Thoroughgood Elementary School is named for the city’s founding colonist, Adam Thoroughgood, an indentured servant who rose to become one of Virginia’s earliest burgesses and later, a member of the Governor’s Council. In 1635, he was granted 5,360 acres in return for the transportation of himself, his wife and 105 persons. One of his “head rights” Augustine Warner, is of particular significance. He was the great-great-grand father of George Washington.
Our school and its community are situated on part of this patent, the largest grant in Virginia until 1650. The Adam Thoroughgood House, circa 1680, is a National Historic Landmark, one of only two 17th century houses in the South so designated. It stands in the center of our community which includes the developments of Thoroughgood, Thoroughgood Estates, Thoroughgood Colony, Lake Smith Terrace, Gracetown, Bayville Park, Baylake Pines, Ocean Park, Hermitage Townhouses, a satellite area of Little Creek Naval Housing, and Church Point.
Thoroughgood Elementary School serves a diverse, relatively transient population. The staff and faculty of Thoroughgood prides itself in providing over 700 students with an academically challenging education in a safe nurturing environment. The administrators, faculty, and staff are dedicated individuals who constantly implement best practices to reach and teach our students. The PTA is comprised of an enthusiastic and supportive group of individuals who work tirelessly and are strongly committed to quality education for our students.