Thornton Academy

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Thornton Academy prepares students for a changing world.

A rigorous and broad-based program of academic, arts and athletic opportunities challenges students to reach their potential in readiness for lifelong learning and productive participation in our dynamic world.
15 minutes from Portland, Maine; 90 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts
Extensive Honors and Advanced Placement courses offered and independent study opportunities
Seven Foreign Languages offered
ESL Program

What's special?

Special ‘diploma endorsements’ in advanced studies fine arts new media STEM and applied STEM that can provide advanced standing in university studies | Students may gain admission to the University of Maine's Engineering program with sophomore year standing | Equestrian program | Filmmaking and TV production program

University acceptance rate: 100% including: Boston College, Brown University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Michigan

Notable Alumni

John Fairfields, Governor of Maine and US Senator

Mahesh Pailoor, filmmaker

School Website

Fast facts

Year founded: 1811

Climate: 4 seasons, significant snowfall in winter

Student body: Coed 1630 (7-12) students
10% international students

Average class size: 24, Student/faculty ratio: 15:1

Faculty: 243 , 37% with advanced degrees

University placement: 100%

January entry: Yes

ESL offered: Yes

Entry grade levels: 7-12

Airport: Portland, ME (PWM) via Boston, MA (BOS)

Religious affiliation: None

Uniforms: No

Academics

Honors and AP

Advanced placement courses:

Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French Language and Culture, Human Geography, Latin, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Physics C: Mechanics, Physics 1: Algebra based, Physics 2: Algebra based, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, Studio Art: 2-D Design, Studio Art: 3-D Design, Studio Art: Drawing, US Government and Politics, US History

Honors courses:

AP 28 Honors 42

Marking system & graduation requirements

Marking System:

Grade reports are issued on a quarterly basis

Graduation Requirements:

The minimum graduation requirements for grades 9 through 12 are as follows:

English - 4 credits
Social Studies/History - 3 credits
Mathematics - 3 credits
Science - 3 credits
Fine Arts - 1 credit
Physical Education - 1 credit
Health &Wellness - 0.5 credits

Special programs, programs of study...

Special Programs

Thornton offers more than 100 elective courses and seven foreign languages including Arabic, Chinese, Latin, Greek, French, German and Spanish.Students who complete the Academy's rigourous STEM sequence may gain admission to the University of Maine's College of Engineering program with sophomore standing.

ACT Scores

Average ACT score: N/A

SAT Scores

Average SAT score: N/A

Accreditation

Thornton Academy is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Arts

Studio Arts, Dance, Film, Music, Photography, Theater, TV Production

Athletics

Baseball
Basketball
Field Hockey
Football
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming and Diving
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Wrestling

Campus features

The Academy is nestled on 80 acres (32 hectares) in the safe, scenic coastal town of Saco, Maine. Saco is a friendly, close knit community with abundant resourses for outdoor enthusiasts. Academy facilities include a newly-renovated library, an Arts and Media Center and STEM laboratories, 500-seat auditorium, an engineering lab, art studios, television studio, a dining commons, student and faculty residences, athletic stadium, athletic stadium with lights, turf and track, tennis courts and athletic fields.