TA News

When the world shut down in March 2020, one of the many opportunities disrupted for high school students in the Upper Valley was the option to take a class at Dartmouth College. Juniors and seniors at Thetford Academy had long taken advantage of this generous program that provides no-cost, credit-bearing classes at our Ivy League neighbor – but this was not available for seniors graduating in 2021, 2022, or 2023.

Fortunately, after a three-plus year pause, Dartmouth College resumed the Community High School Program in September 2023. Last year’s senior class jumped into the mix, with six students taking classes at Dartmouth. And this year’s seniors – the Class of 2025 – have exceeded pre-pandemic participation rates with 11 students thus far taking one or more Dartmouth classes during their junior spring and/or senior fall. 

Here are reflections on the experience from some of our current seniors:

• My class was in a lecture hall, which was a new experience for me. I got a taste of what college classes look like and what the atmosphere of a college classroom is, which I really enjoyed. 
• I enjoyed the academic rigor that Dartmouth classes have to offer. 
• There were students who were playing games on their computers and not taking notes, while there were also students who engaged in every word our professor spoke. I didn’t expect that before taking the course, but it showed me what different people want to get out of their experience. Seeing how astute and engaged some of the Dartmouth students were helped motivate me to stay engaged, especially when material got heavy.
• Something that I really appreciated was the passion that my professor had for their subject. I didn’t realize but most professors have put their life’s work and research into their teaching and that makes it really engaging.
• One of the things I liked the most about taking a Dartmouth class was the change of scenery and pace. After taking every class at TA for the past 6 years, it was nice to take a class taught by a different teacher, in a different place, and with different people. 

Though an incredible resource for TA students, participating in the program is not without its challenges. Students might not be able to align a course with their TA schedule, the Dartmouth class rosters might be full, transportation and parking is on one’s own, and missing Thetford Academy’s “power hour” can be hard. But for those who can make it work, it’s a great experience! We are grateful to have this program back on our menu of options for advanced coursework and college-level study for our upperclass students who are ready for the next level of academic challenge. 

Spring term registration begins Feb. 7; students can contact TA’s Director of Counseling Mark Pichette for details. Learn more about the program on the Dartmouth website: admissions.dartmouth.edu/apply/counselors/community-high-school-program.