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Thornton campus

Welcome to Thornton Academy

Thornton Academy is an independent, private day and boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12. Thornton is co-educational and non-sectarian.

Since its founding in 1811, Thornton Academy has been a center of inspiration, innovation, and community in Saco, Maine. We prepare students for a changing world through our curriculum, facilities, extra-curricular opportunities, and student support. 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. Engagement continues after-school, through many clubs, activities, community service, and athletics. Thornton Academy strives to foster a sense of belonging for all of its students. 

Our Mission

Thornton Academy prepares students for a changing world, challenging all to learn, grow, innovate, and succeed.

Our Student Experience

Support During a Crucial Period of Growth and Development

At Thornton Academy, students can express individuality while discovering their future aspirations. Our school community is warm and welcoming. We are a school where students build strong relationships with dedicated teachers and student friendships that last a lifetime. Our faculty and staff recognize that each child has strengths and challenges, and takes into account the well-being of individuals at each stage of social, emotional, and intellectual development.

Diversity That Fosters Compassion and Respect

With students from more than 30 local towns and more than 50 countries worldwide, we value the diversity and multiculturalism of our community. The geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity of our student body creates a unique and dynamic learning environment that fosters a greater appreciation of not only our individual differences but also the values we share. Among those shared values are Thornton Academy’s Core Pillars — Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Investment. These values guide our work and reflect how we treat one another within our school community. 

An Individualized Approach to Supporting the Future of Each Student

Bearing in mind today's competitive global economy, our experienced college counselors work with students one-on-one in grades 9-12 to plan college and career trajectories. We encourage real-world experience through internships, job shadows, and part-time work. Our university partnerships offer students the opportunity to test out areas of study even before university enrollment.

What Sets Us Apart

As the largest independent school in Maine serving 1,600 local and international students, Thornton Academy offers unique advantages.

  • A comprehensive curriculum which offers more than 200 classes.
  • An emphasis on diversity and multiculturalism. 
  • A broad support network of teachers, counselors, staff, and peers.
  • A wide breadth of opportunities in and beyond the classroom.
  • Bigger and better facilities to inspire students to dream big.

Thornton Academy Pillars

Respect

Respect defines the treatment of one’s self and others.  We recognize differences among members of our community, act with character and integrity, and are aware of how our actions impact others.  To honor our surrounding environment, we are polite, humble, proud, and appreciative

student posing with TA letters at rally
Responsibility

We show responsibility by embracing individual ownership of behaviors and choices.  We make informed decisions and are aware of potential outcomes.  We demonstrate maturity, accountability, preparedness, timeliness, integrity, and purpose.

student wearing a bandana smiles during an assembly
Compassion

The compassionate person knows how to relate to and understand the opinions and experiences of others.  By showing thoughtfulness and gratitude as we encounter new perspectives, not only is our empathy increased but so is the quality of our school community.  Connection, acceptance and the embrace of differences foster our continued growth and relevance.

All smiles in cap and gown at graduation
Investment

Investment is a quality that involves the act of being both present and aware of one’s actions. People who are invested have appropriate goals, and consistently assess their value and progress towards these goals.  Investment takes many forms, but the best practitioners will be engaged, committed, persistent, caring, energetic, and willing to take risks.  By being invested in our school, our time and efforts are valued by all.

Thornton Academy Fast Facts

Classes

200+
 

AP Classes

26
 

Countries Represented

50+
 

Grades

6-12
 

Maine Towns

30+
 

Student-Teacher Ratio

11:1
 

Sports Teams

50+
 

Arts Courses

30+
 

Foreign Languages

6
 

Athletic Championship Titles

208

Alumni on Staff

50+
 

Clubs & Activities

40+
 

Minutes from Boston

90
 

Minutes from Portland

15
 

University Partnerships

7

Levels of Dance

4
 

Headmasters Since 1889

8