The Thacher School - Review #15

The thing that makes Thacher unique is definitely the horse program. Freshman are given a horse for the entire year and taught to ride it and care for it. I don't know of any other schools that have a similar program. Additionally, one of my favorite things about Thacher is how well balanced the kids are. They are brilliant and incredibly talented, but also fun, outgoing, and kind. Another thing I love about Thacher is the honor code. Students are taught that it is not what you do while being watched that is important but what you do when no one is looking. At Thacher you can leave your computer laying in the middle of campus and trust that it will be there when you get back. Thacher is a very safe environment to grow up in, there are no drugs or alcohol and everyone wants to see you do well.

I can't pinpoint one thing that really stands out. Thacher definitely changed me for the better, but it was a gradual change. I've really grown up and become a better person while at Thacher. I've made friendships that I know will last for the rest of my life, and I've been exposed to all kinds of new things. Thacher really forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.

I would have been more outgoing and tried to get to know people a little bit better before forming an opinion of them. A week before graduation I got to know several different people and discovered how awesome they were, I wish that I had figured that out earlier. These four years fly by, don't take them for granted.

The people are absolutely amazing, some of the best people you will ever meet. I love the sense of community.

Don't overdo it on the frozen yogurt machine. Get to know your teachers, they are super cool. Be open and kind. Don't judge people before you get to know them. Enjoy every second, I wish I had more time at Thacher.

The academics are definitely challenging, but manageable. It helps that the majority of the teachers live on campus and are always willing to meet with you for extra help. At Thacher the students want to see each other do well so you can always go to a classmate for help too.

At Thacher you really do get a chance to do it all. There are tons of sports offered and you can try them all out before you find one that you love. Sports are competitive but also a lot of fun.

I did not participate in the arts program, but many of my friends did. They invested a lot of time into whatever they were doing, be it the musical or the play, but the final outcome was always fantastic.

There are tons of clubs at Thacher! If you come up with an idea for a club all you need to do is find a faculty advisor in order to get it started. The cheese club, the ninja club, and the food appreciation club are among some of my favorites. All silliness aside, there are several student organizations that do a lot in order to raise money to help others. There are also many volunteer opportunities. You can sing to the elderly, help tutor children, feed the homeless, or work at the humane society.

Dorm life is in my opinion one of the best things about Thacher. You will live in a dorm with people of your gender and grade, as well as 5 to 6 seniors who serve as prefects. So much fun happens within the dorm! Whether it's going to a friends room to hang out, or inter dorm competitions organized by the prefects. It is so nice to be able to walk a few steps and be in your best friends room.

The food is actually pretty good. Last year the students took a survey about the food and the dining hall staff is really working hard to come up with new meals that the students will like. We have formal dinner 4 nights a week, which is when everyone dresses up and sits at an assigned table with a faculty member. It is a great chance to get to know new people or faculty members that you might not interact with on a daily basis.

Ojai is a pretty interesting place. There is a bus that goes to town on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so if you need something you will have the chance to get it. There are some pretty cool restaurants in Ojai, and a park in the center of Ojai that is awesome for picnics.

The social life is pretty great. The indoor committee plans weekend events and is comprised of several students and a faculty member. We do our best to plan fun and exciting events. Some of the favorites are dances, or dodgeball competitions. The great thing about going to boarding school and living with your best friends is that you will never be bored, you will always find something to do.