Thornton Academy

I am from China and a Thornton Academy alumnus, graduating in 2025. I spent my entire 4 years here and it’s the best decision in my life. I came to Thornton Academy in 2021 during covid. Me and my families plan is to let me study abroad for a year before going back to China to finish high school. I was 15 years old, really shy and was scared to speak in a language I wasn’t comfortable with. But I got used to the life here because the dorm parents are so supportive. They encouraged me to open up to the people around me and hosted many events that helped me and people around me become more confident. I made friends here and built connections that I never thought were possible.Throughout these four years, the teachers have been extremely professional and always willing to help. They makes academic plan \for everybody and helped me a lot with my college applications.I am now studying business at Rutgers University, and without Thornton Academy, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.

I am from China and a Thornton Academy alumnus, graduating in 2025. I spent my entire 4 years here and it’s the best decision in my life. I came to Thornton Academy in 2021 during covid. Me and my families plan is to let me study abroad for a year before going back to China to finish high school. I was 15 years old, really shy and was scared to speak in a language I wasn’t comfortable with. But I got used to the life here because the dorm parents are so supportive. They encouraged me to open up to the people around me and hosted many events that helped me and people around me become more confident. I made friends here and built connections that I never thought were possible.Throughout these four years, the teachers have been extremely professional and always willing to help. They makes academic plan \for everybody and helped me a lot with my college applications.I am now studying business at Rutgers University, and without Thornton Academy, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.

Thornton Academy has given me a very positive experience as an international boarding student. Maine feels very safe, and the dorm parents have always been supportive and caring, which helped me adjust to living far from home. I also like that TA offers many opportunities through sports, arts, and weekend activities, so there is always something to be involved in. Another great part is that Boston is close enough for trips, while TA still has a peaceful and welcoming community. I would recommend TA to students from Korea or other Asian countries who want a safe, friendly, and challenging school experience in the U.S.

Thornton Academy has been a really positive experience for me. The teachers are supportive and I feel like I’m learning a lot, especially in my classes. Maine is very safe and quiet, which makes it a great place to focus on school. I enjoy the weekend activities and the dorm life, and the dorm parents really care about us. Overall, it feels comfortable here, and being close to Boston is also a big plus!

I am a dorm student from China and have stayed at Thornton Academy for my entire high school life. When I first arrived in 2022, I was 14 years old, dependent and needing help with almost everything. The dorm parents and students were extremely enthusiastic and always willing to help me in every aspect of life, including academics, sports, and friendships. It truly felt like a second home.
The diversity of courses offered by the school and the kindness of the teachers made me passionate about gaining new knowledge every day. Over my four years at TA, I have grown and changed a lot. I’ve matured, learned responsibility, set meaningful life goals, developed independence, overall became a better person. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the experiences and support I got at Thornton Academy.