Search EXPLORE ADMISSION ACADEMICS PROGRAMS COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS GIVING MYTHACHER Science 1 2 3 ACADEMICS English History Language Mathematics Science The Arts xBlock Electives Library College Counseling Visiting Scholars The Senior Exhibition Program At the intersection of mathematics, science, and computer programming, Thacher students are tackling practical, complex problems with real-world significance. Whether students are operating robots using Java or monitoring eclipsing binaries at the Thacher Observatory, project-based work forms the backbone of the learning process in our classes covering astronomy, robotics, computer programming, and data analysis. Through powerful hands-on experiences, students grapple with challenging questions that can’t be answered by flipping to the back of a textbook and, in the process, they cultivate deeper levels of understanding and competency. The Thacher Observatory and Astronomy The Thacher Observatory, which underwent a major renovation in 2016, is now a state-of-the-art, research-grade facility where students have the opportunity to engage in real-world scientific inquiry and applied learning. Students in astronomy and data science courses gain fluency and confidence in mathematics, data analysis, programming, and quantitative research skills through foundational classroom instruction and hands-on activities. At the more advanced levels, students have the truly unique opportunity to work on projects that are connected to professional scientific research being conducted by astronomers and astrophysicists at institutions like Boston University, Harvard University, Louisiana State University, and University of California, Santa Cruz, offering them a front-row seat to the scientific process and access to some of the brightest minds in the field. From monitoring supernovae or transiting exoplanets to helping program and implement the software being used at the Observatory, students are learning to put their knowledge to active use in a facility unparalleled at any high school in the nation. Design and Engineering Club activities and independent projects provide interested students with the opportunity to take some of their programming and mathematics knowledge and apply it to design and engineering endeavors. In the past, students have used the on-campus 3D printer to build a functional prosthetic hand for someone in need via a global nonprofit, paired a custom-built sandbox with augmented reality software to create an interactive topographic watershed model, and used the on-campus laser engraver to develop three-dimensional models of the student’s own design as part of an independent project. TOADTalk: My Nudibranch Teacher Heather Grant shares her enthusiasm for sea slugs and what we can learn from them. Read More 1 2 3 4 5 A college preparatory, coed boarding school for grades 9-12 The Thacher School 5025 Thacher Road Ojai, California, 93023 Tel : 805-646-4377 Fax: 805-646-9490 Email: info@thacher.org Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn MyThacher Contact Us Site Map Careers Privacy Policy Explore Thacher Facts That Matter History and Heritage Thacher Today Admission to Thacher Virtual Visits Tuition and Financial Aid Academics Student Life at Thacher Horse Program / Equestrian Athletics and The Arts Dorms and Campus Map The Ojai Area Faculty and Staff Calendar of Events Request Information Notice of nondiscriminatory policy as to students: The Thacher School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs. Este sitio en Español (Translate to Spanish) i saiteuneun hangug-eolo (Translate to Korean) Zhège wangzhàn yòng zhongwén (Translate to Mandarin) COVID-19 GUIDANCE CHECKLIST (PDF)