THORNTON AC ADEMY Learn. Explore. Grow
Thornton Academy Preparing Students for a Changing World Since 1811 Thornton Academy or TA, one of New England’s oldest college preparatory schools, is independent, coeducational and right-sized. We’re large enough to offer incredible depth and breadth in our programs yet small enough to give each and every student personal attention.
Designated a Maine School of Excellence, Thornton Academy strives to be a community of: Creative and critical thinkers who identify problems and recommend solutions.
Communicators who possess the skills to foster interpersonal and cultural connections. Discoverers who are curious and knowledgeable about the mathematical and scientific makeup of the world. Healthy individuals in mind, spirit and body who under- stand the relationship between habit and wellness.
Table of Contents Table of Contents The History of Thornton Academy ..... Pg. 3 Academics ............................................ Pg. 5 Student Life ......................................... Pg. 7 Arts ....................................................... Pg. 9 Residential Life .................................... Pg. 11 Middle School ...................................... Pg. 13
Ethical people who consider the moral implications of
Come Visit ............................................ Pg. 15
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The History Of Thornton Academy
Founded in 1811, Thornton Academy is one of the nation’s
Thornton Academy began a middle school program for
oldest independent schools and one of the oldest public-
the town of Arundel and private-paying students in 2006.
private partnerships in the country. The academy opened
Striving to prepare students for a changing world, Thornton
its doors in January 1813, welcoming 50 boys and girls,
added a boarding program bringing together students from
representing both day students from nearby communities
countries all over the world. Thornton takes great pride in the
like Saco and Biddeford, as well as boarding students from
newly renovated Hill Stadium, tennis courts and playing fields
other parts of New England. Unfortunately in 1849, after
for teams, clubs and intramurals – in addition to all the open
years developing a good reputation for offering a traditional
space on its 80-acre campus.
classical education, Thornton’s wooden schoolhouse burned to the ground. The construction of Thornton Academy’s
After celebrating its bicentennial in 2011, Thornton Academy
Main Building in 1889 allowed classes to resume, thanks to
continues to thrive, a unique school that cherishes its
a significant gift from the school’s namesake Thomas G.
independent status and understands its responsibility to
Thornton. Since then, the program has continued to thrive.
educate a broad constituency.
In the twentieth century, numerous building were erected to accommodate the growing population, including Linnell Gymnasium, Garland Auditorium, a Science Wing, Thornton Hall and two student dormitories.
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Academics Learn in small classes, choosing from over 180 courses.
A cademics are at the core of the TA experience. Through required courses in English, math, history and science, you’ll develop your skills in reading and writing, problem solving and critical thinking. You can also explore your interests – or develop new ones – in a variety of elective offerings.
180 courses in English, math, science, history, foreign languages, the arts, wellness and career pathways. 13 Advanced Placement and 34 honors courses provide for academic acceleration and advancement. 9 foreign languages: Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Latin, Ancient Greek, Russian, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. Daily small group advisories where students meet with their advisors to discuss personal goals, triumphs and challenges, and chart progress on a personalized learning plan.
Evening and afternoon classes that present extraordinary learning opportunities, such as classes with a Shakespeare scholar or Maine Poet. Block 5 and X classes are offered after the traditional school day and include Adventure Studies, Conversational Japanese, and Introduction to Graphic Design among others create a well- rounded student. TAOnline allows students to work and learn in a virtual environment.
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Student Life Explore more after class through athletics, clubs and community service
A t TA, we recognize learning happens not only in the classroom, but also in the hallways, playing fields and in the surrounding community. You’ll find plenty to do outside your studies to exercise your mind and body. Try something new and just have fun. 49 teams playing 24 sports giving all students – from first years to seniors – the opportunity to play. 40 co-curricular clubs, including Anime, Amnesty International, Math Club and Outdoor Adventure Club. Active service program that takes TA into the community to tutor school children, visit senior citizens and assist local non-profit organizations. Intramural sports program including badminton, volleyball and dorm soccer.
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At Thornton I had the opportunity to pursue whatever I wanted. Whatever it was either academic or ski racing I was able to do it. The opportunities were limitless.
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- Erin Kany’11
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Arts Discover more about yourself through the arts - painting and playing, dancing and creating
The arts happen inside and outside the classroom at TA, in a broad array of courses and in co-curricular activities. All are taught and directed by our experienced faculty artists and enhanced by facilities, including studios for dance, visual arts, theater, music, photography and television. Four-year curriculum in dance and strings. 12 music courses as well as Full Orchestra, Chamber Singers, Treble Choir, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Band, Strings and Wind Ensemble. 12 visual arts courses, from pottery to drawing, and from film to digital imaging TATV is managed by a team of student leaders who have a passion for creative video work and for broadcast journalism. As an extra-curricular activity, TATV currently produces 10 shows that are aired on channel 3 in Saco, Maine as well as tapings for the school sports games.
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Residential Life Live where you learn in one of two new dormitories on campus
TA’s residential life program offers a small, nurturing community with an 8:1 student to resident-faculty ratio. Four faculty residences in each building Separate girl and boy dormitories
Weekend activities allow students to fully enjoy what’s happening on campus and in the community. Students shop, spend a day at the beach, among many other fun experiences. Friendships for life are built through interaction with day students in TA’s ambassador program
Spacious student rooms, common rooms with kitchenettes, all designed to maximize natural light Fully wired living quarters with Internet, cable TV and voicemail available in each room Located on a beautiful 80-acre campus in coastal southern Maine, minutes from Portland and access by train to nearby Boston. Students enjoy local art museums, shopping venues, attending concerts, ethic restaurants and markets and opportunities for diverse religious worship
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Saco is a very good place to live and I have a good place to go to school, so it’s perfect.
- Ziewi Wang ‘12
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Middle School Grades 6-8
Thornton Academy Middle School (TAMS) is exceptionally student and family-centered, creating a culture that values and encourages curiosity, respect, responsibility, honesty, courage, and compassion. Students are enrolled in courses across 12 disciplines, including academic classes and the option to take high school courses. Block 5 classes include Introduction to Environment Studies, The Art of Dance, and Starting with Strings. The school boasts annual musical and drama performances and offers over 14 clubs, music and service groups including Concert Band, TAMS Yearbook, iTeam and National Junior Honor Society. Smart boards are in every classroom and all students have a laptop for wireless access and homework.
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I think TAMS is the best middle school program. The staff and faculty are just so dedicated.
- Christina O’Brian, Parent
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Come Visit If you’re looking for a high school experience where you can learn, explore and grow, Thornton Academy is just the place. Visit our web site, speak with our admission counselors and come see TA for yourself. We look forward to meeting you! Thornton Academy is located in Saco, Maine, 15 minutes from Portland, Maine, and 90 minutes from Boston. Accessible by interstate highway or Amtrak train (the Downeaster) which makes five round trips to Boston daily from the local station less than one mile from campus. Easy access to three major airports – 15 minutes to the International Jetport in Portland; 90 minutes to either Boston’s Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts; and 90 minutes to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Colby Bates Bowdoin Portland UNE Saco
Boston: Boston College, Boston University, Bentley, MIT, Wellesley Yale New York City: NYU
Thornton Academy 438 Main Street Saco, Me 04072 207-282-5383 www.thorntonacademy.org THORNTON ACADEMY | 16
Thornton Academy 438 Main Street Saco, Me 04072 207-282-5383 www.thorntonacademy.org