Upper School Academics–
Choice-Driven Learning. Future-Ready Students.
At Thornton Academy, student choice is at the center of the Upper School academic experience. With guidance from parents, counselors, and teachers, students build individualized schedules that meet graduation expectations while also pursuing their interests and passions. Courses are offered at multiple levels—including Advanced Placement, Honors, Core, and Foundational—to support a range of learning styles and needs. Here, learning is more than a checklist; it is the foundation for lifelong growth and discovery.
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Designed For Where You're Going Next
As you read through the following pages, with their detailed descriptions of the vast and varied academic offerings at Thornton Academy, consider them as both a pathway to success in school and beyond–each designed to meet every student where they are and to help them as they find where they want to go in the world. Our courses feature a rich diversity of subject matter and levels of appropriate challenge, allowing for an individualized path for college bound students, career or service oriented students, and those who are unsure of their post secondary education alike.
Ben Grasso,
Assistant Head for Faculty and Academic Affairs
Standout Classes & Experiences
3D Art and Animation
3D Art and Animation is a dynamic New Media course where students learn the skills associated with the program Blender. In a modern computer lab, students build knowledge on the layuot and design of 3D objects, and add animations at the end of the course.
Everyday Engineering
This hands-on course allows students to use tactile skills for the everyday world. One of the tentpole assignments throughout this year-long course is designing and building bottle rockets, which are tested and launched a few times a year - sometimes reaching over 300 feet in distance!
AP Biology
This challenging, fast-paced course puts students in the driver's seat to learn the intricacies of Biology. This class meets every day of the year to keep up with the rigorous pace set by the College Board. More than theory, AP Bio puts students in real-world situations to learn the equipment and magic of science.
Dance Company
Thornton Academy prides itself on having the best Dance offerings in the state, if not the region. The pinnacle of the program is Dance Company. Students dive head first into all sorts of dance styles, preparing not just for the two major concerts during the year, but frequent performances in the public, sometimes on the biggest stages the state has to offer.
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Upper School Curriculum
Upper School Excellence in Focus
80+
Electives
4-
Year Dance Curriculum
26
AP courses
1:1
iPads for Students
38
Arts courses
7
World languages
40
Honors courses
93%
of Staff are experts in their field of study
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