OUR MISSION

The Thornton-Donovan School is absolutely unique.

We offer a dynamic, hands-on progressive education for academically talented students in grades K-12. Established in 1901, we are one of the oldest private schools in Westchester County, New York. With the 2012-2013 tuition set at less than $16,500, you will be surprised by our affordability; we have worked hard to keep our tuition at a rate which is reflective of the current economic situation, and is roughly ½ the rate of other Westchester private schools.

The Thornton-Donovan education is customized to students’ interests and talents. Our learners progress in subject areas based on their ability and curiosity, not their grade level. Small class size, usually 8-14 students, makes this approach to learning possible. Encouraging children to develop into the persons they will become, unhindered in exploration of their passions, is the key to a T-D education.

Across all grades, perspectives are challenged daily through culturally themed courses focusing on a different area of the world each year. Each spring, our classrooms literally come alive with our annual journey to the country of focus. Imagine having the opportunity to experience first-hand the sights, sounds and smells about which you learned during the year! Recent adventures have brought us to South Africa and Ireland. This year we are studying and voyaging to Venice.

Thornton-Donovan's international focus prepares our students to graduate aware of who they are, and with a massive head-start on recognizing their role within our global community.

At Thornton-Donovan we realize that education is not purely academic. The whole child is developed by emphasizing values such as honesty, integrity, personal responsibility and good citizenship. Each T-D student knows that he or she is an international ambassador with conduct expected that honors that responsibility. Although we are independent and non-denominational, there is a spiritual element - paying homage to all beliefs - which permeates the campus and all of our activities. Our atmosphere is intimate, calm and natural. You'll notice straight away how different we feel compared with other schools.

Our students come to us from many towns in Westchester County, as far north as Fairfield County, CT, and some have even commuted from Manhattan. Our international scholars have hailed from China, Korea, Australia, France, Guatemala, Spain, Austria and more.

For more than 100 years, Thornton-Donovan School has been exceptional.

Individually focused, globally engaged.