International Experiences

World Languages

We punch well above our weight when it comes to world languages.

Given our classical background and international focus, World Languages begin in Kindergarten. Two of the three Romance languages taught at Thornton-Donovan (Spanish, Italian, French) are a part of the set curriculum in Lower and Middle School. Lower School World Languages often focus on general sounds, words, phrases and some grammar as well. Middle School World Languages involve more grammar.

At the Upper School Level (typically open to students beginning in Grade 8), options for World Languages also include the Classical (Latin, Greek) and Eurasian (Russian, Japanese). Languages are taught based on experience with the language rather than grade level and in addition to grammar and conversation may begin to open up into learning about culture as well. Student Exchanges are a great way to enhance skills.

International Experiences

At Thornton-Donovan, aside from any intercultural exchange happening at school on a daily basis thanks to the diverse backgrounds of our students and families, there are three ways for students to actually "go international" and experience the world.

Travel Study

The school has been travelling for over five decades, and travel study has been the foundation of our thematic education since the 1990s. Travel Study is typically a two-week trip in the spring related to the theme of the year. Travel Study is open to all: students, parents, family and friends, alumni, etc. Students as young as First Grade have traveled with parents or grandparents. One excellent explorer is given the Magellan Award each year at Graduation.

Student Exchange Programs

Typically from 8-14 days, students from one of our sister schools will visit us, hosted by families like yourselves here in New York. Likewise, we visit sister schools and are hosted by families abroad. Student exchange programs allow for a more practical level of exchange and can be a great way to practice one of the many languages we teach.

Sister School Relationships

On a case by case basis, we are able to send our students to one of our sister schools for a month or longer. This is a more intense version of Student Exchange.

Exchange Programs List

We have recently participated in exchange of one form or another with schools in the following countries.

Argentina (La Plata)

Guatemala (Guatemala City)

Japan (Sera, Hiroshima)

Italy (Arezzo, Tuscany)

Poland (Kraków)