200+ COURSES, INCLUDING AP & HONORS
EXCELLENT UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS
GREAT LOCATION NEAR PORTLAND & BOSTON
SCHOOL FACTS
The School:
Founded…………………………………………………….1811
Gender…………………………………………………….Co-ed
Location………………………………………….Maine, USA
Website………………….www.thorntonacademy.org
Demographics
Students enrolled………………………………………1600
Age range…………………………………………………
Age range boarding………………………………….
International boarders……………………………….12%
Academics & Practical Info
Programs………………………………AP, Honors, STEM
Average class size…………………………………………18
Student:teacher ratio………………………………….11:1
Tuition & Boarding………………………..$56.800/year
Boarding School Exchange at
Thorton Academy
Thorton Academy
Founded in 1811, Thornton Academy is an co-educational day and boarding school covering grades 6-12th. The school is a centre of inspiration, innovation, and community, which focuses on preparing students for a changing world and challenging all students to learn, grow, and succeed.
Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, to try courses that challenge and intrigue them, and to take deep dives into subjects that spark curiosity. Whether in the school’s academics or through athletics and extracurriculars, students are encouraged to follow Thornton’s founding values: respect, compassion, responsibility, and investment.
At Thornton Academy, you’ll find yourself among 1,600 students from more than 30 local towns and more than 40 countries worldwide. The school prides itself on the diversity and multiculturalism of its community and student body, which create a unique and dynamic learning environment for each individual student.
Being a student at Thornton Academy is so much more than education. Here, you can choose from hundreds of enriching activities to customize your experience, such as plenty of exciting extracurriculars, 15 different sports across 52 teams, as well as local hiking expeditions, concerts, and trips to Portland and Boston.Â
ACADEMICS
Thornton Academy ignites a passion for discovery with a flexible and comprehensive academic program, which is one of the most rigorous and extensive programs of study among private schools. Despite the large size of the school, lessons and interactions are kept personal with a teacher to student ratio of 1:11.
SUBJECTS
Students can shape their future with more than 200 courses within 8 departments:Â
Arts | English | History & Social Sciences | Foreign Language | Math | Science & Engineering | Wellness | Technology & New MediaÂ
In addition to the core courses, Thornton also offers excellent college preparatory academics in the form of 26 Advanced Placement courses and more than 40 Honors courses.
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UNIQUE PROGRAMS
Thornton Academy offers a rigorous and broad-based STEM Program, one that is among the most advanced in New England. The school’s STEM facilities are at the apex of technology with the recent establishment of an engineering laboratory on campus where students pursue inquiry-based design skills in a hands-on environment.Â
Thornton also has a unique partnership with University of Maine College of Engineering, a curricular initiative that enables qualified Thornton Academy students to complete their entire first year of engineering courses by the time they graduate high school.
In addition to the engineering partnership with University of Maine, Thornton has established several College & University Partnerships to provide opportunities beyond the campus. Advanced students may explore dual-enrollment options with classes from University of Southern Maine, University of New England, York County Community College, and Southern Maine Community College.Â
THE BOARDING EXPERIENCE
No matter what first attracts you to Thornton Academy – the academics, the location, the athletics and extracurriculars – the school’s close-knit and diverse boarding program is what will make Thornton feel like a home.
The dormitories are where students learn to live and grow together, and the bonds forged between students from all over the world last forever. As a unique offer, Thornton Academy also has a Homestay program for students who want to immerse themselves in American family life and culture.
EXTRACURRICULARS
At Thornton, extracurricular activities are split into six groups: Outdoors, Activism, Service, Academic Clubs, Arts, and Culture. Within these groups, you’ll find over 40 clubs and activities – there really is something for everyone! Thornton’s selection includes, but is not limited to:
Equestrian Club | Fishing | Skiing | Student Council | National Honor Society | Civil Rights Club | TED Club | Neuroscience | Robotics | Debate Team | Photography | Fashion Design | Anime | French, Chinese & Arabic Language Clubs
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ATHLETICS
Thornton Academy has a rich history of athletic excellence and its athletic teams have won more than 50 state championships. Today, athletics are an integral part of the Thornton Academy experience. The school offers more than 50 teams across 15 sports:
Basketball | Baseball | Cheerleading | Cross Country | Field Hockey | Football | Golf | Ice Hockey | Lacrosse | Soccer | Softball | Swimming & Diving | Tennis | Track & Field | Volleyball
SPARE TIME
Take advantage of the beautiful and diverse nature with activities such as ice and open water fishing, mountain and BMX riding, hiking, kayaking, and even ski trips! Each weekend, students can join activities, including going to the movies, trips to Portland and Boston, shopping, sporting events, and concerts. The fun keeps going during school vacations and long weekends, when students have access to special programming
