From reopening to B-Rated, H.S. Thompson is on the rise 

In just four years since reopening as an elementary school, H.S Thompson STEAM Academy received its first rating from the Texas Education Agency, a hard-earned B that reflects years of dedication from team members, students, and the community.  

The elementary school opened in 2022 on the site of the former H.S. Thompson Learning Center, which closed in 2012 and was demolished.

Jennifer Atkins, the school’s principal, has served in South Dallas since the start of her career with Dallas ISD and says the area has become home. When she took on leadership at Thompson, she brought such strategies as community building and academic retention that had proven successful at other schools in the Lincoln-Madison vertical team. Her leadership has been a driving force in shaping a culture of success. 

“Principal Atkins leads by example,” said Sheila Henry, assistant principal. “She’s very hands-on with everything that we do on the campus and is always visible. She never asks anyone to do something that she isn’t willing to do herself as an educator.” 

According to Rockell Stewart, executive director of the Lincoln-Madison vertical team, Atkins has gone above and beyond the call to align H.S. Thompson academically with the other B-rated schools in the vertical team. 

“It is my goal to make sure that our children succeed because we can achieve anything. It is my purpose to motivate our students,” Atkins said. 

Across every grade level, the STEAM Academy encourages both campuswide and classroom celebrations, big and small. From ice cream socials and classroom parties to carts filled with snacks for the entire school, staff make it a priority to ensure students are valued and recognized each day.  

Each grade level at Thompson belongs to a separate house, which adds to the energy and camaraderie of the school. This house system boosts student morale and personalizes students’ involvement in their own learning, school leaders said.  

“Our students at Thompson know their goals,” said Henry. “They know the end goal and where they want to be. So each day, students are pushing themselves to reach that goal. They know what it takes to get there.” 

This passion for learning also stretches across campuses and generations through the Aspiring Teachers Program, a collaboration with Lincoln High School for students who plan to pursue careers in education.  

Each week, select high school students visit H.S. Thompson to read and teach language arts to elementary students. This opportunity gives them real-world classroom experience and allows the vertical team to begin shaping the next generation of teachers in the community even before they graduate.  

“I think students are getting a real opportunity to see what the craft is all about and what it takes to make a difference in students’ lives,” said Henry. “My high school teacher motivated me to want to be a teacher. With high school students coming over and gaining experience from real educators, they are seeing the need for teachers, and that makes a difference.” 

Like other elementary schools in the vertical team, the STEAM academy lays an early foundation for success and sets the long-term expectation for the vertical team of 100% graduation. 

With a history of supportive alumni and active community partners, Atkins said Thompson is here to stay. 

“H.S. Thompson is B-rated today, with an A on the way,” said Henry, proudly repeating the school mantra as a promise of what’s to come.