posted: March 28, 2017

Dale has a number of student lead programs and I think it is important that not only teachers but also students help lead and plan things.

Posted: March 28, 2017

I have a 504 and know a lot of other people who have one or have an IEP and Dale does a great job making sure that they get what they need to be successful just like those who dont have those needs.

Posted: March 28, 2017

I'm not saying they dont do anything but they are not doing all that they can to stop or eliminate bullying. I understand there is only so much that can be done but when you see the same few people in your office for bullying that's your sign to do something different and not just tell them "Don't do it again"

Posted: February 6, 2017

NOT enough enforcement or punishment for those who do the BULLYING!

Posted: February 6, 2017

Posted: February 6, 2017

Not sure who is "leading" except the GUIDANCE dept. leads the kids on path t their future. Overall leadership as a whole is weak

Posted: February 6, 2017

The behavior problems get more recognition and TOO many chances!

Posted: February 6, 2017

NO communication with parents. WHY give email address if teachers don't send emails?

Posted: February 6, 2017

Posted: February 6, 2017

The 2 campuses are over crowded, parking, entrance and exiting the school is dangerous, the staff between the 2 campuses seem disconnected. It also seem that your child is only acknowledged or known if he/she is in the "arts" program or a "trouble maker" Those who work the hardest and well behaved get pushed under the rug. Teachers do NOT communicate with parents AND the way these teacher dress is beyond unprofessional. There is something wrong when a visitor cannot distinguish between a TEACHER and a PE Teacher!

Posted: February 2, 2017

I agree with another reviewer about the staff at this school. This school is over crowded even with 2 campuses. The administration and teachers are really nasty to parents. If you're not in the arts program it seems as though you're just another number to them. I wouldn't advise sending my children to this school. I pulled mine out!

Posted: February 2, 2017

It's prolific in this school. Fighting every day. Easy to bully via social media. School doesn't have the resources with so many students.

Posted: February 2, 2017

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Posted: January 16, 2017

So many things wrong with this school since they opened the second campus. A higher volume of students skipping, and the most of the teachers don't seem to care. The two offices down communicate with one another. Front office workers in main campus are very rude and curt. The entire school is a mess.

Posted: June 27, 2016

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Posted: June 27, 2016

We have enjoyed the amazing arts programs and community focus! Teachers are great to work with. Great dance program!

Posted: January 13, 2015

I am currently a senior at Thomas Dale and I've attended since my freshman year. Thomas Dale and Chester have a very tight-knit community and most everyone who attends the school, despite it being so large know each other in some capacity. At Thomas Dale, extracurricular activities are a focal point. Our sports teams and dedicated fans make up a large portion of the school, but with Thomas Dale being the specialty center for the visual and performing arts, there is always a play, art show, or dance competition going on. Studies at Thomas Dale, like many other high schools today, really operate on memorization as opposed to actually learning, which is where I take off points. A lot of the teachers (Nigro, Longworth, Young to name a few) really are passionate about what they do and love helping their students succeed, but some honestly do not care and would rather just sit on their computer or bring in a substitute. Thomas Dale administration can also be a little much on some of their policies, or allow students to do something one day and then punish them for the very same things the next. Thomas Dale is really a school for those involved in it, and you get as much out as you put in

Posted: January 3, 2014

I'm a military child who went to Thomas Dale only for 5 months. It's not that bad actually. Everyone is nice. NO BULLIES. Most of the teachers are very awesome. The over crowding problem is solved if your wondering. There is now a 9th Grade Campus 9th Graders go there now. The 10-12 graders stay in the main building. Thomas Dale students welcome you if your a new student. Like I was. Very nice and warm school. RIP to Mr. Vinny who passed away recently.

Posted: September 9, 2013

Hello, we have twin sons who graduated from Thomas Dale the year your group began, 1998. Our sons got a great education at Thomas Dale. With the help of guidance counselors, particularly Evelyn White, both of them got the help and direction they needed to go on to college and become fine contributing members of our world. In the 90's I think our sons saw more than we ever wanted them to know about life. So many kids who needed someone who cared. Thomas Dale teachers and other staff made the difference for so many children. We are parents who were involved at school and found we were totally impressed with the whole school life there. From classroom studies to sports and everything in between we can honestly say TDHS was and I hear still is one of the best in this area. We go to occasional football games there to feel the spirit of this great school whether it be in the classroom or on the field. GO, THOMAS DALE KNIGHTS AND CONTINUE TO "GO" FOR THE THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS YOU HAVE HELPED IN SO MANY WAYS IN THEIR LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!! We are also very impressed with your involvement in our schools. Thanks for being there. Thank you, Karen and Ken Lutes

Posted: January 18, 2013

I am bequeathing to Thomas Dale the maximum five-star(excellent) rating. I truly believe the school deserves the recognition. I am a student of the 2011 graduating class, and if I had the choice of any school in the county I would still pick Thomas Dale. I was not involved in any extracurricular activities, but the teachers were huge inspirations to me. My 11th grade Honors English teacher was phenomenal. The work load was outrageous for a high school student, but boy did it prepare me for college. I am much more capable of doing research than most of my collegiate counterparts because of her rigorous and precise papers. To be honest, all of the English teachers I had were great. I believe there is something to be said about the History department as a whole. I am a lover of all history. Each and every one of my history teachers, I feel, were very influential and devoted to the subject. I would hate to leave out the other departments, but History is easier for me to compliment because I thoroughly enjoyed the classes. There really is a warming sense of unity amongst Thomas Dale graduates.

Posted: November 26, 2011

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!!!

Posted: November 3, 2011

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!

Posted: April 26, 2011

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 .