Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 7

Funding Sources for FY 2013-14
Totalling $23.6M
38%

64%

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, Thornton Academy
continued to meet the unique financial challenges facing
town academies in three ways: 1) fund raising; 2) expanding
revenue-generating programs, and 3) continuing focus
on controlling expenses. Although the tuition TA receives
from sending communities of Saco, Dayton, and Arundel
is capped at the state average, TA continues to pioneer ways
to provide an exceptional education to our diverse student
population (see p. 9).

Sci-

How TA Operates

TA aims to “prepare our students for a changing
world” by providing an excellent education. How
does an independent town academy pay for that?
• Private donations: The generous alumni, parents,
Public Funding
Private Funding

friends, businesses, and TA employees listed in the donor
section provided important budget-relieving support in
2013-2014. Thank you!

• Revenue-generating programs: TA generates

revenue through private-pay tuition, summer programs,
and facility rental fees.

How TA Finances Capital Projects
$0 in Public Funds

Unlike public schools, Thornton receives no tax funds from sending municipalities to
finance capital projects. As a town academy, TA cannot issue bonds for school capital
projects like most surrounding communities and instead must find private funding for
nearly 40% of the annual budget in order to provide up-to-date facilities for students.
In 2013 TA renovated and relocated the library and dance studio, built a new media
center and engineering lab, as well as refurbished three classrooms.

Donations from our supporters play an ever-growing role in TA’s mission to
prepare our students for a changing world.
We are sincerely grateful for your support.

POSTSCRIPTS

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