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From the Head of School

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!

Carrie Brennan, Head of School
Thetford Academy
  • 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......

  • 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......

  • 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......

  • 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......

  • 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......

  • 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......

  • 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,......

  • 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......

  • 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......

  • Dear TA Families, Three topics to turn your attention to this week:  👉 Come out to support the performing arts at Thetford Academy and celebrate student creativity and talent! 🎶 🎭  👉 Sign up now for the winter sports season! 🏀 🎿  👉 Please complete your student records review in Alma! ✅ Thank......

  • Dear TA Families, Next week, at long last, the bridge connecting Thetford, VT and Lyme, NH will reopen. While only 18 months in duration, the project took place over the course of three school years, starting in the spring semester of 2022-23 and ending in the fall semester of 2024-25.......

  • Dear TA Families, We had a fun spirit week and lots of Halloween creativity. I was impressed with the number of students who participated each day, starting with a very cozy Monday with so many students in pajamas! We closed the week on a more serious note, gathering as a school......

Upcoming Events

January 2025

Tuesday January 21Friday January 24

Add/Drop Period (Tues-Fri) - HS only

Thursday January 23

All Day
Alpine Ski Team @ Saskadena Six
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Girls JV/V Basketball @ North Country (5:00/6:30)
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
MS Girls/Boys Basketball vs Lebanon (5/6:15)

Friday January 24

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Boys JV/V Basketball @ Lake Region (5:30/7:00)
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
School Dance - all grades (hosted by 10th Gr)

Saturday January 25

All Day
MS & HS Debate Tournament @ Montpelier

Sunday January 26

All Day
Indoor Track State Championships

Monday January 27

All Day
Alpine Ski Team @ Pico
Health Hub Dental Van on campus
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
College Process for Juniors, Part I (virtual)

Tuesday January 28

All Day
Health Hub Dental Van on campus
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Girls JV/V Basketball vs Harwood (5:30/7:00)
6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
MS Boys Basketball @ Lyme

Wednesday January 29

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Boys JV/V Basketball vs Randolph (5:30/7:00)

our VALUES

Excellence

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

Commitment

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

Cooperation

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

Caring

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

Diversity

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