Why Thornton Academy

What makes Thornton Academy the right choice for so many students? 

  • Incredible academics. Students choose from 200+ courses in 8 academic departments. Want to study AP Psychology, Arabic, play the cello in our orchestra, and be a part of our STEM program? At Thornton Academy, you can do it all! 

  • A beautiful campus. Thornton Academy's campus is large, innovative, safe, and close to it all. We're located only 15 minutes from Portland.

  • Teachers who truly care about their students. Our teachers are more than teachers - they are mentors, friends, supporters, and cheerleaders to our students. Teaching at Thornton Academy is a passion and a career - most of our teachers have over 20 years experience. 

  • Top-level athletics. Whether you have years of experience or want to try one of our 24 sports for the first time, our coaches will support you as you train to become the best you can be! With 10 outdoor fields, a historic indoor gymnasium, a running/walking trail on campus, a new state of the art field house under construction, and over 100 years of athletic experience, Thornton Academy's athletics are unparalleled in the region.

  • Unbelievable arts. Thornton Academy features visual arts (painting, drawing, illustration, photography, pottery, sculpture) and performing arts (choir, band, jazz band, orchestra, acting, theater production, dance). Our students go on to study at top arts universities and perform nationally and internationally. 

  • An inclusive community. Thornton Academy students come from over 30 towns in Maine and New Hampshire, as well as over 50 countries from around the world. Get ready to make a diverse group of friends that will stick with you for life! 

a student uses a microscope
hockey player gets ready to take a shot
dancers in skirts on stage
main building at dusk
teacher and three students share a laugh
Three students in a dorm room
teacher with a laptop in class
winning a sprint in a track meet
studying with a friend in the library
five students at a picnic table outside a dormitory
playing rock paper scissors
Four students after a running race
proud to have climbed a mountain
aerial view of thornton academy's campus
students and a teacher work on a project in the new media center
a student plays the violin during a concert

Porter has excelled academically and socially at TA. He has made wonderful new friends and his grades have soared thanks to the quality of the connections he’s made with many teachers. As a family, we have been welcomed warmly and have felt very well supported along the way. In hindsight, it seems obvious now that the only thing that could have made it better was to have made the transition sooner. 

Chris, Parent from Buxton

students at a blackout football game at hill stadium