Two TSA students talk about their high school search decision

Phoebe and Maeve 2022

April 4, 2022

Hi! We are Maeve Miller and Phoebe Quackenbos, both juniors at TSA, working as advancement interns this year. We’ve been at TSA since 9th grade, and we remember being on our own high school search and how much pressure it felt like went into that decision.


As you’re in your own decision process, we wanted to share with you a little about how we chose TSA. Both of us were thinking of Hanover and Thetford, but after visiting and hearing from peers and teachers we decided TSA was the place we saw other students being the most enthusiastic about their learning experience.


A few years ago we were shy ninth graders. Though it took us a few months to grow into our confidence, Sharon could not have been a better environment to do that. Between sports, challenging classes, trying new things such as river kayaking or maple sugaring, and constant opportunities to get out of our comfort zone such as our advancement internship, we learned so much about ourselves. Upon reflection, both of us feel that TSA has been the best possible environment for us. It gave us the confidence, opportunities to hone in on leadership skills, and education we need to be successful. 


Here are a few of our thoughts about TSA:

To start, a few things TSA IS NOT:

  1. Big. This is an important one. If you really enjoy the crowded halls, unfamiliar faces, and noise that is experienced at schools with 1,000+ students, TSA is not for you.
  2. Formal. If you desire uniforms (or even dress codes), calling your teachers by Ms. Mr. and Mrs., and only learning in a classroom, TSA is not for you.
  3. Traditional. TSA has plenty of its own traditions, but we are not your average high school. If you’re looking for a school with no homemade decorations, students that only hang out in cliques, and a school that doesn’t take two weeks off of classes to put on an all-school play, you should look elsewhere.

Now for some things that The Sharon Academy IS:

  1. We are tight-knit. Between our weekly community-building forums, shared morals of acceptance and inclusion, and small student body, our strong community is arguably one of TSA’s biggest strengths. 
  2. Our education is reputable. TSA students take pride in being some of the most studious, sportsmanlike, and respectful young adults in the Vermont school system. It is a character trait of the average TSA student and something that gets commented on and complimented frequently by outside observers.
  3. Our culture is understanding. If a student wants to take a semester abroad, take a few classes at VTC, start their own class, elective, or club, or even speak up to change things that don’t seem right, TSA staff and board members always listen. A core value of TSA is empowering students to help make decisions that will ultimately affect their high school careers in positive ways. Every student feels seen, heard, and respected.

Though the decision does not become any less nerve-wracking with time, it does get easier with guidance. We hope you’ll make a visit to Sharon. TSA
could really use students like you, who want to embrace creative learning and thrive in a close and accepting school community.


Best wishes on your high school search,
Maeve Miller ’23
Phoebe Quackenbos ’23