Thornton Academy

Thornton Academy is an independent, private day and boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12. Thornton is co-educational and non-sectarian. Since its founding in 1811, Thornton Academy has been a center of inspiration, innovation, and community in Saco, Maine. We prepare students for a changing world through our curriculum, facilities, extra-curricular opportunities, and student support. Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, to try courses that challenge and intrigue them, and to take deep dives into subjects that spark curiosity. Engagement continues after-school, through many clubs, activities, community service, and athletics.

The majority of our diverse student body is comprised of day students from nearby Saco, Dayton, Arundel, and other towns in the Greater Portland area. They are joined by students from more than 40 countries who live in dormitories or in local family homes. Our students form lasting relationships, reflecting a blend of cultures, within a welcoming community that values individuality, and provides ongoing support to ensure that students thrive academically, emotionally, and physically.

A strong college-preparatory academic program is at the heart of every student's Thornton Academy education. Our teachers present classes that are engaging, rigorous, and supportive. More than 200 available courses prepare students to thrive in a changing world, chart their own futures, and find their passions. Through AP classes and coursework, students even have the opportunity to enter one of several universities as a sophomore.

At Thornton Academy, students can express individuality while discovering their future aspirations. Our school community is warm and welcoming. We are a school where students build strong relationships with dedicated teachers and student friendships that last a lifetime. Our faculty and staff recognize that each child has strengths and challenges, and takes into account the well-being of individuals at each stage of social, emotional, and intellectual development.

With students from more than 30 local towns and more than 40 countries worldwide, we value the diversity and multiculturalism of our community. The geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity of our student body creates a unique and dynamic learning environment that fosters a greater appreciation of not only our individual differences but also the values we share. Among those shared values are Thornton Academy’s Core Pillars — Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Investment. These values guide our work and reflect how we treat one another within our school community.

Bearing in mind today's competitive global economy, our experienced college counselors work with students one-on-one in grades 9-12 to plan college and career trajectories. Our Career Center supports real-world experience through internships, job shadows, and part-time work. Our university partnerships offer students the opportunity to test out areas of study even before university enrollment.