The Thacher School

• Founded: 1889 year
• Training programs: 9-12 grades (senior school + preparation for university)
• Type of training: mixed
• Residence type: boarding house
• Language of instruction: English.

The Thacher School was founded in the 19th century by Sherman Day Thacher. According to the official version, Thacher came to his brother at the Casa de Piedra ranch, but was subdued by the beauty and tranquility of this place and stayed forever. The key, turning point to the foundation of the school was the son of one of Thacher's friends, who had to be prepared to enter the prestigious Yale University.

So, Tacher founded an American school that fully complies with the traditions of his beloved England - today The Thacher School embodies the spirit of the classic British boarding house: both in architecture and landscape, and in educational methods and structure of the curriculum. The administration does not forget about the physical development of schoolchildren, about creative electives and classes, the education of aesthetic taste and the desire for self-education. Still many classes are held outdoors: for example, schoolchildren have historically devoted a lot of attention to equestrian sport, independently caring for horses against the backdrop of picturesque mountains. The students develop valuable personal qualities:

• Independent thinking;
• The ability to think rationally, analytically and critically;
• A strong character, perseverance and diligence;
• Honesty, mutual respect and a sense of mutual trust.

Today the school is focused on teaching children of grades 9-12: completing secondary education (high school) and preparing for the university. The total number of students reaches 240 people (about 13% are foreign students, more than 90% of students live on the board): these are representatives of 22 American states and 11 world countries. The school has excellent academic results - in recent years the average score of SAT among graduates was 2026.

Over 90% of the students of The Thacher School live at the hostel (residence with accommodation and meals throughout the academic year). The children are offered cozy 1-2-bed rooms, fully furnished and equipped with the necessary equipment: each pupil has a bed, a table for work and preparing homework assignments, shelves and a wardrobe for storing things.

Together with the children, most of the teachers (78% of whom have a degree) live at the campus and employees along with their families - they also regularly participate in extracurricular activities. This forms a warm, confidential atmosphere, helps students to learn their teachers from the personal, "human" side. There is no strict uniform at school.

The Thacher School, like any classic British boardinghouse, pays a lot of attention to the creative and sporting pursuits of its students: they seek to educate comprehensively developed, harmonious personalities. On the campus there are more than 30 different clubs, organizations and sections on interests, 13 sports teams. Some clubs have existed since the founding of the institution: Thacher Pack and Spur, Literary Club, some music ensembles.

The school works and religious organizations, there are guided tours and trips to the church of the town of Ojai. In general, the school is not considered strictly religious - the children of any confession and confession, race, nationality, origin and color of the skin are accepted for training.

The school today is 85 miles from Los Angeles. The campus (total area - 427 acres) has everything for effective study, pleasant quiet or active recreation, living and spending free time:

• Classrooms and lectures (most with interactive equipment);
• Media labs;
• Modern computer classes with the latest PCs;
• Studios for creativity;
• Numerous sports facilities.

Especially worth mentioning is the huge library of James Boswell, to which all students have free access: it includes more than 25,000 books and more than 125,000 periodicals, Internet classes and access to a single school network.

The list of sports objects includes:

• Playgrounds and tracks for track and field athletics;
• Exercise room;
• Large common fitness center;
• Climbing wall;
• Swimming pool;
• Tennis courts;
• Baseball field;
• Place and an arena for equestrian sports and more.

List of services to pay additionally to tuition fee:

• Registration fee;
• Examination Boards;
• Educational deposit;
• Additional academic and language classes (optional);
• Additional leisure activities and excursions (optional);
• Guardianship (registration with the agency + guardian services);
• Air tickets;
• Transfer in both directions;
• Mandatory medical Insurance;
• Personal pocket expenses;
• Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents;
• Consular fee (payable at the Embassy).

Extra fees:

• Other 1500 USD

The cost of schooling is quite significant, but the administration gives students the opportunity to receive scholarships or grants. For example, More than 28% of The Thacher School students receive financial support.

• Guardianship services

• Student's supervision