Our dedicated international student counselor supports students in their academic journey at Thornton Academy. The international counselor assists students with course selection and helps students navigate any academic challenge that may arise during their program. The international counselor also assists students with their plan after they depart Thornton Academy, whether they plan to return to their home country or apply to a US university.
Prior to arrival, our international students will complete placement testing in math and English (Duolingo) online. Once our staff has reviewed the results, our international student counselor will contact students via email to start the course selection process. We encourage students to review the Program of Studies (link) early to start picking out the courses they would like to prioritize in their schedules.
Thornton Academy offers 4 levels of English Language Learning (ELL); ELL I (Beginning), II (Intermediate), III (Advanced), and IV (Transitional), a “bridge” course between ELL and mainstream English classes. Each course focuses on the core language skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading, with increasing emphasis on academic language and conventions as the student moves through the curriculum. The objectives of ELL include facilitating international students’ acquisition and mastery of English, and preparing them for mainstream English courses at TA and post-secondary schools.
All international students, whether enrolled in an ELL class or not, can find support from a number of sources: their current English teacher, the ELL staff, and the Academic Achievement Center.
Take a look at our Course Selection Guide to see the full breadth of our program offerings!