The Thacher School - Review #16
Read more details about The Thacher School on their 2020 profile page.
About the Author: | |
| Years Attended Boarding School: | 2004-2008 |
| Sports and Activities: | Horse Program, Soccer, Tennis, Cross country, and Lacrosse. Tour guide and Prefect. |
| College Enrolled: | Amherst College |
| Home Town, State: | Santa Ana, CA |
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
A unique aspect of the Thacher curriculum is the horse program. Each student is assigned a horse the first week they arrive. As a freshman you participate in the horse program every afternoon for the year. You get to bond with your class; learn how to ride if you don’t know already, and it’s a great experience.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
Going to boarding school definitely made me more independent.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I think you just need to be yourself. Get to know everyone and give everyone a chance. If you are nervous about this whole experience it is likely that they are having those same feelings.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The school felt like a home. I loved it and would do it all over again. I made amazing friends.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Definitely take a hike through the trails. Go to the outdoor chapel and watch the sunset, it is incredibly beautiful.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Academically Thacher is challenging and definitely prepares you for college. Thacher has small classes, a lot of one on one attention, and great teachers who are willing to help you at all times. I found that my teachers were not only educators but friends and people you can trust. They are always available for extra help and are genuinely interested in you and what you have to offer.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life is generally relaxed. The first year you have a single which makes things a lot less stressful. You have prefects who are amazing, they are there to help with anything and everything. Generally, there is a great dorm environment.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
You can always take the bus into town. The town is small but very welcoming and incredibly beautiful. Rainbow Bridge is amazing, its a little grocery store and its an awesome place to get snacks. Star market is less expensive and you can get basic necessities there like shampoo or more snacks.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Everyone mingles withe everyone else. There is almost always something to do.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
| 8:00 AM | breakfast |
| 8:30 AM | class |
| 3:30 PM | riding or sports |
| 6:00 PM | formal dinner |
| 7:30 PM | study hall |
| 9:30 PM | study break |
| 10:00 PM | check in |
Weekend
| 10:00 AM | ride or play sports depending on sports schedule |
| 1:00 PM | lunch and free time after that |
| 5:30 PM | dinner until 7:30 pm |
| 8:00 PM | some sort of social activity |
| 11:00 PM | check in |
Read more details about The Thacher School on their 2020 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
- Review Description
- Pitzer College The tight knit community is a really rare quality at high schools in general but especially boarding schools. The relationships with teachers and students is so close and the fact that there is very few. . .
- University of Montana The horse department at Thacher is both unique and outstanding. Unique because the school strives to keep the cowboy culture alive with over 100 horses and a fully outfitted western riding center. It is outstanding. . .
- Yale I loved Thacher because of the deep, respectful, and genuine connections in the community. Students, faculty, and staff were all so supportive to ensure I was the happiest and most challenged I could be. During. . .
- Show more reviews (22 reviews)
Recent Articles
Four reasons shaped our decision. I share these and other insights with you.
Does your son or daughter ride? Are you thinking about finding a private school which will suit both your academic requirements and your child's penchant for riding? Let's look at a couple of schools with riding programs.
What are you allowed to bring to boarding school? What are you not allowed to bring to boarding school? Answers to those questions and more.
