4 www . thorntonacademy . org
WHAT SETS US APART
Support During a Crucial Period of Growth and Development
Thornton Academy is a school where students build strong relationships with dedicated teachers , and student friendships 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 .
Diversity That Fosters Compassion and Respect
With students from more than 30 local towns and 52 different countries , we celebrate 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 both individual differences and shared values .
An Individualized Approach to Supporting the Future of Each Student
Our experienced college counselors work with students one-on-one in grades 9-12 to plan college and career trajectories . We encourage 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 .
Excellence in Instructional Technology
Thornton Academy is proud to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for our innovative use of technology . As a leader in New England , the school invests in 1:1 devices for students from day one of the school year , personalized professional development for faculty and staff , and additional enhancements for specific technology programs within the school .
College Partnerships
Thornton Academy features a number of classes with concurrent enrollment at Southern Maine Community College , where students can take classes on campus , with Thornton teachers , but potentially receive SMCC credit . See course offerings such as : Marine Biology , College Algebra , Medical Terminology , or Quantitative Reasoning .
Early College Enrollment
The Aspirations program enables eligible juniors and seniors to enroll in college level courses to earn college and high school credit simultaneously . Courses through the University of Maine system are offered at no cost . More information is available from school counselors .
Articulation Agreements
Thornton Academy ’ s agreement with the College of Engineering at the University of Maine was established in 2012 and is designed for motivated engineeringbound students who strive to challenge themselves in high school while working to earn advanced placement in college . Students who successfully complete this rigorous STEM sequence may gain admission to the University of Maine ’ s renowned engineering program with sophomore standing . Students must earn a score of 3 or higher on each of seven required AP exams , and complete our Honors Intro to Engineering course or successfully complete comparable early college courses .
Thornton Academy and the University of New England established a humanities-focused plan in 2014 that requires a student to take eight AP classes , of which five are specified : AP Biology , AP Calculus , AP English , AP Environmental Science , and AP Studio Art . Students who successfully complete this demanding list of courses , with the required AP exam scores , may gain admission to the College of Arts and Sciences at UNE with sophomore standing .
Students interested in pursuing either articulation agreement or the early college enrollment opportunity should consult with their school counselor as early as possible in their high school career . Detailed information about programs of interest is available and can help to ensure that prerequisites are met .
4 www . thorntonacademy . org