Business Details
Private Education for Grades 6-12 in Saco, Maine
Established in 1811, Thornton Academy is a co-educational private boarding and day school serving grades 6-12 in Saco, Maine. Our campus spans 80 acres with modern facilities including four dormitories, five classroom buildings, a 500-seat auditorium, and eight athletic fields. As an Apple Distinguished School, we integrate cutting-edge technology into rigorous academic programs that prepare students for a changing world. Our 200+ course offerings emphasize individualized support, arts, athletics, and STEM education. With a 200-year legacy of excellence, we foster a diverse, inclusive community where students develop confidence through unparalleled opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.Our 1:1 iPad program and renovated Hyde Library provide innovative learning resources, while our athletic teams compete at the highest levels. The Academy's commitment to community extends through initiatives like the Thornton Fund, which supports student needs and facility advancements. Alumni like Kelly Foley '08 and Sara Gallo exemplify our tradition of excellence in leadership and service. Located 15 minutes from Portland International Airport, our campus combines small-town charm with global accessibility. We maintain historic buildings while continuously modernizing through capital campaigns supported by generations of loyal alumni.
Services
College Preparatory Programs
Boarding School Services
Athletic Training
Visual Arts Education
STEM Programs
Performing Arts
Library Resources
Technology Integration
Alumni Support
Community Outreach
Highlights and features
- We offer 200+ courses with individualized support since 1811
- Our Apple Distinguished campus features cutting-edge technology integration
- Competitive athletics with 8 fields and 4,000-seat stadium
- Comprehensive arts programs with 500-seat performance venue
- 1:1 iPad program with modern classroom technology
Associations and certifications
- Apple Distinguished School
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Services
College Preparatory Programs
Thornton Academy offers 200+ rigorous courses with individualized support for grades 6-12. Our curriculum emphasizes college readiness through humanities, STEM, and specialized electives. Students benefit from small class sizes and experienced faculty dedicated to academic excellence.
Boarding School Services
Our four modern dormitories provide comfortable housing for grades 6-12 with communal spaces and amenities. Boarding students enjoy structured support, meal programs, and 24/7 supervision in a safe, inclusive environment that becomes their second home.
Athletic Training
Competitive athletics include 30+ teams across 8 fields with state-of-the-art facilities. Our programs develop physical skills, teamwork, and leadership through professional coaching and comprehensive training resources for student-athletes at all levels.
Performing Arts
The 500-seat Garland Auditorium hosts theater, dance, chorus, and instrumental performances. Students receive professional training in performance techniques, production, and creative expression through year-round arts programming and extracurricular opportunities.
Technology Integration
As an Apple Distinguished School, we implement cutting-edge technology through 1:1 iPad programs and modern classrooms. Our Technology & New Media building supports innovation, collaboration, and digital literacy across all academic disciplines.
People
Rene Menard '88
Headmaster
Rene Menard, a Thornton Academy alumnus, leads the institution with a vision for continued excellence. With decades of educational leadership experience, he champions innovation while preserving the school's historic values and traditions.
Questions
What grades does Thornton Academy serve?
Thornton Academy serves students in grades 6 through 12 with both day and boarding options.
Is Thornton Academy accredited?
Yes, we are an Apple Distinguished School and accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools.
What technology resources are available?
Our 1:1 iPad program provides modern classrooms, tech help desk, and digital learning resources.
What athletic facilities do you have?
We have 8 athletic fields, a 4,000-seat stadium, gymnasium, and dedicated training facilities.
How can I support Thornton Academy?
Support options include the Thornton Fund, planned giving, matching gifts, and capital campaigns.
What arts programs are offered?
We offer visual arts, theater, dance, chorus, band, and orchestra programs with professional development opportunities.
Videos
Reviews (7)
John Johnson
Jan 31, 2022
Report
As a student my teachers are biased in this school district. My teachers gave me the exams ahead of time so I got 100s. I am disappointed about how much learning I lost.
Bad Grr
Jan 31, 2022
Report
This school is a pit of despair and suffering. the teachers are all corrupt and would sell A+'s for $10,000 with no second thought. please, stop this school. please.
Angry
Jan 29, 2022
Report
I am angry at this place, my son comes home and tells me horror stories about this school. He saw blood on the walls and someone puked in the sink.. What a dump, poor janitors.
Tommy Smith
Jan 28, 2022
Report
This school is full of RATS!. This is personally the worst place i have EVER visited. i went there with a friend who enrolled there once and it was very depressing just to visit
XGiorx
Jan 27, 2022
Report
This school is a wannabe college except the academics are bad and are very dishonest. I cheated on every exam and my teacher knew, but they gave me the A+.
International Academic Programs
Jan 15, 2022
Report
We have been sending many great students from Spain to the school in the past years and they always have a wonderful experience. Many stay for 2 or 3 years since they love the academic options, sports and all the stuff members at the school that make them feel at home!
Brianne Siepmann
Jun 23, 2020
Report
I ended up dropping out in 2015, due to an insane amount of bullying from both students and teachers. French teacher and math teacher both openly made fun of me for having questions/not understanding. French teacher even took it as far as to grade my tests (nobody elses) in front of the whole class and only point out what I did wrong, not what was done right. When this was brought to the schools attention, they honestly couldnt care less. And when they were let known that I would be dropping out, they did not care AT ALL. I was just a number to them. This school doesnt care about their
