Summary: Deeply committed to the intellectual life and the development of its students, Thacher offers an academic program that is both rigorous and flexible. At its core, the program is designed to encourage the best mix of broad, general background and specialized study for each student. While our basic diploma requirements prepare our students for college-level study, all Thacher students move well beyond this minimum to pursue areas of special interest. Thacher offers a broad and rich array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as several courses beyond the AP level. Full engagement with a Thacher education means developing critical thinking skills and learning to communicate effectively, by listening, speaking, and writing well. In all disciplines the classroom experience is intimate—Thacher’s average class size is eleven—and largely discussion based, with students often collaborating on projects. Still, academic learning at Thacher isn’t confined to the four walls of a traditional classroom. Students and faculty often tackle their subjects elsewhere—exploring a creek to learn about its ecosystem, reading poetry on a grassy lawn, or trekking to the horse barns to practice hands-on veterinary medicine. Some students even choose to move beyond the bounds of the Thacher campus, spending a year studying abroad or with other programs in the U.S.

Department Director Tracy Miller

Student/Teacher Ratio: 5:1

Average Class Size: 11

Summer Programs: Not Offered

Full Time Teachers: 60

Number of AP Courses Offered: 0

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 80%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Learning Support

• Study Skills Assistance

English

• Classics
• Creative Writing
• Honors
• Literature
• Poetry

History

• Asian History
• European History
• Honors
• United States History
• World History
• African History

Foreign Languages

• Chinese-Mandarin
• French
• Latin
• Spanish

Religion / Philosophy

• Ethics
• Mythology
• World Religions

Humanities / Social Sciences

• Economics
• Psychology

Sciences

• Anatomy
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
• Physics

Math

Computer Studies

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Robotics

Music

• Choral Music
• Composition
• Electronic Music
• Individual Instructions
• Music History
• Music Theory

Performing / Visual Arts

• Acting
• Art History
• Ceramics
• Dance
• Debate
• Painting
• Photography
• Pottery
• Public Speaking
• Studio Art
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design
• Woodworking
• 3-D Art

Special Programs

• Study Abroad
• Community Service
• Outdoor Education

Distinctive or New Programs

• Horse Program

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 6

Average Students Per Dorm: 43

Number of Girls Dorms: 3

Number of Boys Dorms: 3

Dorm Amenities

• Laundry Facilities
• Lounge
• Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Facilities

• All-Weather Track
• Baseball Field
• Fitness Center
• Football Field
• Indoor Basketball Court
• Indoor Climbing Wall
• Pool

Other Facilities

Clubs & Organizations

• Amnesty International
• Animal Rights Club
• Asian Club
• Astronomy Club
• Community Service
• Computer Club
• Debate Club
• Diversity Club
• Dorm Proctors
• Environmental Club
• Food Council
• Foreign Language Clubs
• Honor Council
• Horseback Riding
• International Club
• Investment Club
• Literary Magazine
• Math Club
• Model UN
• Newspaper
• Outing Club
• Peer Counseling
• Peer Tutoring
• Sexualities Club
• Student Activities
• Student Government
• Student Publications
• Surfing Club
• Theater Club
• Yearbook
• Yoga Club

Arts Department Director: Greg Haggard

Athletics Department Director: Pete Fagan

Arts

• Acting
• Art History
• Ceramics
• Dance
• Debate
• Painting
• Photography
• Pottery
• Public Speaking
• Studio Art
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design
• Woodworking
• 3-D Art

Interscholastic Sports

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country Running
• Equestrian
• Football
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Recreational Sports

• Camping
• Cross Country Running
• Dance
• Equestrian
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• Outdoor Education
• Rock Climbing
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Weight Lifting

Summary: Thacher’s approach to college placement is based on early preparation and a thoughtfully plotted introduction to the complex issues and requirements of the search and application process. Figuring out the differences between early action and early decision, learning how to write effective college essays, taking the SAT or ACT with confidence and preparation, filling out applications or applying for financial aid, deciding which schools to focus on—all these tasks require levelheadedness and a sensible and methodical approach. These qualities are precisely what our team of college counselors aims to encourage as they help students establish goals, set timelines, and understand terminology. At Thacher, we believe that there is value in having time to process information, gain perspective, and achieve comfort with the various aspects of college admission. If students initiate this process in the junior year when there is less pressure about the final results, they can successfully establish a foundation of knowledge that will help them navigate the actual process as seniors. At that time, they can expend energy more effectively on the truly important issue: identifying the personal priorities that will contribute to a rewarding match with an appropriate college or university community.

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile	650	610	1290
75th percentile	730	770	1490

Notable Alumni