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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