The Thacher School - Review #16

While Thacher does have its unique horse program, California weather, and camping program, what sets Thacher apart from other Boarding Schools in my mind is the community. When I was applying, everybody who talked about Thacher told me that they loved it. When I asked them why, they would always talk about how the community was simply the best. At first I was hesitant to believe this, but after living in it for four years, the community is what separates Thacher from other boarding schools. Its hard to explain it in words, but Thacher's community is basically a family. And while I have only gone to one boarding school, from visiting 14 of them when applying and talking to friends at other schools, I feel like Thacher truly has a unique community for the best. Everybody feels welcome, comfortable and wanted.

The best thing that happened to me at Thacher was that I gained a new sense of self-confidence. The Thacher community is amazing at making you feel welcome. From the first day of school, you are embraced into the community by a welcoming senior. That senior then gives you a tour of the campus and helps you unpack. And starting with that senior, you immediately realize that Thacher is a special place and you forget that you are away from home. You feel at ease to be yourself. In and out of the classrooms, the teachers and fellow students seem to want your opinions. They make you feel like you belong. And over four years these feelings of belonging fosters self-confidence.

If I could change anything about my experience, I would make sure to enjoy the moment more often. In the midst of studying, I would often get too caught up in the moment and I would fail to appreciate my amazing experience. Thacher is truly a special place. And while it is no metropolis the Ojai valley has plenty to offer. However in my final year I finally realized this and I enjoyed my Thacher experience to its fullest.

My favorite part of the school is the community. It actually feels like a family. As I leave I realize that I'll miss the sense of comfort, belonging and warmth.

I would recommend sitting on the benches above upper field. The view is one of the best. Sunset is probably the best time of day to go, but the view is always amazing. And having just left the school, I wish I had spent a little more time there.

One of the best things about Thacher academics is that there is no sense of competition. Especially since there is no class rank, you do not feel like you are competing in the classroom. People are more than willing to offer help and advice.

The sports at Thacher are awesome. While you are required to participate, you determine how much of your time they take up. For me sports were a big deal. And unlike at a big school, I knew heading into it that I could compete competively in any sport I chose. And while we were by no means a powerhouse, we definitely held our own on the court. My tennis team won our CIF division sophomore year, my basketball team consistently made the playoffs and my football team also consistently made the playoffs. Despite its size, Thacher athletics seem to be always competitive.

The Visual Arts, Music and Theatre programs always seem to put incredible pieces together. As a spectator it is always fun to see what these groups have to offer.

For being such a small school Thacher offers plenty of clubs. And if you can't find a club that you like, you can make one of your own. However at Thacher clubs do not play too big of a role in your life.

The small dorms help you make friendships unlike any other. Within a year of living together, you know your dormmates on a level more personal than any of your other friends. And then you live these people again for at least the next two years. Through living in these dorms, you'll make some of the best friends you'll ever meet.

If I could change anything about the school, I would change its food. Sometimes the food isn't great. But it is a cafeteria and there is always something to eat.

It took me a while to open up to Ojai, but it is a great little town. It has almost everything you could possibly need at boarding school, including plenty of restaurants to eat at. With its incredible surroundings, Ojai is the perfect place for a bike ride or a jog. And the people of Ojai are so nice.

By living at such a small school, you know everybody. This can be a good and bad thing. But by the end of the four years you know your classmates on a personal level unlike any of my other friends. You soon learn how they eat, how clean their room is, how loud their music is, and almost everything about them. And with my experience I would say that is a good thing.