Thornton School

4 School Street
Johnston, RI 02919
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 340 students in grades 1-5, Thornton School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Rhode Island for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 33%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Rhode Island state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 1-5
  • Enrollment: 340 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 62%
  • : Bottom 50% in RI
  • : 19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 25% (Btm 50%)
  • : 25-29% (Btm 50%)
  • : Thornton School serves the southern part of Johnston, RI, covering an area of approximately 6.2 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 4.5 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education

School Overview

Thornton School's student population of 340 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
340 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

School Calendar
School Motto
The Mission of our school is to provide a safe and enriching learning environment where the whole student is nurtured and developed.

School Rankings

Thornton School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 287 schools in Rhode Island (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Thornton School is 0.64, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (RI)
#196 out of 287 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

19%
29%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

25%
33%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

25-29%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
4%
3%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
46%
31%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Black
9%
9%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓

White
38%
50%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
3%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
62%
0.64

Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
27.4%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
45%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
9%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thornton School's ranking?
Thornton School is ranked #196 out of 287 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Rhode Island.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% RI state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 33% RI state average).
How many students attend Thornton School?
340 students attend Thornton School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Thornton School students are Hispanic, 38% of students are White, 9% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thornton School?
Thornton School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 13:1.
What grades does Thornton School offer ?
Thornton School offers enrollment in grades 1-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Thornton School part of?
Thornton School is part of Johnston School District.

School Reviews

Review Thornton School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 1-5
  • Enrollment: 340 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 62%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 25% (Btm 50%)
  • : 25-29% (Btm 50%)
  • : Thornton School serves the southern part of Johnston, RI, covering an area of approximately 6.2 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 4.5 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education

Related School Videos

Quick Links