THORNTON AC ADEMY Learn. Explore. Grow
Table of Contents Thornton Academy .............................. Pg. 2 The History of Thornton Academy ..... Pg. 4 Academics ............................................ Pg. 6 Student Life ......................................... Pg. 8 Arts ....................................................... Pg. 10 Residential Life .................................... Pg. 12 Middle School ...................................... Pg. 14 Come Visit ............................................ Pg. 16
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 recommend solutions.
Communicators who possess the skills to foster interpersonal and cultural connections. Discoverers who are curious and knowledgeable about mathematical and scientific makeup of the world.
and
the
Healthy individuals in mind, spirit and body who understand the relationship between habit and wellness.
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The History Of Thornton Academy
Founded in 1811, Thornton Academy is one of the nation’s oldest
students for a changing world, Thornton added a boarding program
independent schools and one of the oldest public-private partnerships
bringing together students from countries all over the world. Thornton
in the country. The academy opened its doors in January 1813,
takes great pride in the newly renovated Hill Stadium, tennis courts and
welcoming 50 boys and girls, representing both day students from
playing fields for teams, clubs and intramurals – in addition to all the
nearby communities like Saco and Biddeford, as well as boarding
open space on its 80-acre campus.
students from other parts of New England. Unfortunately in 1849, after years of providing a traditional classical education, Thornton’s wooden
After celebrating its bicentennial in 2011, Thornton Academy continues
schoolhouse burned to the ground. The construction of Thornton
to thrive, a unique school that cherishes its independent status and
Academy’s Main Building in 1889 allowed classes to resume, thanks to a
understands its responsibility to educate a broad constituency.
significant gift from the school’s namesake Thomas G. Thornton. Since then, the program has grown and thrived. In the twentieth century, numerous building were erected to accommodate the increasing student population, including Linnell Gymnasium, Garland Auditorium, Hyde library, a Science Wing, Thornton Hall and two student dormitories. Thornton Academy began a middle school program for the town of Arundel and private-paying students in 2006. Striving to prepare
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Academics Learn in small classes, choosing from over 180 courses.
Academics are at the core of the TA experience. Through required courses in English, math, history and science, you’ll develop skills in reading and writing, problem solving and critical thinking. You can also explore your interests – and 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 THORNTON ACADEMY | 6
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 classes like Adventure Studies, Conversational Japanese, and Introduction to Graphic Design among others to create a well-rounded student. TAOnline allows students to work and learn in a virtual environment.
Student Life Explore more after class through athletics, clubs and community service
At 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 of academic 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 includes badminton, volleyball soccer.
and
“
At Thornton I had the opportunity to pursue whatever I wanted. Whether it was either academic or ski racing I was able to do it. The opportunities were limitless.
“
- Erin Kany ’11 THORNTON ACADEMY | 8
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 TA Television (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 the dormitories on campus
TA’s residential life program offers a small, nurturing community with an 8:1 student to resident-faculty ratio.
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
Four faculty residences in each building.
students in TA’s ambassador program. Separate girl and boy dormitories. Spacious student rooms, common rooms with kitchenettes, all designed to maximize natural light. Fully wired living quarters with Internet, cable TV and available in each room.
voicemail
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. Weekend activities allow students to fully enjoy what’s
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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
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. TAMS also has an Honors Academy, afterschool help and a unique strings program. 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. There are also nine altheltic teams. 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
Come Visit If you’re looking for a 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.
Thornton Academy 438 Main Street Saco, Me 04072 207-282-5383 THORNTON ACADEMY | 16
www.thorntonacademy.org
Thornton Academy 438 Main Street Saco, Me 04072 207-282-5383 www.thorntonacademy.org