Learn. Explore. Grow

THORNTON ACADEMY

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

Table of Contents

THORNTON ACADEMY | 2THORNTON ACADEMY | 2

Preparing Students for a Changing World Since 1811

Thornton Academy

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 understand the relationship between habit and wellness.

THORNTON ACADEMY | 4

The HistoryOf Thornton Academy

Founded in 1811, Thornton Academy is one of the nation’s oldest

independent schools and one of the oldest public-private partnerships

in the country. The academy opened its doors in January 1813,

welcoming 50 boys and girls, representing both day students from

nearby communities like Saco and Biddeford, as well as boarding

students from other parts of New England. Unfortunately in 1849, after

years of providing a traditional classical education, Thornton’s wooden

schoolhouse burned to the ground. The construction of Thornton

Academy’s Main Building in 1889 allowed classes to resume, thanks to a

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

students for a changing world, Thornton added a boarding program

bringing together students from countries all over the world. Thornton

takes great pride in the newly renovated Hill Stadium, tennis courts and

playing fields for teams, clubs and intramurals – in addition to all the

open space on its 80-acre campus.

After celebrating its bicentennial in 2011, Thornton Academy continues

to thrive, a unique school that cherishes its independent status and

understands its responsibility to educate a broad constituency.

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AcademicsLearn 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

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.

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Student LifeExplore 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 and

soccer. 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 “ “

ArtsDiscover 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 LifeLive 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.

Four faculty residences in each building.

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 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. 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.

Saco is a very good place to live andI have a good place to go to school, soit’s perfect.

- Ziewi Wang ‘12 “ “

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Middle SchoolGrades 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, after-

school 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. I think TAMS is the best middle schoolprogram. The staff and faculty are just so dedicated.

- Christina O’Brian, Parent “ “

Thornton Academy

438 Main Street

Saco, Me 04072

207-282-5383

www.thorntonacademy.orgTHORNTON ACADEMY | 16

Come VisitIf 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 Academy438 Main StreetSaco, Me 04072207-282-5383

www.thorntonacademy.org