Our School

History

Margaret Jamieson Thornton was a lifelong Charles County resident and educator with CCPS. Born in 1931, Thornton was educated in the one-room schoolhouse in Port Tobacco until sixth grade and completed her high school studies at Bel Alton Junior Senior High School, where she graduated as a junior.

She completed her senior year at Dunbar Senior High School and earned a master’s degree equivalent in early childhood education from Bowie State Teachers College. Thornton began her teaching career at Port Tobacco Elementary School and also held positions at Bel Alton Junior Senior High School, Indian Head Elementary School and Gale-Bailey Elementary School.

Thornton was a strong supporter of early education and influential in lobbying that the Board of Education change its early education policy to include kindergarten. Once the Board of Education of Charles County changed its early education policy to offer kindergarten, Thornton became one of the system’s first kindergarten teachers. In 1968 while still teaching, Thornton and her husband founded a family business, Thornton Funeral Home. Thornton continued to teach while serving as the business vice president and CFO. Her career with CCPS spanned more than 30 years in working with young students. She passed away in 1997.

Thornton Elementary School is currently under construction and is located off St. Charles Parkway in White Plains at 5860 St. David Drive, within the new Highlands neighborhood development. The 94,000-square foot building is set to open for the 2025-2026 school year with space for 778 students. Cost of the construction project is $45.4 million.

The Charles County NAACP generously donated the portrait of Margaret J. Thornton on display in the school's front office.

Mission

At Thornton Elementary, our mission is to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and is provided equitable support to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Through engaging and innovative instruction, meaningful partnerships with families, and a commitment to continuous growth and excellence, we empower students to become curious learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate citizens prepared to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Vision

At Thornton Elementary, we envision a school where every student develops a lifelong love of learning, the confidence to pursue their dreams, and skills to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms, communities, and beyond. We are a united community of students, families, and staff committed to learning, growing, and thriving through meaningful relationships and a shared commitment to excellence.

Motto

Together, we explore. Together, we grow. 

Explorers C.O.D.E.

C – Courteous
O – Orderly
D – Dependable
E – Strive for Excellence