Read more details about The Thacher School on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
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 because this program teaches students responsibility, cooperation, and ultimately offers a life-long bond between man and beast.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I have learned so much responsibility and independence through my experiences at Thacher.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Don't be afraid to reach out for help. The faculty and staff are there to help you learn and grow- use them!
4.) What did you like most about your school?
How unique a school it is. I always thought I would end up at a big high school with lockers and bells, but the reality was so much better.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Buy cake mix from the student store- it's a great and quick way to do something for a friend who has a birthday! And you can get eggs and oil from the dining hall.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The most impactful and important part of Thacher academics is the teachers. Nearly all teachers live on campus and are always willing to have you over to their house to help you edit an essay, craft a hypothesis, or work through a particularly challenging calculus problem. They are also extremely understanding of personal issues and offer individual help for students who may learn in specific ways.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I enjoyed that you can choose riding as a sport. I competed on teams and worked individually with my horse every afternoon for 4 years.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
The chamber singers choral group that I sang in sang in many concerts and competitions all over Southern California. We also toured to Italy and Cuba, singing with local choirs, in churches, and with music schools.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Very large variety of extra curricular activities- community service, sports, horseback riding, camping program.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
You bond so much with your dorm mates- they become your family. Also, having dorm heads is like having a built in mom or dad while you're away from school.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Fresh fruit for breakfast every morning, local and organic options for all meals, food grown at the school.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Town buses offer the opportunity to go into town 3 times a week to shop, get lunch, go to the farmers market, or just hang out with friends.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Events every weekend night and social time every school night.
Read more details about The Thacher School on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Thacher's community on campus is unlike any other, connections at the school go beyond merely knowing every student's name but having had interacted closely with everyone whether on a camping trip, in the dining hall. . .
You cannot mention Thacher without talking about the horse program; each freshman is required to take care of and ride a horse for the first year of high school. I rode all four years and. . .
One thing that makes Thacher unique are the opportunities to form close, meaningful relationships with teachers and its commitment to helping students grow personally as well as academically. Whether it's out in the Domelands wilderness. . .
Show more reviews (23 reviews)
Recent Articles
Schools in the NEPSAC Founders League
The New England Preparatory School Athletic Council was founded in 1942. It has grown from eleven schools to over one hundred sixty schools. More about NEPSAC and private school sports here.
A Glimpse into Boarding School Life at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy
One of the most common questions families ask when exploring boarding school options is: What does a typical day look like for a student? Beyond academics, they want to understand how students live, learn, and grow within the community—how daily routines shape not only their education but also their independence, friendships, and character.
How to Choose the Right Performing Arts Boarding School: A Checklist for Parents and Students
Every year, thousands of gifted young artists apply to top performing arts boarding
schools, yet most families approach the selection process without a clear roadmap. Knowing what to look for—from teacher qualifications to alumni success rates—makes all the difference in finding a program where you can truly flourish.
