Thornton Academy is a private, co-ed, boarding and day school for grades 6-12, providing them with the best opportunities for higher education and beyond.
We challenge all students to innovate, grow, and succeed in a changing world.
With over 200 courses offered, Thornton Academy has some of the most comprehensive academic and arts programs in New England.
Thornton Academy has been voted the Best Private School in Maine for 2020 and 2021.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Grades: (Boarding) 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,571 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $50,800
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $15,100
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- Average class size: 19 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Thornton Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Offering Breadth
School History
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
6-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1811
1906
Campus Size
80 acres
130 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
1571 students
314 students
% Students of Color
18%
25%
% International Students
10%
20%
% Students Boarding
11%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
26
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
85%
71%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$10 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$50,800
$63,120
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$15,100
$35,700
Summer Program Cost
$3,000
($3,000 per session, two sessions available for 2022. Cost includes: Three meals on weekdays, two meals on weekends, boarding in our modern dormitories, health insurance, all activity fees, local transportation, class materials.)
($3,000 per session, two sessions available for 2022. Cost includes: Three meals on weekdays, two meals on weekends, boarding in our modern dormitories, health insurance, all activity fees, local transportation, class materials.)
% Students on Financial Aid
53%
40%
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate
50%
60%
Director of Admissions
Clint Williams
Associate Director of Admissions
Megan Cornwall
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
26
17
Courses
AP Biology , AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese, AP Computer Science A, AP Economics, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP French, AP Government & Politics - US, AP Human Geography , AP Language and Composition , AP Latin, AP Literature and Composition , AP Music Theory, AP Physics, AP Physics C, AP Physics I & II, AP Psychology, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP US History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
23
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
52
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Academic Decathlon, Action Team, Ambassadors Club, Amnesty International Club, Anglers Society, Animal Rights Club, Anime Club, Arabic Club, Astronomy Club, Carpe Diem (Newspaper), Chess Club, Chinese Language & Culture Club, Civil Rights, Classics Club, Debate Team, Environmental Club, Fashion Design Club, French Club, German Club, GSTA, Interact Club, Math Team, Model United Nations, National History Day, National Honor Society, Neuroscience Club, Outdoor Adventure Club, Ribbon Club, Robotics Team, RSVP, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Speech Team, Student Council, TA Tour Guides, Table Top Game Club, TATV, TEDxTA, Tripod (Yearbook), Women and Gender Equal Rights Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Ink Magazine, Jazz Combo, Orchestra, Photography Club, Student Media Team, TA Players, Technical Theater Crew, Treble Choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cycling Club, Equestrian Club, Ski Club
Academic Decathlon, Action Team, Ambassadors Club, Amnesty International Club, Anglers Society, Animal Rights Club, Anime Club, Arabic Club, Astronomy Club, Carpe Diem (Newspaper), Chess Club, Chinese Language & Culture Club, Civil Rights, Classics Club, Debate Team, Environmental Club, Fashion Design Club, French Club, German Club, GSTA, Interact Club, Math Team, Model United Nations, National History Day, National Honor Society, Neuroscience Club, Outdoor Adventure Club, Ribbon Club, Robotics Team, RSVP, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Speech Team, Student Council, TA Tour Guides, Table Top Game Club, TATV, TEDxTA, Tripod (Yearbook), Women and Gender Equal Rights Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Ink Magazine, Jazz Combo, Orchestra, Photography Club, Student Media Team, TA Players, Technical Theater Crew, Treble Choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cycling Club, Equestrian Club, Ski Club
College Matriculation
Year: 2010 - 2014
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
American University
1
Boston College
1
Boston University
1
Brown University
1
Columbia University
1
Dartmouth College
1
Duke University
1
New York University's Tisch School of the Arts
1
Parsons School of Design
1
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
1
School Notes
- Thornton Academy, founded in 1811, is a co-educational, independent boarding and day school serving grades 6 through 12. Located on Maine's southern coast in the city of Saco, we are one of the nation's longest operating independent schools.
- Thornton's commitment to excellence enables students to reach their full potential and flourish in a changing world. We offer a safe and secure family environment where every student can find his or her place. Here, students are free to express their own individual ideas, cultures, and dreams, and all students benefit from our unique campus environment and its global perspective.
- Our historic, 80-acre campus is located near some of the finest beaches, ski mountains, scenic areas, and cultural offerings in New England. We are a 90-minute drive from Boston, and 15 minutes from Portland, a vibrant, small city with a working waterfront.
- Thornton Academy offers more than 200 courses in a variety of subjects, including 24 advanced placement (AP) classes, 42 honors level classes, seven foreign languages, and award-winning performing and visual arts programming. Our new state-of-the-art STEM Center (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) includes four biology and chemistry laboratories, and one engineering lab. Our New Media Center features the TATV television studio, and hosts our classes in computer programming, multimedia production, journalism, and video game programming.
- Outside of the classroom, Thornton Academy offers 57 sports teams and 46 after-school clubs and activities, creating plenty of opportunity for students to pursue their passions and discover new talents.
- Thornton Academy accreditations: NEASC, NAIS, ISANNE, MAIS
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Thornton Academy cost?
Thornton Academy's tuition is approximately $50,800 for boarding students and $15,100 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Thornton Academy?
The acceptance rate of Thornton Academy is 50%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does Thornton Academy offer?
Thornton Academy offers 23 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling.
Does Thornton Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Thornton Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Thornton Academy's ranking?
Thornton Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Large student body (number of students), High # of AP/advanced courses offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Thornton Academy?
The application deadline for Thornton Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Thornton Academy also viewed these schools: Fryeburg Academy, Phillips Academy Andover, Foxcroft Academy, Deerfield Academy and Washington Academy.
The nearest boarding school to Thornton Academy is Wolfeboro Camp School (36.7 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
578 students 45.9 miles 745 Main Street
Fryeburg, ME 04037
(207) 935-2013
Fryeburg, ME 04037
(207) 935-2013
45.9
9-12, PG
578
1,146 students 68.9 miles 180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
68.9
9-12, PG
1,146
410 students 129.3 miles 975 West Main Street
Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426
(207) 564-8664
Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426
(207) 564-8664
129.3
9-12, PG
410
648 students 128.1 miles 7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
128.1
9-12, PG
648
400 students 173.7 miles PO Box 190, 66 Cutler Road
East Machias, ME 04630
(207) 255-8301
East Machias, ME 04630
(207) 255-8301
173.7
9-12, PG
400
Recent Articles
Navigating the Modern Maze: Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools
Explore the pressing challenges facing boarding schools, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers. This article delves into these complex issues and proposes innovative strategies to overcome them.
What To Wear at Your Job Interview
Navigating job interviews can be stressful, but knowing what to wear shouldn't be. Our comprehensive guide covers the essential dress code tips for men and women interviewing at boarding schools. Make your first impression count with style and professionalism.
July 23, 2023
Boarding School Pros and Cons: History and Common MisconceptionsWe address common misconceptions about boarding schools, shedding light on the actual experiences versus perceived notions. Ideal for parents contemplating this educational choice for their children, the essay provides a balanced perspective on the topic.
