By Barry H. Hendrix
The Thomasville City Schools District has earned a 90 grade (A) for the 2024-2025 school year on the State Report Card.
The school system overall earned a 71.64 in Academic Achievement, 100 in Academic Growth, 91.30 in Graduation, 12.40 in Chronic Absenteeism and 94.20 in College and Career Readiness.
Thomasville Elementary School earned an 84 grade (B) on the report card; Thomasville Middle School earned an 89 (B); and Thomasville High School earned an 80 (B).
Alabama Act No. 2012-402, passed in 2012 by the State Legislature, mandated the creation of a school grading system. According to al.com, “(State) Superintendent Eric Mackey said that the state’s K-12 schools (overall) earned an ’87’ on the education report card released Nov. 13. That’s the highest rating ever since the state started giving itself letter grades in 2018.”
• “At Thomasville Elementary School, we will remain committed to providing high-quality instruction,” said Melisa Washington, TES Principal. “Although our current state score of 84 reflects steady progress, we are focused on strategic actions that will move us toward our goal of earning a much higher score.
“To achieve this goal, we will improve Tier I and Tier II instruction through consistent implementation of standards-aligned lessons and increased targeted small group support based on a collection of student data.
“Additionally, we will continue to monitor student progress and ensure teachers have access to professional development to improve instructional practice,” Washington said. “Through collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and intentional support for both students and teachers, Thomasville Elementary will continue to close learning gaps, raise achievement levels, and ensure that all learners are on a path to long-term success.”
• “From the very beginning of the school year, Mrs. (Renae) Williams and I set a personal goal for Thomasville Middle School to earn an ‘A’ on the State Report Card, said Brad Elam, TMS Principal. “Even though we didn’t quite reach that mark this time, we are right there, and we truly believe we will get there. That belief comes from what we see every single day — the dedication of our teachers and the hard work our students put in.
This growth didn’t just happen — it was earned. It came from real effort, long days, and the willingness to keep going even when things were challenging. Our teachers planned, re-taught, encouraged, and supported students in every way they could. They worked early mornings, late afternoons, and even on their own time because they truly believe in our students. Their teamwork, care, and commitment to doing what’s best for kids is something we are incredibly grateful for and proud of.
“Our score is real evidence of the effort happening in classrooms across our building,” Elam said. “Our teachers go above and beyond for kids, and our students keep pushing, learning, and growing. We truly feel that our faculty and staff are some of the best in Alabama, and the work they put in deserves to be celebrated.
“We just can’t say ‘thank you’ enough. Our teachers make TMS a place where students actually enjoy being — a place where they feel cared for, supported, and encouraged to learn. That’s what matters most, and that’s what keeps us moving forward.
“We are additionally grateful for the support and leadership of our Superintendent, Mrs. Vickie Morris, and the Thomasville City School Board,” Elam said. “Their commitment to excellence continues to guide and strengthen the work happening across our district. Our district’s guiding message, ‘Expect Excellence,’ pushes us to aim high and never settle. Here at TMS, our own expectation ‘Be Elite,’ shows through the effort, attitude, and pride our teachers and students bring every single day.
• “The recent score is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Thomasville High School team, said Eddie Armstead Jr., THS Principal. “Our teachers consistently strive to deliver high-quality instruction aligned to state standards and to prepare students for success on state assessments. Our students remain motivated, engaged, and committed to performing at the highest levels of their ability.
“As administrators, we take great pride in ensuring that both teachers and students have access to the tools, resources, and support necessary for effective teaching and learning. While we are pleased with this achievement, we also recognize the ongoing challenges involved in maintaining such high levels of performance.
“We remain committed to identifying areas for improvement and developing targeted plans to support continued growth,” Armstead said. “Our focus will always be on sustaining excellence while fostering an environment where all students can thrive.”