2012-13Viewbook

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

Table of Contents

THORNTON 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.



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.


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.

Over 240 courses in eight disciplines

16 Advanced Placement and 34 honors courses provide for academic acceleration and advancement. 9 foreign languages: Ancient Greek, Conversational Arabic, Conversational Japanese, French, German, Latin, Mandarin Chinese Russian, and Spanish.

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.

Opportunity to earn college credits with the University of Maine System


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.

50 teams playing 25 sports giving all students – from first years to seniors – the opportunity to play.

48 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.

- Erin Kany ’11 “ “

ArtsDiscover more about yourself through the arts - painting and playing, dancing

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.



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 and go to school, so it’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. 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’Brien, Parent “ “


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.orgwww.facebook.com/thorntonacademy

Thornton Academy

438 Main Street

Saco, Me 04072

207-282-5383

2012-13Viewbook

Documents

history of thornton

thornton hall

boarding students

day students

changing world

middle school program

student life

boarding program