Founded in 1811 and located in beautiful, coastal Saco, Maine, Thornton Academy prepares students in 6-12th grade for life in a changing world.
A rigorous and broad-based program of academic, arts and athletic opportunities challenges students to reach their potential in readiness for lifelong learning and productive participation in our dynamic world.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Top Ranked ME School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,643 students
- Yearly Tuition: $15,100
- 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
Advanced Degrees
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
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
1,643 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
7%
State avg.: 15%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
118 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
19 students
Number of AP Courses
25 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
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$15,100
Summer Program Cost
$3,000
Summer Program Cost Notes
$3,000 per 2-week session; 2 sessions can be combined into a 4-week program
Admissions Director
Clint Williams
Admissions Associate
Megan Cornwall
Sports
Total Sports Offered
23 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
43 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Action Team, Amnesty International, Anglers' Society, Animal Rights Club, Big Sib Club, Chinese Language Club, Classics Club, Debate Club, Disaster Relief Club, Environmental Club, French Club, German Club, GSTA, History Day Club, Horseback Riding, INK, INTERACT, Math Team, Model United Nations, Neuroscience Club, Political Action Group, Ribbon Club, Robotics Club, RSVP Club, Saco Police Explorer Post, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Speech Team, Student Council, Student Media Team, TA Ambassador Program, Table Top Gamers Club, TATV, TEDxTA, WAGER Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Ballroom Dance, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo, Music Appreciation Club, Photography Club, TA Players (theater)
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cycling Club
Action Team, Amnesty International, Anglers' Society, Animal Rights Club, Big Sib Club, Chinese Language Club, Classics Club, Debate Club, Disaster Relief Club, Environmental Club, French Club, German Club, GSTA, History Day Club, Horseback Riding, INK, INTERACT, Math Team, Model United Nations, Neuroscience Club, Political Action Group, Ribbon Club, Robotics Club, RSVP Club, Saco Police Explorer Post, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Speech Team, Student Council, Student Media Team, TA Ambassador Program, Table Top Gamers Club, TATV, TEDxTA, WAGER Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Ballroom Dance, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo, Music Appreciation Club, Photography Club, TA Players (theater)
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 $15,100 for private students and $3,000 for summer students.
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 23 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Cycling, Dance, Equestrian, 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: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, 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
Show me:
People that viewed Thornton Academy also viewed these schools: Berwick Academy, Foxcroft Academy, Florence M. Lombard Christian School, Briarwood Children's House and Pine Tree Academy.
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)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 539 students 26.7 miles 31 Academy St
South Berwick, ME 03908
(207) 384-6300
South Berwick, ME 03908
(207) 384-6300
26.7
PK-12
539
Grades: 9-12 | 397 students 130 miles 975 W Main Street
Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426
(207) 564-8664
Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426
(207) 564-8664
130
9-12
397
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
Montessori School
Grades: PK-K | 145 students 7.4 miles 432 Goodwins Mills Rd
Alfred, ME 04002
(207) 499-7754
Alfred, ME 04002
(207) 499-7754
7.4
PK-K
145
Pine Tree Academy
(Seventh Day Adventist)
Grades: PK-12 | 116 students 29.3 miles 67 Pownal Rd
Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 865-4747
Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 865-4747
29.3
PK-12
116
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.
Endorse Thornton Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
The Evolution of Early Reading Strategies for Children
Explore the journey of early reading strategies from the 17th century to the present day, uncovering the evolution of tools, methods, and technologies that have shaped how children learn to read. This article delves into the historical milestones and contemporary approaches that offer a fascinating look at literacy development in children.
The Evolution of School Choice: A Focus on Vouchers
Explore the history and evolution of school choice, focusing on vouchers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of vouchers' origins, growth, benefits, and criticisms as part of the broader school choice movement, along with a look at current trends and future outlook.
August 11, 2023
Admissions Matters: Following Up, The Competition, & DeadlinesNavigating the complex landscape of private high school admissions requires expertise and insight. This article delves into essential areas that every school should master: inquiry follow-up, standing out in a competitive market, and choosing between rolling admissions and fixed admissions deadlines.
