Saco & Biddeford

• Part & Parcel: A small specialty market and cafe in the heart of downtown Biddeford, perfect for a quick sandwich or pre-made salad. 
• Quiero Cafe: Savory Latin American cuisine featuring empanadas, burritos, and tamales along with several kinds of coffee, smoothies, and tropical juices.
• Rapid Ray's: A family owned business and Saco staple sitting right on Saco's main street; delivering a menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, and onion rings.
• Elda: A high-end option to Biddeford’s Main Street, serving a menu of locally-sourced small plates with a seafood focus. 

Portland

• Dimillo's on the Water: A floating restaurant housed in a former car ferry on Long Wharf specializing in Lobster and classic Maine cuisine. 
• Duckfat: Pays homage to Maine’s Franco-American heritage by offering its duck-fat fries with a poutine option — smothered in two types of cheese curds and duck gravy. 
• Boda: A Thai kitchen serving regular specials that remind you of the street vendors of Bangkok.
• Eventide Oyster Co: One of the trendiest restaurants in Portland, sample local oysters and some of the best fried fish in Maine.

Indoors

• Biddeford City Theater: A restored Victorian opera house at 205 Main Street in Biddeford, Maine. City Theater produces and hosts theater, dance and music performances year-round.
• Portland Museum of Art: With an extensive collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine. 
• Engine: Engine is a non profit art gallery and exhibition space as well as a creation space. The gallery features a media lab with 3D fabrication and printing facilities.

Outdoors

• Old Orchard Beach: No visit is complete to Southern Maine without pier fries, a slice of pizza, and visit to Maine's longest beach. 
• Portland Head Light: Located in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, this is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the state of Maine. 
• Ferry Beach State Park: Just 8 minutes away from Thornton Academy, Ferry Beach State Park encompasses a sandy Atlantic Ocean beach, inland hiking trails, and nature center.

Don't forget to stop for some Maine food specialties on your way!

• The Admissions Office is located in the Alumni House, a white house located near Main Street.
• Visitor parking is located on the side of the building.
• Call 207-282-5383 with questions or problems.  

Campus Map

Be yourself.

We want to get to know the real YOU. The admission interview gives us a chance to see if you would be a good fit for Thornton Academy. At TA, you can be who you are, and become who you want to be. 

Be prepared.

Ask us questions. The interview is just as much about you finding out if Thornton Academy is the right school for you. Ask us about classes, sports, extracurriculars, dorm life, weekend activities, food, whatever is important for you. 

The admission interview (in person or virtual) usually lasts between 15-30 minutes.