Read more details about The Thacher School on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
I loved Thacher because of the deep, respectful, and genuine connections in the community. Students, faculty, and staff were all so supportive to ensure I was the happiest and most challenged I could be. During my freshman year, I struggled in math and spent every study hall for two weeks in my math teacher's home. He never lost patience with me and only offered encouragement (and leftover cake!!). Teachers genuinely care about the student's well-being and interests. Most faculty live on campus, so it was always super easy to meet up with teachers to go get help or go over topics you missed. Thacher does have a busy schedule and a strong academic program, but the teachers really helped make the experience a positive one for me.Overall, Thacher was the best high school experience I could ask for. I graduated with life long friends and a fantastic education. I could not be luckier to have attended Thacher.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing that happened to me in boarding school were my friends. I now have the best, smartest, kindest, and the most thoughtful group of friends. With such small grades, I got to know everyone and loved talking to them about their different life experiences.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Something that I wish I had known is that your first group of friends is not the only group of friends you'll have. I got close to so many of the people I am now closest too later on in my time at Thacher.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I loved how much I was pushed outside my comfort zone to try new things, like acting, singing, camping, and public speaking.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Spend lots of time outside. The campus is beautiful, so use the outdoor spaces as much as possible.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I enjoyed the small class sizes. The absolute largest class I ever had at Thacher was 18. I came from a public school where my English class had 36 students in it, and moving to a small class size was incredible. I found I could speak a lot more and heard a lot more of my classmate's interesting opinions and thoughts.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
At Thacher, you are required to do an afternoon activity every trimester and at least one season of team sports. I played basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse, and I really enjoyed every season. I played both varsity and JV seasons. JV sports were so much fun and really focused on team comradery. Varsity sports were competitive and I felt challenged physically and mentally. The sportsmanship and support of teammates made every season fun.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I played violin in String Ensemble. I was never very serious, but everyone was very supportive.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Even though Thacher is a small school, there are many opportunities to get involved. I liked that I could participate in different activities such as The Notes, Writing Center, Cheese Club, Tea Club, and community service.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student, so I never actually lived in the dorm, but I was still a part of the dorm community. The dorm heads and prefects plan great dorm activities, such as spa night, dodgeball, s'mores, trivia, cookie decorating, pool nights, and barbeques.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Soft Serve Machine
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Ojai is beautiful but small. There are great hikes, but no Target.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
The social life was very fulfilling for me. There are virtually no drug and alcohol on campus, so I could focus on just hanging out with my friends. There is an Indoor Committee made up of seniors and faculty members, who plan weekend events. They plan dances, movie nights, buses to Santa Barbara, and volleyball tournaments. There are always good snacks at any event.
Read more details about The Thacher School on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
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Description
Thacher's community on campus is unlike any other, connections at the school go beyond merely knowing every student's name but having had interacted closely with everyone whether on a camping trip, in the dining hall. . .
You cannot mention Thacher without talking about the horse program; each freshman is required to take care of and ride a horse for the first year of high school. I rode all four years and. . .
One thing that makes Thacher unique are the opportunities to form close, meaningful relationships with teachers and its commitment to helping students grow personally as well as academically. Whether it's out in the Domelands wilderness. . .
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