Who We Are

Thornton Academy prepares students for 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.

A Historic Independent School
Thornton Academy is a historic independent town academy educating 6-12th graders in beautiful, coastal Saco, Maine. We are co-educational and non-sectarian. The majority of our students are day students from the towns of Saco, Dayton, Arundel, and other towns in the Greater Portland area. They are joined by students from over 20 different countries who live in dormitories on campus or in the homes of local families.
What is Campus Like?
 Thornton Academy is nestled on 80 acres in the safe and scenic coastal town of Saco, Maine. Over a dozen buildings blend tradition with innovation. Students study in renovated historic brick buildings that support the latest technological advances.

Facilities include a newly-renovated library, an Arts & New Media Center, a 500-seat theater, an engineering lab, a television studio, a dining commons, student and faculty residences, and a turf athletic stadium with a track, numerous playing fields, and a tennis court.

Location in Southern Maine

Saco is a friendly, close-knit community that boasts of natural beauty. Opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts abound with beaches, rivers, forests, and mountains to explore, including The Eastern Trail and Ferry Beach State Park. Students at Thornton Academy benefit from close proximity to larger metropolitan areas. Thornton Academy is a short 15 miles from Portland, Maine—a thriving, artistic city that has continually won national awards for its outstanding quality of life—and just 90 miles from Boston, Massachusetts.

 Program of Studies – Course Catalogue for online viewing

Thornton Academy’s curriculum encompasses hundreds of courses. The Program of Studies is a comprehensive catalogue that lists courses offered at our independent town academy. The Program of Studies assists students, teachers, and families with selecting the courses that help the student achieve their goals. You may acquire a paper copy from the Guidance Office or read the course catalogue online (see online reader on this page).

If you are unable to see the online reader for the Program of Studies below, you may download a pdf file here.

 Boarding School Tuition & Fees

Residential Student
Room, Board and Tuition (2016-2017): $46,000.

Residential student tuition is billed as follows:
• A non-refundable deposit of $4,000 upon acceptance of a signed contract. This fee will be applied toward tuition after the student has arrived at the school.
• A $2,000 fee is required to establish a student incidental account for emergency funds, medical expenses, school required activities and room damage. A portion may be refundable if funds remain in a student’s incidental account at the end of the school year, or upon graduation.
• A $1,700 fee is required for the Student Health Insurance.

Enrollment will be accepted upon receipt of the signed contract accompanied by the non-refundable enrollment deposit. After Thornton Academy has accepted a student, the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign an enrollment contract. This is a formal contract and includes a payment plan and the specific terms and conditions of enrollment. Any financial aid awards and/or scholarships are specified in the contract.

Payment Options:
• Plan A: A full year’s tuition by check or by wire .
• Plan B: 60% paid by date on contract, 40% due on or before December 1, 2016.
• Tuition Refund Insurance $2,000.
(optional for Plan A, required for Plan B)

Included in tuition: The Golden Edge Program (Comprehensive College Preparatory Services), a Student Activity fee, and the Technology fee (an ipad is provided for each student).

Additional Fees:
• Application fee (first year only) $100.
• ELL Program–based on student performance in assessment and interview: $3,500, if applicable. Level I, Level II and Level III. A student may place out of this program after assessment, and would then receive a refund of the fee if paid upon signing of the contract.