Thornton Academy is a coeducational, private boarding and day school serving grades 6-12.
Founded in 1811, Thornton Academy is one of the nation's oldest independent schools.
Our historic, 80acre campus is located in Maine, situated in the vibrant community of Saco.
Thornton Academy is surrounded by some of the finest beaches, ski mountains, scenic areas, and cultural offerings throughout New England.
Thornton Academy is 90 minutes from Boston and 15 minutes from Maine's largest city, Portland.
Thornton Academy's diverse and inclusive community is comprised of boarding students from more than 50 countries, and day students from throughout southern Maine.
The school is known for its highcaliber academics and athletics, large variety of extracurricular opportunities, and awardwinning visual and performing arts program.
Thornton Academy offers more than 200 courses, including 26 AP courses, 42 honors courses, and 6 foreign languages.
Students are challenged and supported by accomplished faculty, and the school consistently achieves a 100% acceptance rate for its collegebound seniors.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked ME School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,462 students
- Yearly Tuition: $15,500
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Average class size: 19 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Thornton Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maine for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
1811
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
First Day of School
Thu. Aug 28, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 13, 2026
Campus Size
80
School Mascot
Trojans
Student Body
Total Students
1,462 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
7%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
118 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
74%
Average Class Size
19 students
Number of AP Courses
26 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese, Computer Science A, Economics, Environmental Science, European History, French, Government & Politics: US, Human Geography, Language and Composition, Latin, Literature & Composition, Music Theory, Physics, Physics C, Physics I & II, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, Studio Art, US History
Average SAT score
1200
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
School Colors
Maroon, Gold
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$15,500
Tuition Notes
Grades 6-8: $15,100
Grades 9-12: $15,500
Summer Program Cost
$4,000
Summer Program Cost Notes
$4,000 for 2-week session
$7,000 for 4-week session
Acceptance Rate
82%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Clint Williams
Admissions Associate
Megan Cornwall
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
22 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
50 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Action Team, Advocate Marketing Club, Anglers' Society, Animal Rights Club, Arabic Language Club, Best Buddies, Black Student Union, Chess Club, Chinese Language Club, Civil Rights Team, Classics Club, Community Leaders Club, Debate Club, Environmental Club, French Club, German Club, GSTA, History Day Club, INK, INTERACT, Math Team, Medical Science Club, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Outdoor Adventure Club, Philosophy Club, Robotics Club, SAGE, Science Olympiad, Ski Club, Spanish Club, Speech Club, Speech Team, STEM Club, Student Council, Student Library Advisory Board, TA Coders, TA Tour Guides, Table Top Gamers Club, TATV, TEDxTA, Tripod Yearbook, Unified Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo, Photography Club, TA Players (theater), Tap & Hip Hop Dance Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cycling Club
Action Team, Advocate Marketing Club, Anglers' Society, Animal Rights Club, Arabic Language Club, Best Buddies, Black Student Union, Chess Club, Chinese Language Club, Civil Rights Team, Classics Club, Community Leaders Club, Debate Club, Environmental Club, French Club, German Club, GSTA, History Day Club, INK, INTERACT, Math Team, Medical Science Club, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Outdoor Adventure Club, Philosophy Club, Robotics Club, SAGE, Science Olympiad, Ski Club, Spanish Club, Speech Club, Speech Team, STEM Club, Student Council, Student Library Advisory Board, TA Coders, TA Tour Guides, Table Top Gamers Club, TATV, TEDxTA, Tripod Yearbook, Unified Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo, Photography Club, TA Players (theater), Tap & Hip Hop Dance Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cycling Club
School Notes
- Founded in 1811 and located in Saco, Thornton Academy is one of the nation's oldest independent private schools. Thornton Academy offersa rigorous and broad-based program of academic, arts, and athletic opportunities that challenges middle and high school students to reach their potential in readiness for lifelong learning and productive participation in our dynamic world.For more information, visitwww.thorntonacademy.orgor email admissions@thorntonacademy.org
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Thornton Academy cost?
Thornton Academy's tuition is approximately $15,500 for private students and $4,000 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Thornton Academy?
The acceptance rate of Thornton Academy is 82%, which is higher than the national average of 74%.
Does Thornton Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Thornton Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Thornton Academy offer?
Thornton Academy offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Cycling, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Thornton Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maine for most sports offered.
What is Thornton Academy's ranking?
Thornton Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maine for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars 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
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People that viewed Thornton Academy also viewed these schools: Berwick Academy, Foxcroft Academy, Florence M. Lombard Christian School, Briarwood Children's House and Cheverus.
The nearest high school to Thornton Academy is The School At Sweetser (0.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Florence M. Lombard Christian School (0.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is St. James School (1.7 miles away)
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Students
Grades: PK-12 | 539 students 26.7 miles 31 Academy St
South Berwick, ME 03908
(207) 384-6300
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Florence M. Lombard Christian School
(Seventh Day Adventist)
Grades: 3-8 | 5 students 0.6 miles 46 Cleveland St
Saco, ME 04072
(603) 686-1461
Saco, ME 04072
(603) 686-1461
0.6
3-8
5
Briarwood Children's House
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Alfred, ME 04002
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Grades: 9-12 | 365 students 14.2 miles 267 Ocean Ave
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Portland, ME 04103
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School Reviews
5 2/6/2017
Thornton Academy is a fantastic mix of challenging academics, top level athletics, comprehensive performing arts, and service-based community events. The students are lucky to be in an environment where teachers and students can express themselves. Truly there is something here for everyone to participate in. The boarding program is top-notch and the offerings are outstanding!
5 12/17/2016
Thornton Academy is a private high school in Saco,Maine. It has an amazing view mostly in the winter time.Teachers provide individualized attention and plans for each student.They have a great guidance office and over the years with the upgrading it has added vast opportunities the students have to get involved with their school.It has a big auditorium where school conferences are held,a gymnasium with different kind of extracurricular activities, an amazing cafeteria with different types of food.The curriculum is amazing and you always have a choice to expand on something new ,grades are generally on a high scale and overall Thornton Academy is safe and academically great place to enroll your child. I mean come experience what you are missing out.
5 2/24/2013
Good SiteN_X_D_S.
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