Thornton Academy (TA) was founded in 1811 in Maine, the safest state in the US. Located in the southern coast of Maine, TA is just 15 minutes from Portland, the largest city in Maine, and 90 minutes from Boston. TA is one of the oldest independent schools and one of the three Apple Distinguished Schools, centers of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate Apple's vision for learning with technology, in Maine. The school is honored to have been voted the Best Private School in Maine for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.

TA empowers students to choose from more than 200 courses, 50 sports teams and 40 clubs. Students are supported by the educated, experienced and compassionate faculty when they grow and discover who they can become. TA prepares students for a changing world through its 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.

Reasons to study at TA:

• Support during a Crucial Period of Growth and Development: At TA, students can express individuality while discovering their future aspirations. The school’s community is warm and welcoming. Students build strong relationships with dedicated teachers and student friendships that last a lifetime. The 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

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

• An Individualized Approach to Supporting the Future of Each Student: Bearing in mind today's competitive global economy, the school’s experienced college counselors work with students one-on-one in grades 9-12 to plan college and career trajectories. The Career Center supports real-world experience through internships, job shadows, and part-time work. The university partnerships offer students the opportunity to test out areas of study even before university enrollment.