Boarding Summer Camp at Thornton Academy

Sample Courses

• Visual Arts
• English Language Learning (ELL)
• Performing Arts
• Robotics
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math)
• Wellness

*Students will indicate their first and second choices for each block after registration.

It was an absolute pleasure being a part of the summer camp this year! To witness the bonds form between these students through the shared experiences of the program was truly something special. 

corey Jones, Summer at Thornton Academy teacher 

Day in the Life of a Summer Camper

7:00am - Wake up, shower, get ready for a great day!

7:30am - Breakfast in the dining commons.

8:00am - Block 1 class

10:00am - Block 2 class

12:00pm - Lunch in the dining commons.

2:00pm - Afternoon activity: Lobster boat cruise! Catch your own lobster and learn about these interesting animals.

4:00pm - Free time for shopping.

5:30pm - Dinner in the dining commons.

7:00pm - Evening activity: On-campus s'mores making & fire pit!

9:00pm - Dorm Hangout time - play games, call your family, relax.

10:30pm - Lights out - get lots of sleep for another busy day tomorrow!

Summer Program Fees

2-week option (July 11 - July 25, 2026): $4,000
3-week option (July 11 - August 1, 2026): $6,000

What's included?

• Three meals on weekdays and two meals on weekends 
• Boarding in our modern dormitories
• Health insurance 
• Activity fees for two activities each day 
• Local transportation 
• Airport transfer (select dates only)
• Class materials 

What's not included?

• Flights to / from the United States 
• Unaccompanied minor service fee
• Snacks 
• Souvenirs
• Other incidental costs

Students live in Thornton Academy’s modern dormitories. The dormitories have bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, and lounges for studying and socializing. Staying in the dorm is one of the most important and fun parts of the program. Hang out with your new friends and practice your conversational English. 

Meals are held in the Atkinson Dining Commons. Three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are served on weekdays while two meals (brunch and dinner) are served on weekends. Occasionally, we will eat off-campus with either a bagged lunch or at a restaurant during a longer excursion. The dining staff prepares delicious, healthy food for our students and staff. They can make adjustments for any dietary concerns, just let us know before you arrive on campus!

Learn more about the dorms by taking a look at our Residential Life photo album and our Residential Life brochure.

Summer at Thornton Academy is FUN! We do two activities per day: one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. Weekends mean no classes and trips off-campus that explore the beauty of Maine. 

Afternoon activities include:

• Hiking 
• Lobster boat cruise
• Soccer tournament
• Visits to universities
• Swimming at the beach
• Amusement parks and more!

Evening activities include:

• Bonfire & s’mores,
• Basketball tournament,
• Art projects,
• Trivia night,
• Watching the sunset at the beach and more!

Weekend activities: 

• Trips to Boston to visits to MIT and Harvard,
• Hiking in beautiful state and national parks
• Taking a ferry boat to a remote ocean island 

• What airport should campers arrive/depart from?
  • Campers can fly into/out of Boston Logan (BOS) or Portland International Jetport (PWM).
  • Pick-up and drop-off of campers is included at either airport for flights arriving on designated days.
• What type of visa should campers use to come to the US for Summer Program?
  • Campers should use a tourist visa to enter the US.
• What are the dormitories like?
  • Campers share double or triple rooms in Thornton Academy's on-campus dormitories.
  • All rooms have a bed, desk, chair, and bureau for each camper.
  • Towels, bedding, and pillows are also provided for campers.
  • Washing machines and dryers are available in the dormitory for campers to do laundry.
  • Wifi is available 24 hours in the dormitories and on campus.
• What should campers bring with them?
  • The typical temperature in Maine during the summer is 65°-75°F (18°-24°C), and campers should bring clothing they'll be comfortable wearing outside in warm, sunny weather. We also recommend campers plan for occasional rain and chilly evenings by packing a jacket and waterproof shoes. Campers should also pack comfortable shoes for outdoor and sports activities. 
  • Athletic shoes; we will do lots of walking and outdoor activities, so make sure you have comfortable shoes.
  • A backpack for day/weekend trips. 
  • Bathing suit; we will go to the beach, lake, and pool.
  • Campers are welcome to bring a laptop or iPad, but are responsible for any items that you bring.