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).
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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