Choosing Your Program
Selecting a program of study at Thornton Academy is a serious task. In the new millennium, our rapidly changing world demands that each and every one of us to continually learn and grow if we are to succeed. Not only does the 21st century workforce require advanced learning, two– and four–year colleges have set higher expectations for today's prospective students. As such, the courses you choose today will greatly influence your educational and employment options.

At Thornton Academy, we recognize the increasing demands placed on high school graduates as they navigate today's increasingly challenging career landscape. We believe the greatest way we can help you to succeed academically and personally is to give you the tools and the opportunities you need to become a life–long learner. The resources of this school are behind you 100 percent.

As you begin the process of enrolling for next year's classes, we encourage carefully consider your selection options. Read the course descriptions carefully. Consult with your parents or guardians, teachers and guidance counselor. Make wise choices. Challenge yourself.

There are three possible plans of study: college prep, specialized and standard. All of these plans are designed to give you the academic skills and experiences that should qualify you for admission to many post–secondary schools, colleges, universities and vocational schools.

However, colleges and universities in particular prefer students with strong academic preparation. In most cases that means four years of English and college math and three to four years each of social studies, lab sciences and foreign languages. Therefore, the college preparatory plan should be your choice if you want to prepare for college entrance.

If you have a particular interest, skill or talent, you might want to consider the specialized plan, which allows you to do intensive course work in a particular field. The focus of the specialized program is a 4–credit cluster from the following fields: the arts, career pathways, life skills or vocational.

The standard plan is designed to give you a good, broad–based education. With this plan, you should have the skills necessary to enter the world of work. If you later decide to continue your education at a college or vocational center, this plan also should enable you to meet many of the entrance requirements. In short, this plan is designed to be flexible for whatever path in life and career you choose.

Graduation Requirements
All students receive the same diploma regardless of the plan they follow. The number of credits needed to graduate is 22. Of that number, 14 must meet core requirements. In addition, you must demonstrate computer proficiency by the time you graduate.

Please note that if you do not meet the graduation requirements, you will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. (Affected students may be able to participate in other senior graduation activities, however, with the headmaster's approval.)

Any student who does not graduate will have two years from the date of his/her class's graduation to make up the requirements to qualify for a Thornton Academy diploma. It is important for affected students to see their guidance counselor immediately to work out a plan. In choosing your courses each year with the help of your counselor, teachers and parents/guardians, keep these graduation requirements in mind.

Freshman must take at least seven credits during their first year, of which five are requirements and the rest are electives. You may want to consider scheduling a study hall. To help our freshman succeed, all freshman study halls are conducted in quiet classrooms.

All freshman must take the following five credits: English, Introduction to Wellness, Every Science Every Year 1, World History 1 and Math.

Freshman can then choose electives from the following departments: The Arts; Career Pathways; Foreign Languages.

The Guidance Department will provide Freshman Seminars – information oriented discussion groups—for freshman several times throughout the year. These groups will be held during scheduled study periods. Topics for discussion will include academic planning, social/emotional issues, interpersonal relationships and school adjustment.

Electives
Any student selecting eight credits may find some elective selection unavailable. Priority is given to enrolling every student in the required minimums and to seniors meeting graduation requirements before any student is enrolled for all eight blocks.

Freshmen may take up to three credits of electives. These can be filled by selecting certain identified courses listed in this catalog in the arts, career pathways, foreign languages and life skills. As upperclassmen, you may choose any course as an elective as long as there is an opening in that course and you have the necessary prerequisites for enrollment.

Adding or Dropping a Course
When school starts, you will receive a schedule indicating your selections by block. Included with your schedule will be an announcement indicating the exact time when you may add or drop a course. Please pay careful attention to the announced add–drop dates accompanying your schedule. No changes are permitted once the add–drop period is over unless the change is necessary because of overloads, computer error, or other very special factors.

If you do wish to add or drop a course during the period indicated, contact your counselor to discuss that change. Once the school year begins, you must use the "Permission to Drop" form to make any changes. To receive permission to change a course at that time, you must have your parents, teacher, and guidance counselor sign this form, all agreeing that you have been inappropriately placed in the course in question.

College Courses
Qualified students who wish to take a course at a local university or college and want it to count for credit, as well as class rank, must have prior approval of the headmaster. See your guidance counselor to review this procedure.

Weighted Rank in Class
Rank in class is determined using weighted value of grades. Each course is assigned a level ranging from NW (nonweighted) to 3, with the most difficult courses receiving a 3. The level is indicated in this catalog after each course title. Courses not included in computing rank in class are: aides and pass/fail and nonweighted courses.

Failed Courses
If you fail a required course, you should plan to take that course during summer school as soon as the school year ends. An alternative is to take the failed course during the next academic year if there is space available. However, this alternative is strongly discouraged since your course load would be heavy and since many courses are part of a cumulative program (for example, English II builds on the successful completion of English I).

Course Offerings
Thornton Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum. Some courses listed in this catalog may not be offered every year due to lack of student interest, budget limitations and/or conflicts with use of spaces. However, you will still be able to meet your academic requirements and your interests during your four years here.