VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE
Connecting TA Around the World
The Admissions office can transition from a hectic place filled with student visits and interviews while processing hundreds of applications, to nearly deserted, as team members travel the globe to meet with educational partners and prospective families. During this past school year, however, much of that was impossible as international travel bans, border closures and quarantine restrictions prohibited in-person visits.
All those challenges didn’ t stop the Admissions team from international outreach, or prospective students from experiencing TA. The team got creative and launched a wide range of virtual admissions opportunities including a Virtual Open House series, one-on-one interviews and meetings over Zoom and Skype, and personalized virtual campus tours.
“ What an awesome opportunity for families,” said English teacher and Student Council advisor Caryn Ford. Ford served as a panelist for the“ Sports and Clubs” Virtual Open House last May.“ I really enjoy sharing my love for TA. It was so cool that people from all over the globe could have this experience.”
Each month a Virtual Open House event was organized around a different theme so individuals could attend more than one. The Admissions office invited administrators, teachers, alumni and current students to present at each event so they could provide a real perspective about what the Thornton Academy experience is like.
The Virtual Open House series welcomed more than 270 families from 44 towns and cities across the United States and 23 different countries. Prospective families benefited from a chance to hear directly from school community members, giving them a window into what makes the Thornton Academy experience so special.
Story and Photos by Katy Nicketakis
6-12 experience: top left- bottom right: Danielle Bogardus( parent), Katy Nicketakis( Associate Director of Admissions), Clint Williams( Director of Enrollment), Dawn Pendergrass( English teacher), Tiffany Robert’ 00( Middle School Principal), Nancy Marston( parent), Marcia Nelson( parent), Oliver Chase( grade 10 student)
The Digas, a family from Israel with two daughters- Noa and Tamar- who are a freshman and senior at Thornton Academy, attended two of the Virtual Open Houses.
“ The structure is well planned, and while I was looking for‘ facts,’ Noa and Tamar were most interested in what the students had to say,” said Michal Diga, Noa and Tamar’ s mother.“ The students answering questions and sharing their experiences convey the spirit of the social environment which they are more anxious about, helping them imagine how they could fit in and feel comfortable.”
The admissions office is anticipating more on-campus visits and international travel this year, but the Virtual Open House series will continue. Whether you’ re from North Saco or South Korea, or anywhere in between, everyone is welcome!
Kevin Kezal( Head Football Coach & Dean)
We’ d love to have you or a prospective family join us at one of our upcoming Virtual Open Houses! Visit our website to learn more and register! thorntonacademy. org / voh
Camden Loeser’ 14 and Elizabeth Lester’ 14 are now professional dancers and actors in New York City.
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