Virginia Beach Public Schools

It is my opinion that Thoroughgood Elm is one of the premier city schools, but am I being subjective in a 5 star rating of where my children attend. I do think that I am being fair and I will provide some details about the school, it’s history so as to back up my rating. I will also provide stats on performance which is what ultimately determines a schools success.
The school is named after Adam Thoroughgood the city’s founding colonist who was an indentured servant that rose to becoming one of Virginia’s earliest burgesses and later, a member of the Governor’s Council. In 1635, he was granted 5,360 acres in return for the transportation of himself, his wife and 105 persons. One of his «head rights» Augustine Warner, is of particular significance. He became the great-​great-​grand father of President George Washington. The land that the present day school and Thoroughgood neighborhood sets on is part of that original land grant by the King of England which makes this area so special.
The current Principal at TES is Dr. Cheryl Zigrang in her 14^th year in this position. She is the backbone to this place of learning for children K-​5. Her caring attitude and compassionate attitude is contagious throughout the caring staff that she manages. Her high standards of academics and consistent utilization of the kids remembering a number of rules and manners has elevated this school of 700 students into the «Best of Virginia Beach». Dr. Z has been offered promotions to administration and turned them down as her calling is at the school she one day hopes to retire in.
The building itself is one of the cities oldest, constructed in the mid 1950’s. Even though old it is very well maintained by long time janitor Mr. Harold Lawrence. It is over due for a new build out and the School Board recently approved a time table of 2016 – 2018 for a new TES. It will be put in the present day ball field while keeping the current facility in operation through construction.
How about the performance of Thoroughgood. Well let’s start out with saying it is a fully accredited school in the state of Virginia. It also has received the 2012 Governor’s Award for Education Excellence numerous times and is without a doubt one of the cities top schools. Of course the benchmark the state of Virginia uses is Standard of Learning, or SOL. Consistently TES is not only one of the top schools in our city, but the state of Virginia. A snap shot of one piece of data, the 5^th grade writing exam. Going back to 2005 and every year to 2012 Thoroughgood has exceeded district and state standards, thus one of the reasons for the Governors Award on a annual basis.
When I say this this school is awesome, it’s not just lip service. We had one of our children at a pricy private school in the area and discovered this is a great value, offers just as much challenge and is safe from of the schenanigan’s that other schools are plagued with. Anyone reading this review and unsure about how to go about obtaining more info it is easy. Call the school and arrange a tour that will be conducted most likely by Dr. Z herself. We love our TES Flying Seagulls.