Middle School Admissions

Join our supportive environment where students can grow and thrive.

TAMS is an ideal setting for adolescents to experiment, grow, and discover themselves in a supportive and nurturing environment. The small, close-knit community allows teachers to provide an individualized approach in the classroom, which in turn works to encourage motivated and high achieving students who need to be stretched and challenged. TAMS builds a foundation of trust and support for those students who need extra care and support in specific areas.

Ready to take the next step? The application process is simple, and our team is ready to support you every step of the way.

We are currently accepting application for grades 6, 7, 8 on a rolling basis for the 2024-25 school year. Applications for 2025-26 are also open.

Start your application today

step-by-step admissions process

Step 1: Fill out the online application

Create an account in our Admissions Portal, where you will find the online application. You will be prompted to pay the application fee before submitting the application.

Once you've submitted your application, the admissions office will reach out to the email address provided about next steps. Additionally, you can track your application progress and status online. Please keep track of your username and password as you will need them later in the enrollment process.

We also welcome the Standard Online Application (SAO).

Step 2: submit required documents

Supplemental materials may be accessed and submitted through our admissions portal or sent to us at admissions@thorntonacademy.org.

Required supplemental materials:

Two letters of recommendation: one teacher recommendation, one personal recommendation.
Report cards from your current school.
Handwritten essay (essay topic is stated within the application).

Step 3: schedule a visit or shadow day

All applicants are invited to visit campus. We also offer shadow days for students who are interested in experiencing what TAMS is like on a day-to-day basis. To schedule your visit or a shadow day, contact our admissions office at 207-282-5383 or admissions@thorntonacademy.org.

Shadow days at TAMS will begin on November 1. Please fill out our shadow day request form if you're interested in setting one up.

Financial Aid

Thornton Academy offers need-based financial aid to qualifying families who complete an aid application through Clarity. Please understand that it is not always possible to provide an award that fully matches the demonstrated need of every family. To be considered for financial aid, please submit the completed Clarity application, along with the required supplemental documents, as a part of your admission process.

82% of TAMS families who apply for financial aid are granted an award!

Questions about financial aid? Call the admissions office at 207-282-5383 or email admissions@thorntonacademy.org.

The Thornton Academy Advantage in grades 6-12

Individualized approach to learning beginning in the middle school years
More opportunities for learning and growth, with over 200 courses at the upper school
Diversity and multiculturalism is celebrated on campus
Students are supported and encouraged by a wide network of teachers, counselors, staff, and peers
Endless opportunities to discover who you aspire to be
State of the art facilities to inspire students to dream big

FAQs

What towns have town-tuitioning?

What additional fees should we expect?

Required school fees include:

iPad Fee ($60 annually)

Other fees may include:

Lunches are NOT included. Students set up a debit account to purchase food in the dining commons.
Most club activities are included, club field trips may require a fee.
Athletic uniforms are included, students must provide personal athletic equipment and clothing.
Yearbooks.
Tickets for concerts, plays, dance performances.
Tickets to school dances.
School pictures and sports pictures are available for purchase annually.
Additional tech resources, such as the Apple Pencil.

What supports are available to students?

At TAMS, we work hard to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to excel.

If a student is struggling academically, their school counselor can set up a Student Teacher Action Plan (STAP) or connect the student with a Response to Intervention (RTI) teacher.

Additionally, all teachers have posted office hours where they are available to students and are available via Google Classroom and email for continued support.

If a student is struggling socially or with mental health, their school counselor can connect them with one of our four social workers for short-term counseling and support.

What's the school culture at TAMS like?

Thornton Academy relies on our four pillars of respect, responsibility, compassion, and investment to define our school community.

We work hard to develop a supportive and accepting community - from the adults to the students, everyone approaches others with a sense of respect and curiosity.

Students are encourage to get involved with our existing clubs and groups, form their own, and advocate for change whenever they see a need.

What's a typical day like at TAMS?

How do students join clubs and sports?

How can parents connect with TAMS?

Parents and guardians will receive access to PowerSchool and GoogleClassroom which will allow them to check in daily on their student's grades, assignments, and class progress.

Parents are encouraged to keep in touch with their student's teachers via email. A directory of all staff is available on this website.

Two events each fall allow parents to stay in touch face-to-face: a 'Meet the Teacher' night in September and conferences in November.

Additionally, parents are sent a weekly newsletter from the Principal that reviews upcoming events, highlights any changes to the schedule, celebrates achievements our students have made during the week, and generally prepares parents to be a partner in their child's education.

Friends of TAMS, also known as FOTAMS, is a parent group that supports the student experience.

Is TAMS a separate school from Thornton Academy?

In This Section

We are pleased to assist students and families throughout the application process. If you'd like to talk with us before you apply, email admissions@thorntonacademy.org or call us at 207-282-5383.

Schedule a 1:1 meeting with the admissions team

Schedule a Shadow Day

If you live in Dayton, simply fill out the Intent to Enroll Form for Dayton Residents

If you live in Arundel, simply fill out the Intent to Enroll Form for Arundel Residents

Families residing in Dayton and Arundel are guaranteed admission to TAMS at no cost to the family if the registration form is submitted by April 15.

The changes that we have witnessed in both of our children are astounding. Both daughters are flourishing in the classroom and in life. TAMS was exactly what our family needed at the most critical time. Thank you for everything that you and your staff do to make TAMS the place that it is.

jason littlefield, parent