School History

Thornell Road Elementary School

 Current Statistics

Grades: Kindergarten through grade 5

Enrollment: Approximately 505

Built: 1971

Thornell Road Elementary School opened in 1971, located on top of a hill on a 19-acre property that was originally a part of the Joseph Thornell (originally Thornhill) family farm. The property was purchased by the school district in 1964 when enrollments totaled 3,412.

Built on what was originally Native American land, Joseph Thornell settled there and constructed his farmhouse on the property in 1806. That home, located just south of Thornell Road school and currently a private residence was a stop on the Underground Railroad in early days.

With the opening of Thornell Road Elementary School in 1971, Lincoln Avenue School ended its years as a district classroom building. It was a mid-year move from Lincoln Avenue to Thornell Road School during the December winter recess for students in kindergarten through the sixth grade.

Built at the height of the “open school” movement, many of Thornell Road School’s classrooms were double rooms when the school opened. There were quadruple rooms off the upstairs library area. Folding doors have since been installed to convert these rooms into single classrooms. In more recent times, stationary walls have been built to permanently separate most of these open classrooms into individual classrooms.

Improvements made to the school under the 2002 voter-approved revitalization plan included security renovations to the main entrance, installment of an elevator, replacement of lighting fixtures, windows, exterior doors, unit ventilator, and kitchen equipment. Handicapped access to the health office was provided and electrical, public address, and fire alarm systems and technology infrastructures were upgraded. Plumbing and bathrooms were renovated, playground equipment was added, and asphalt areas were resurfaced. The majority of these renovations were completed by the 2005-2006 school year.

The hilltop school still provides a scenic view of the surrounding area and is an impressive setting for the 1971 school structure. It is the newest of all the elementary schools in the District. With the closing of Lincoln Avenue School, Thornell Road became the seventh school building in Pittsford School District.