University Partnerships

University of Maine

Thornton Academy was the first school in the state to sign an articulation agreement with UMaine College of Engineering. After reviewing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum at Thornton Academy, the University of Maine signed an agreement “to promote the admission of qualified students, to provide the means for a smooth transition for students who have satisfactorily completed the rigorous and mutually agreed upon STEM program at the Academy.” Qualifying students who are eligible for admission to the University’s Engineering College will enter with advanced admissions standing, with a credit equivalency up to the first year of the engineering program. See your school counselor to find out requirements for this demanding program.

International students who graduate from Thornton Academy are guaranteed conditional acceptance
to the University of Maine (UMaine) with a renewable International Flagship Scholarship of $10,000 per year, and a renewable Maine Global Partner Scholarship of $2,000 per year if they meet the following criteria:

• A three-year high school CGPA of 3.00 (85 average) or better, including grades from Thornton Academy
• A 3.00 GPA (85 average) or better for English at Thornton Academy, not in an ESL track.
• Good conduct/disciplinary record.

University of New England

Located only 15 minutes from Thornton Academy's campus, the University of New England offers a rigorous academic program, focusing on STEM and the growing health field. Thornton Academy and the University of New England share a partnership that enables qualifying students to enter the University with sophomore status! Additionally, qualified Thornton Academy students are eligible to take one course at UNE each semester to count for both high school and university credit. 

International students who graduate from Thornton Academy are guaranteed conditional acceptance to the University of New England, with a renewable merit scholarship of $17,000 per year. The conditions are:

• A three year high school unweighted GPA of 3.00 (85 average) or better, including grades from Thornton Academy 
• A 3.00 GPA (85 average) or better for English at Thornton Academy, not in an ESL track 
• A 3.00 GPA (85 average) or better for Math, Sciences, and History at Thornton Academy, not in an ESL track 
• Good conduct/disciplinary record 
• No additional concerns from a Thornton Academy Guidance Counselor or a University of New England Admissions Counselor 

*English language proficiency tests are not required for international students who meet the conditional acceptance criteria and have been enrolled at Thornton Academy for at least two consecutive academic years.

Florida Institute of Technology

Thornton Academy is pleased to partner with Florida Tech (FIT) to offer our international and domestic graduates a path to Florida's STEM University.

International students who graduate from Thornton Academy are granted future acceptance to Florida Tech, with a minimum, renewable merit scholarship of $12,000 per year if they meet all of the following criteria:

• A three-year unweighted GPA of 3.00 or better, including grades from Thornton Academy.
• Demonstration of English proficiency.
• Endorsement from a Thornton Academy Guidance Counselor and final review by Florida Tech Admissions.
• Complete a Florida Tech admissions application.

Domestic students who graduate from Thornton Academy are granted future acceptance to Florida Tech, with a minimum, renewable merit scholarship of $12,000 per year if they meet all of the following criteria:

• A three-year unweighted GPA of 3.00 or better, including grades from Thornton Academy.
• Minimum SAT of 1100 or ACT of 29
• Endorsement from a Thornton Academy Guidance Counselor and final review by Florida Tech Admissions
• Complete a Florida Tech admissions application.

University of Missouri

Thornton Academy and the University of Missouri (Mizzou) are pleased to collaborate in offering qualified international graduates of Thornton Academy a path to enrollment in undergraduate programs at the University of Missouri. International students from Thornton Academy are guaranteed conditional admission to the University of Missouri provided they meet the following criteria. International students from Thornton Academy that are admitted to Mizzou will be considered for our $5,000 International Merit Scholarship or our $10,000 International Honors Scholarship.  

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher over their four-year secondary school career, including coursework from Thornton Academy
• Completed core coursework from across the disciplines of math, English (non ESL), natural and social sciences, and the arts
• Demonstrated good conduct while at Thornton Academy and have a clean disciplinary record

Knox College

Knox College, located in Galesburg, IL,  is a top liberal arts college that offers its students a wide academic program and emphasis on deep thinking and analysis that benefits from a thriving international program. Thornton Academy and Knox College share a common commitment to the value of recruiting and retaining domestic and international students interested in the interdisciplinary learning model. Domestic and International students who graduate from Thornton Academy are granted future acceptance to Knox College, with the opportunity to pay the Illinois rate, if they meet all of the following criteria:

• A three-year unweighted GPA of 3.00 or better in English for grades 9-11 at Thornton Academy, not including ESL track.
• A three-year unweighted GPA of 3.00 or better in math, sciences, history and AP classes that Knox offers credit for.
• For international graduates, demonstration of English proficiency:
• TOEFL of 80 or higher, IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, Duolingo DET of 105 or higher, GTEC score of 1200 or higher, OR three years of English at Thornton Academy (gr 9-11) not in the ESL track
• Complete Knox College application.
• Good conduct/disciplinary record
• Upon full admission to Knox College, students may be reimbursed up to $500 to visit Knox.

SUNY - Albany

The State University of New York at Albany (SUNY-Albany) is a top state university in the Northeast. SUNY-Albany and Thornton Academy are pleased to announce this partnership to allow qualified students a continued educational pathway. 

International students who enroll at Thornton Academy are guaranteed conditional acceptance to SUNY Albany. Additional benefits of this partnership include:

• TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived for applicants with an 85 or higher in English 11 at Thornton Academy.
• Priority is given to students who have earned a 3.0 CGPA.
• Scholarship ranging from $7,000 to $17,500 per year. This amount may change annually.
• Students who apply Early Action (non-bring) will receive an answer by January 1.

York County Community College

Thornton Academy students may earn college credits through "dual enrollment" with York County Community College (YCCC). Dual enrollment offers early college experience for high school juniors and seniors who wish to earn both high school and college credit at the same time.