Thetford Academy serves 350 students in grades 7 - 12. They come from surrounding communities, primarily three small, rural towns in east-central Vermont, and from Lyme, New Hampshire, 12 miles north of Hanover. The Academy is located in a beautiful setting near the historic Thetford Hill Green. There are no boarding students at Thetford Academy, and no admission requirements. Open admissions foster 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.

Approximately 93 percent of this year's graduates will continue their education beyond high school. and about 72 percent will go on to four-year programs directly from the Academy. Thetford Academy is accredited both by the Independent Schools Commission of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and by the State of Vermont through the Public School Approval process.

Purpose & Principles

Throughout its long history the Academy's programs have surely changed, but the spirit behind the functioning purpose has not changed at all through 180 years. The school was founded to provide for the educational needs of rural children in their adolescent years as those needs were felt by the people living in this area. As the needs have changed with the times and with changes in population, the Academy has changed its offerings and style. Just what "proper education" and "an adequate course of instruction" may be has been decided by the people of the region as they have made their desires felt to those of their neighbors who have taken on the responsibility of trusteeship.

Under the leadership of Martha Jane Rich from 1991 to present, the faculty has identified five principles to guide the direction of the school and preserve its traditions. In addition, major renovations to the historic White Building in 1996 allowed for full Vermont Public School Approval in the fall of that same year. Other accomplishments under her governance include development of school-to-work and service learning programs, formation of a teachers' association and the long range planning committee, construction of a five kilometer cross country trail, creation of a development office, the addition of a computer lab and the networking of all classrooms in the school.

Thetford Academy today offers an academic community that welcomes students who accept the responsibilities of enthusiastic participation in the educational opportunities available. There is a mutual respect for individuals and an appreciation of diversity within a setting of consistent expectations for students, faculty and administrators. Through attention to individual attributes, the Academy wishes to stimulate natural curiosity, creative thought and an appreciation of lifelong learning. Active participation and collaboration by all in fostering the community are necessary to sustain the positive educational environment at the Academy.

• Excellence

  - We set high expectations. We challenge all members of the school community to reach their highest potential.

• Cooperation

  - We work and learn together. We see teachers as coaches, students as team members, families as partners, and learning as practice and action.

• Commitment

  - We value initiative, courage, and dedication. We take responsibility for the goals we set and work hard to achieve them.

• Diversity

  - We respect differences among people. We welcome the contributions of varied perspectives to a rich and flexible school culture.

• Caring

  - We provide individuals with personalized support and guidance. We care about each other and about the larger community.