Faculty and students interact almost continually at Thacher, and faculty members serve many roles—as teachers, coaches, formal dinner “hosts,” and activity sponsors. In addition, each student also has a faculty advisor. Advisors help guide and counsel their five or so students through the triumphs and trials of boarding school life. Advisors also work with them to create a suitable academic and extracurricular plan. The key link between parents and the School, advisors write letters home twice a year and are quick to phone, fax, or e-mail with concerns or good news.

In general, students do not have the same advisor two years in a row, rather switching advisors as they move from one dorm area to another. After the 9th grade year, however, students may choose an advisor from among the faculty members working in their dormitory area.

As current Thacher students and graduates will tell you, the advisor-student relationship is most often highly rewarding for both participants.