Thetford Academy Photo #8 - The mission of the Thetford Outdoor Program (TOP) is to ignite academic curiosity and foster environmental stewardship through outdoor exploration, recreation, and project-based, experiential learning. TOP builds on TA's long commitment to experiential and outdoor learning, and uses TA's vast natural resources and the diverse ecosystems of the Upper Valley as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom.

Thetford Academy

previous
Thetford Academy Photo #1 - Thetford Academy's 295-acre campus includes multiple athletic fields and an extensive trail network for hiking, walking, running, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing.
next
Thetford Academy Photo #1 - Thetford Academy's 295-acre campus includes multiple athletic fields and an extensive trail network for hiking, walking, running, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing.
Thetford Academy Photo #2 - Mountain Day is a school-wide event that takes students to explore the mountains that can be seen from the front lawn of the Academy. This day enables students to learn about their surroundings and promotes connection with peers.
Thetford Academy Photo #3 - In 2010, TA completed a major campus development project, which updated and expanded its campus resources, adding new science labs, resources for the physical education and athletics programs, and a performing arts theater.
Thetford Academy Photo #4 - In the Spring of 2023, seventh grade science students participated in Trout in the Classroom, an environmental education curriculum circulated by national nonprofit Trout Unlimited. Students released their classroom-grown trout into the Ompompanoosuc River. The White River Partnership's Watershed Scientist, Rudi Ruddell, was on hand answering an array of questions and assisting with the release.
Thetford Academy Photo #5 - Students in the Timber Framing class build useful structures around campus each year after extensive research of cost of materials, space, accessibility, drainage, and more. They then cut all the posts, chisel the mortise & tenon joinery, curve the braces, and stain each piece before raising the structure.
Thetford Academy Photo #6 - TA's thriving school garden is another opportunity for students to get involved in the Thetford Outdoor Program (TOP), providing an entryway into sustainable food systems and regenerative agriculture practices. With two hoop houses and TA's greenhouse for winter warmth, the garden is a year-round hub of student activity.
Thetford Academy Photo #7 - The Daniel Grossman Woods Trail is a beautiful and challenging 5K cross country course that winds through the forests behind TA's main campus. The trail has been recognized by runners as one of the premiere cross country running trails in New England and the best 5K course in Vermont. Every year, more than 100 schools from New England and beyond.
Thetford Academy Photo #8
Thetford Academy Photo #9 - The Torrey Mountain Bike Trail, named for former TA headmaster Fred Torrey whose deep appreciation of the outdoors was well-known, is a fun, one-mile "flow trail," that accommodates riders of all abilities. The trail was designed and built in 2019 by Pete Wakeling of OTB Trail Builders and TA students in the Environmental Studies and Outdoor Education course.
Thetford Academy Photo #10 - The mission of the Thetford Outdoor Program (TOP) is to ignite academic curiosity and foster environmental stewardship through outdoor exploration, recreation, and project-based, experiential learning. TOP builds on TA's long commitment to experiential and outdoor learning, and uses TA's vast natural resources and the diverse ecosystems of the Upper Valley as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom.
As Vermont`s oldest secondary school, Thetford Academy has more than 200 years of experience preparing students for a changing world.
TA believes education should be inclusive and personalized; that every student deserves to be inspired, challenged, and supported.
TA offers big opportunities within a small school. Students choose from over 100 courses across the academic disciplines, exploring subjects that inspire them through rich electives, honors options, independent study, Dartmouth College classes, and dual-enrollment at Vermont colleges.
TA is an independent school with a public mission.
While enrolling private day and homestay students, TA is the designated public school for the town of Thetford, VT and a choice school for towns in the region.
Life at TA is as vibrant and diverse as its students.
Over 20 clubs represent a range of student interests
Athletics include soccer, basketball, baseball, bass fishing, softball, track & field, cross country, as well as alpine and nordic skiing.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked VT School
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 310 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $22,430
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Thetford Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
All areas of Special Education
Year Founded
1819
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a

Student Body

Total Students
310 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
2%
State avg.: 13%
Students by Grade
Thetford Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
14 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English, French, Physics, Precalculus, Spanish
Average SAT score
1198
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
International Homestay Program - $45,000
Admissions Director
Molly Dugan-Sullivan

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
20 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Book Club, Environmental Club, Gaming Club, Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA), Gender Equality Club, Outdoor Program, Outing Club, Robotics Program, Rock Climbing Club, Student Alliance for Racial Justice (SARJ), Student Council, Thetford Academy Climate Alliance (TACA), Weightlifting

Arts and Music Programs:
Choral Music, Culinary Arts, Design Technology, Drama Program, Instrumental Music, Visual Arts

School Notes

  • Thetford Academy is situated on nearly 300 acres of woodlands and fields, and is contiguous to the nearly 200 acre Thetford Hill State Park, which the school manages through a special agreement with the State of Vermont.
  • The school boasts small classes, nurturing teachers, supportive parents, a hands-on curriculum, honors offerings in all disciplines, robust electives, a strong fine arts program, an outdoor education program, and a path to taking Dartmouth College courses while still in high school.
  • An open admissions policy fosters diversity in the student population, and as a result, the student body exhibits a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and aspirations.
  • TA students benefit from the best traditions of small schools: individualized attention, respect for diversity, a strongly cooperative spirit, and multiple opportunities for leadership, activities, and service.
  • Thetford Academy is a community of learners.We challenge all members of the school community to reach their highest potential.We value initiative, courage and dedication.We provide individuals with personalized support and guidance.We care about each other and about the larger community.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Thetford Academy cost?
Thetford Academy's tuition is approximately $22,430 for private students.
What sports does Thetford Academy offer?
Thetford Academy offers 12 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Soccer, Nordic Skiing, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Winter Track. Thetford Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for most sports offered.
What is Thetford Academy's ranking?
Thetford Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for: Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Thetford Academy?
The application deadline for Thetford Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

Endorse Thetford Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked VT School
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 310 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $22,430
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Vermont is $19,576 for elementary schools and $34,722 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Vermont is 82% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links