Growing up – It's about taking your place...

Experiencing History
Open the doors to any classroom, take a course with any teacher, or talk with a Thornton graduate, and you become a part of living history. When you come to school here, you get more than a single building or classroom; you get an entire campus. With 80 acres and ten buildings, you get the best of old and new-from 100-year-old historic buildings full of handcrafted wood to recently constructed modern facilities – all connected to the world through a wireless network. As you change classes, take in a breath of fresh air walking the landscaped grounds between buildings. There is no prettier campus in Maine. Shadow a student for a day and see for yourself.

Marking Milestones
Your first step through the doorway at Thornton Academy puts you in the footsteps of all the students who came before you. Inherit prior traditions as well as make your own. Just imagine- on day one as a new middle school student or freshman, you will have your own orientation day, just like every student since 1991. On that day you'll participate in a scavenger hunt, a barbecue, skits, and banner signing. You will learn the school song and take a class picture. And this is just the first of the milestones ahead. Your historic path will take you through float-building with your classmates for the annual Homecoming parade and ringing the school bell to celebrate both victories and milestones. Attending weekly school meetings and congratulating classmates during the graduation hug line are just a few other traditions at the very heart of Thornton's spirit and legacy. Such traditions serve as important reminders of the values we share at Thornton – strong principles, responsible citizenship, respect for history and community, and a love of lifelong learning. Come create a new tradition with us.

Connecting Generations
Some traditions you may experience as a student involve former graduates. Students have traditionally helped with the annual banquet for former students who graduated from 1927 to 1954 and have performed in multi-generational musicals and choirs.

Upon graduation you join the ranks of over 10,000 Thornton alumni, Thornton graduates who live all over the globe. Our alumni stay connected by participating in more than a dozen class reunions, alumni sporting events, and alumni performances that occur each year.

After 195 years, Thornton's traditions are many and varied. Connect with generations. Make your mark with us.

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