ADVANCED STUDIES
FINE ARTS
NEW MEDIA
STEM
STEM APPLIED
DIPLOMA ENDORSEMENTS
Thornton Academy offers several endorsements to the standard diploma to recognize effort above and beyond the basic graduation requirements . Earning an endorsement demonstrates a student ’ s motivation and engagement in learning . Students interested in pursuing one of the endorsements listed below should contact their school counselor as soon as possible in their high school career so that each year consists of an appropriate schedule to meet the requirements . School counselors have detailed information on the courses and expectations for each endorsement ; any student interested in pursuing one or more diploma endorsements should get a list of requirements from the School Counseling Office .
ADVANCED STUDIES
Students earning the Advanced Studies Diploma Endorsement engage in Thornton ’ s most demanding course offerings . Upon successful completion of an approved selection of 14 AP and Honors courses , students are awarded an endorsed diploma in recognition of their extraordinary aptitude and achievement . The approved courses are in English , Foreign Language , History & Social Sciences , Math , Science & Engineering , and other electives , encouraging a well-rounded and challenging course of study .
FINE ARTS
Students choosing to pursue a Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement will select one of five possible strands : Dance , Drama , Instrumental Music , Vocal Music , or Visual Art . In addition to the required 8.5 credits in approved courses , other requirements may apply . Those additional requirements depend on the chosen strand , and may include participation in performances in that discipline .
NEW MEDIA
The New Media Diploma Endorsement includes two possible strands : Digital & Media or Publications & Communications . In either , 8.5 credits in approved courses are required . Digital & Media focuses on Thornton ’ s many computer classes in addition to the TATV program . Aspiring journalists will find the courses in Publications & Communications engaging . In each , students have the opportunity to explore topics that may inform future college majors or careers in New Media .
STEM
The STEM Endorsed Diploma reflects a student ’ s strong interest in Science , Technology , Engineering , and Math . Students must earn 11 total credits in these four areas of study . Of those 11 , four must be in math , four in science , and one in technology or engineering . The remaining two credits can be selected from any STEM option . In addition , at least two courses of the 11 must be Advanced Placement ( AP ) or approved college-level dual enrollment courses . Many of the courses offered at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology ( BRCOT ) are considered acceptable technology courses for this endorsement . Finally , a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher is necessary to earn this endorsement .
STEM APPLIED
Students with a strong interest in Science , Technology , Engineering , and Math who don ’ t take AP , college-level and / or Honors courses may earn recognition with the STEM Applied Diploma Endorsement . Students must earn 7.5 total credits in these four areas of study . Of those 7.5 , three must be in math , three in science , and one in technology or engineering . The remaining 0.5 credit can be selected from any STEM option . In addition , at least two courses of the 11 must be Advanced Placement ( AP ) or approved college-level dual enrollment courses . Many of the courses offered at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology ( BRCOT ) are acceptable technology courses for this endorsement . Finally , a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is necessary to earn this endorsement .
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