The Thacher School

My son was very unhappy with his 8th grade school and became sullen. This school is nothing short of miraculous. They have it down to a perfect science. The horse program is amazing, the academics, the physical plant. I agree with many who say this is the best High School on earth.
--Submitted by a parent

My son will begin his second year at this extraordinary school in several weeks. All summer long he has been talking almost exclusively about how much he misses his friends (who comprise all grade levels and also include ALL the teachers and administrative staff), hiking, horses, sterling academics, sports, myriad fine arts opportunities -- the list goes on ad infinitum. Thacher is a top elite boarding school, yes, but it's so much more: it's a series of lessons on how to make a happy and satisfying life for oneself and others in an increasing complex world. I can't wait to visit the campus again!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Thacher. If the Buddhists are correct and you can be re-born (if you are good) to a higher form, chose to be a student at The Thacher School. The academics are great; the values are great; the teachers are great; and you couldn't invent better friends for your child than the student body at Thacher.
--Submitted by a parent

An amazing school. The horse program is incredible, even if you have never been around horses. You make life-long friendships with other students and faculty.
--Submitted by a former student

Thacher is unique among top boarding schools. It combines the academic rigor of the most demanding schools in the country with a complete dedication to and love of the natural world. The principles of the School 'honor, fairness, kindness and truth' are more than words. They characterize the way the students and faculty actually treat one another. You see it at every turn on campus. We have been thrilled with the education our son is receiving in and out of the classroom. Fellow students are bright and motivated. Each brings a unique set of skills to the School, from musicianship, to sports, to powerful leadership capabilities, to academic brilliance. The teachers are gifted and dedicated. The headmaster is inspirational, effective, and popular. We are thrilled with Thacher.
--Submitted by a parent

An extremely demanding and comprehensive education. By comprehensive, I mean that Thacher aims to educate and develop every aspect of a student. Respect for oneself and for others is taught from the onset which I found especially valuable considering the extremely priviledged backgrounds most students come from. At times I found the horse/ outdoor program a little hokey and even repetitive as my family had already been around horses and the outdoors our entire lives. However, that isn't necessarily true for most students, and the sense of responsibility and self confidence gained through the outdoor program far outweighs any downsides. As far as education goes, you won't find a more solid one anywhere. English courses that I was able to take at Thacher rival those of many colleges. if you do the work, you will be more than ahead of the game in life. Don't let the humble buildings fool you
--Submitted by Andrew Wallop, a former student

Amazing academics, teachers and campus life. This curriculum here was just as challenging as many of the college courses I took. The dedication of the teachers to young adults and higher education instill a love of learning for life.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 2nd year at thacher school. She loves the school very much,and her friends are very amazing. The academic program is vigorous. She is exposes to many varies concepts andideas. She loves the horse program very much. It teaches her a great deal of reponsibilities and how to solve a program. The faculty and students kown each other very well. The faculty is very supportive and caring. The school provides the students a wide range of extra-curricular activies to choose from. Many sports, a wide range of arts program and varied course are also provided.In general, the school is excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

This is one of the best and most unusual schools in the U.S. Highly academic, its motto of 'Honor, Fairness, Kindness and Truth' permeates relationships between and among teachers, students, and staff. Camping, horseback riding, sports, arts, and fun--as well as challenging academics--are all integral parts of the program. I have had two daughters attend, and each has grown in mind, body and spirit in wonderful ways. Parents are welcome to be involved at the school, and even those who live far away participate in activities when they visit on Family Weekends. It is a beautiful, warm and wonderful institution.
--Submitted by Mary, a parent

Thacher is the best place on earth. To describe her students, faculty, beauty, or academics as superlative is to understate; Thacher is an experience and a way of life that cannot be broken into parts. My only regret is that I could be a student there just once. Clay Pell, Class of 2000.
--Submitted by Clay Pell, a former student