thornton academy viewbook
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An overview of the 11-12 Thornton Academy offerings.TRANSCRIPT
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 under- stand the relationship between habit and wellness.
Ethical people who consider the moral implications of
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
Come Visit ............................................ Pg. 15
Table of Contents
THORNTON ACADEMY | 2
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
Come Visit ............................................ Pg. 15
Table of Contents
THORNTON ACADEMY | 2
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 developing a good reputation for offering 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 continued to thrive.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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. 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.
- 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
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. “
“
Residential LifeLive 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
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 “ “
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.
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.
I think TAMS is the best middle schoolprogram. The staff and faculty are just so dedicated.
- Christina O’Brian, Parent “ “
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.
Come Visit
THORNTON ACADEMY | 16
Thornton Academy
438 Main Street
Saco, Me 04072
207-282-5383
www.thorntonacademy.org
Portland
Bates
Colby
Bowdoin
Saco
YaleNew York City: NYU
Boston:Boston College, Boston University, Bentley, MIT, Wellesley
UNE