Thetford Academy supports students interested in pursuing off-campus learning opportunities from semester programs to study abroad, from online coursework to dual enrollment options. Academic coursework may be transferred to TA for high school credit with approval from the Counseling Office. Below are some of common extended learning opportunities students pursue as part of their graduation plan.
The STEM Internship is available by application process to all Thetford Academy juniors and seniors. This unique and innovative learning experience takes place on both Fujifilm and Hypertherm campuses. Participating students will receive one Math credit, one-half Science credit, and one-half Elective credit. Students gain competency in industry safety standards and an understanding of the skills needed for successful employment. Students acquire hands-on experience in all aspects of business, including history, marketing, assembly, accounting, engineering, and research and development. Interested students should see their school counselor for more information.
Challenge Courses give Thetford Academy students the opportunity to dive deeply into a topic of interest. Any topic not currently offered in TA’s curriculum will be considered for credit approval. In a Challenge Course, students design and plan their own course of study, and gain experience in time and task management, project planning, self-direction, and effective communication. All Challenge Course Students are required to give a final presentation about their project. For more information, and to begin the process of writing a Challenge Course Proposal, students should see their school counselor.
Dual enrollment enables juniors and seniors who are Vermont residents to access up to two college courses (including online courses) with participating colleges and universities at no charge. Students are responsible for paying for textbooks, lab fees, and other materials and supplies associated with the course. With approval from the Counseling Office, dual enrollment classes can be taken for high school elective credit.
The Environmental Studies and Outdoor Education class at TA is a half-day, interdisciplinary course covering a wide range of important environmental topics. The course takes advantage of Thetford Academy’s vast natural resources to engage students in hands-on, outdoor learning and scientific exploration. Students in the course will develop strong ecologic literacy and an understanding of their role in–and connection to–the natural world. This course can be taken as a semester or a full-year course of study.
Thetford Academy partners with River Bend Career and Technical Center and Hartford Area Career and Technology Center (HACTC) to offer technical education. TA juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for admission to all programs at River Bend Career and Technical Center or some programs at HACTC. Most courses are offered in a two-year sequence, with advanced work and specialization offered in the second year of study. Three credits are granted for successful completion of a one-year technical program.
Students interested in spending part of their high school career in another location are invited to explore study abroad and semester away programs. Programs that TA students have pursued include the Mountain School, the Alzar School, AFS, and the Maine Coast Semester at the Chewonki School. Taking advantage of this opportunity requires that students map out a graduation plan that provides room for this kind of experience. Students wishing to pursue study abroad must consult with the Counseling Office.
Dartmouth Special Community Student Program
Dartmouth College’s Special Community Student High School Program is open to area high school seniors (during fall, winter, and spring terms) and juniors (during winter and spring terms) who have exhausted all possible classes within their field of interest at their high school. All students are recommended by a high school principal, guidance counselor, or other school official with responsibility for the program at their school.
