Thornton-Donovan School was founded on the principle that a school must meet the changing needs of its students, its community, and its society.
Its philosophy and curriculum directly contribute to the development of students who can use their individual talents to meet the challenges of life.
Thornton-Donovan School seeks qualified students who possess ability, who are motivated, who have self-discipline and who will both gain from and give to the school.
The school may also admit a youngster who has potential for academic success but whose record does not demonstrate it.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked NY School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 153 students
- Yearly Tuition: $23,000
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Thornton-donovan School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School History
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1901
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a
Student Body
Total Students
153 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
44%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
99%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
shirts with collars; no shorts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$23,000
Tuition Notes
K is 13000
Admissions Director
Alan Goodman
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: Sapere Aude (Dare to be Wise)
- School Mascot: Eagles
- Thornton-Donovan School was founded on the principle that a school must meet the changing needs of its students, its community, and its society.
- Its philosophy and curriculum directly contribute to the development of students who can use their individual talents to meet the challenges of life.
- Thornton-Donovan School seeks qualified students who possess ability, who are motivated, who have self-discipline and who will both gain from and give to the school.
- The school may also admit a youngster who has potential for academic success but whose record does not demonstrate it.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- John Smith - Nobel Laureate in Physics, graduated 2001 -
- Jane Doe - Oscar-winning actress, graduated 2005 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Thornton-donovan School cost?
Thornton-donovan School's tuition is approximately $23,000 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from Thornton-donovan School?
Thornton-donovan School famous alumni include: John Smith - Nobel Laureate in Physics, graduated 2001 and Jane Doe - Oscar-winning actress, graduated 2005.
What is Thornton-donovan School's ranking?
Thornton-donovan School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Thornton-donovan School?
The application deadline for Thornton-donovan School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Thornton-donovan School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
ROSH HASHANAH SCHOOL CLOSED
September 23, 2025 (Tuesday)
ROSH HASHANAH SCHOOL CLOSED
September 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
YOM KIPPUR SCHOOL CLOSED
October 02, 2025 (Thursday)
SCHOOL CLOSED
November 11, 2025 (Tuesday)
SCHOOL CLOSED
November 27, 2025 (Thursday)
School Reviews
5 7/5/2024
Thornton Donovan School was an incredible launchpad for me. My teachers were like a team of superheroes, backing me up and pushing me to reach new heights. The coursework was no joke, but it gave me a huge head start on college prep and life after college. From doing college courses and gaining college credits in high school, to traveling internationally and staying with amazing host families in Venice and Sicily, to helping to rebuild homes with Habitat for Humanity after Hurricane Sandy, to representing Chile with our Model UN club, to contributing to the School newspaper, to performing in the Arts House Cafes, to making my own ceramics with the school's kiln and especially going on Glory Days to immerse myself in the world's religions, I'm deeply filled with gratitude for my journey at Thornton Donovan School!
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