Welcome to TA’s website! Whatever brings you here – whether you are a current or prospective student, a panther parent or grandparent, a TA alum, a community supporter, a curious educator, or just an interested Upper Valley neighbor – we hope you find stories, facts, and program information about Thetford Academy that are useful and compelling and that capture the unique and inspired nature of our school.
The Head of School page allows me to share my weekly family letters and other blog posts with the wider world. Topics range from program highlights and parent reminders to student shout-outs and class projects – and so much more. Most importantly, I try to spotlight all of the exciting activity happening on our campus and offer a window into daily life and learning at TA.
I invite you to take time to cruise around our website to learn more about Thetford Academy, starting with the TA News page for all of the latest updates.
You can read more about me and my experience as an educator here: Carrie’s bio.
Please be in touch with questions, suggestions, and ideas to share!
Dear TA Families, On the list of things we love at TA … Speaking of this afternoon, another thing we appreciate at TA is time set aside in the school calendar for the adults to meet, learn, and work collaboratively. We know that PD half-days (like today) and inservice days can be......
14 February, 2025
Dear TA Families, Lots to highlight in the realm of student creativity this week: First, Founders’ Day! Students were busy in their Founders’ Day committees today finalizing the planning process in the morning and putting all of their ideas into action throughout the day. Each student is on one of eight......
07 February, 2025
Dear TA Families, January is a great time to set new intentions and goals. This week’s email features a handful of extracurricular programs and events happening this semester for students who want to stretch themselves beyond the TA campus. While many have registration fees, most offer scholarships or a sliding......
31 January, 2025
Dear TA Families, I want to thank the parents, grandparents, family friends, and community mentors who were able to attend end-of-semester presentations and performances in recent weeks. We know it is not easy to carve out the time during the work day and appreciate your participation. By showing up, you......
18 January, 2025
Dear TA Families, As the rhythms of the school year go, a highlight for me as each semester comes to a close is attending final presentations in classes. Being in the audience as students proudly, thoughtfully, nervously – but also confidently – share their work and creativity, their reflections, and......
11 January, 2025
Dear TA Families, Early January is a busy time of transition, as we return from holiday break and jump back into classes. Students are working on culminating projects, essays, performances, exams, and reflections during this final stretch of the semester. Please encourage and support students as they prep for important deadlines in the coming days......
03 January, 2025
Dear TA Families, In keeping with the season of giving, our assembly this week featured a variety of clubs and classes generously raising funds and awareness for community needs on both the local and global levels. It was inspiring to have so many student groups modeling our school values of......
21 December, 2024
Dear TA Families, Winter is here! The snow and chilly temps change up our routines – but don’t deter us from heading outside during the school day. Some early winter season spotlights (featured in this week’s photos): One of the (cozy indoor) ways we kick off the season is the winter......
14 December, 2024
Dear TA Families, The weeks between Thanksgiving and the Holiday Break are busy ones at Thetford Academy. Here is a preview of some key December dates. Dec. 9 – FAFSA Workshop for the Class of 2025 We hope to see lots of seniors and their family members on Monday evening......
06 December, 2024
Dear TA Families, A short note on this short week with one big message: On behalf of all of us at Thetford Academy, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the extra time with family and friends over the holiday weekend. We will see everyone back on Monday. Carrie Brennan,......
27 November, 2024
Dear TA Families, Question: “If you were in a traveling circus, what role would you have?” First response: “The lion tamer, no doubt!” This fun discussion prompt, which quickly elicited spirited answers from friends around the table, was one of many interesting conversations I caught little pieces of while strolling......
22 November, 2024
Pictured (l to r): Pril Hall, trustee of Thetford’s Farm Trust; Jane Francisco, representing the Frances Barrows Fund; Beckie Gray, ’59; John Brown, Director of Buildings and Grounds; Barbara Smith, ’58; Carrie Brennan, Head of School; Patty McIlvaine, Director of Advancement; and Caleb Crossett, ’25. We hosted a small ribbon-cutting......
19 November, 2024
