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WHY THADEN?
Our Students
By virtue of our Indexed Tuition program and small class sizes, we offer a learning culture in which students of many interests, aspirations, and backgrounds can share and explore different points of view under the guidance of nurturing, even-handed educators. As our students discover their common ground and learn from their differences, they grow better prepared for life and citizenship in a nation founded upon a shared commitment to the value of civil debate and diversity of thought.
Our Faculty
Recruited from all parts of the United States and many parts of the world, our educators bring to our campus a passion for and mastery of the subjects they teach and the ability to educate, inspire, and mentor young people, inside and outside of the classroom. The diverse talents, interests, regional identities, and backgrounds of our faculty create a learning environment that empowers students to think expansively and imaginatively about their potential and the course of their journey in life.
Our Curriculum
Our core curriculum not only provides students with a broad foundation in the sciences and the humanities but also teaches them how to integrate disciplines and understand their dynamic connections. Our commitment to interdisciplinary problem solving also finds rich expression in our three signature programs — Wheels, Reels, and Meals — where students combine multiple fields of study and engage with community partners in ways that foster a strong sense of civic responsibility. Intensives and other forms of independent study as well as Community-Based Learning (CBL) courses provide further opportunities for students to form and investigate their own questions from many angles.
Our Campus
Designed by a nationally renowned team of architects, our campus is itself a teacher that sparks curiosity, inspires creativity, and invites reflection. As students move through the course of the day, they encounter a variety of architectural spaces and landscape features that enhance their learning while creating an enduring and enriching sense of place.
Our Community
As our school community continues to grow, we continue to be intentional about fostering a sense of belonging that makes each and all of us feel known, seen, heard, and celebrated. Thaden aspires to be a school where a diverse community can feel a shared sense of belonging.
Latest News
Check out the most recent Thaden news below. View All News.
![Violet S. Explores Maternal Health Policy in Arkansas in Recent Op-Ed]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778263394/thadenschoolorg/nucqtuhwohgbdr8hvusj/Screenshot2026-05-08at10258PM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778263394/thadenschoolorg/nucqtuhwohgbdr8hvusj/Screenshot2026-05-08at10258PM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778263394/thadenschoolorg/nucqtuhwohgbdr8hvusj/Screenshot2026-05-08at10258PM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778263394/thadenschoolorg/nucqtuhwohgbdr8hvusj/Screenshot2026-05-08at10258PM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778263394/thadenschoolorg/nucqtuhwohgbdr8hvusj/Screenshot2026-05-08at10258PM.png","width":1312}])
As part of her final summative in Mr. Slaton's "Agents of Change" course, Violet S. '27 recently authored an op-ed examining maternal health care access in Arkansas and the ongoing challenges facing mothers and health care providers across the state. Through research, policy analysis, and interviews with community members and health care professionals, Violet explored how access to care impacts families in both urban and rural communities.
Her writing reflects the kind of thoughtful inquiry and civic engagement encouraged at Thaden, where students are challenged to investigate complex issues, consider multiple perspectives, and connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. By combining research with firsthand community experiences, Violet’s work demonstrates the power of student voice in meaningful public conversations and exemplifies Thaden's Community-Based Learning program.
![Soccer Program Success]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778264705/thadenschoolorg/j89jwc6dpiyiporpsxux/OldFlyerGraphics7.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778264705/thadenschoolorg/j89jwc6dpiyiporpsxux/OldFlyerGraphics7.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778264705/thadenschoolorg/j89jwc6dpiyiporpsxux/OldFlyerGraphics7.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778264705/thadenschoolorg/j89jwc6dpiyiporpsxux/OldFlyerGraphics7.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1778264705/thadenschoolorg/j89jwc6dpiyiporpsxux/OldFlyerGraphics7.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1778264705/thadenschoolorg/j89jwc6dpiyiporpsxux/OldFlyerGraphics7.png","width":2200}])
Congratulations to Coach John Marshall, Girls Soccer Coach, on being named the 3A-W Conference Outstanding Coach! Under Coach Marshall’s leadership, the Thaden Girls Soccer team captured the Conference Championship and completed an undefeated season, an incredible accomplishment and testament to the dedication and hard work he has invested in the program over the past five years. Congratulations to Coach Marshall and the entire Girls Soccer team, and best of luck next week at the State Tournament!
![2026 Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest Winner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777647659/thadenschoolorg/lhdnojynxunnfaw8oedq/Lillian_ArWildlifeScratchboard1-SarahBenson.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777647659/thadenschoolorg/lhdnojynxunnfaw8oedq/Lillian_ArWildlifeScratchboard1-SarahBenson.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777647659/thadenschoolorg/lhdnojynxunnfaw8oedq/Lillian_ArWildlifeScratchboard1-SarahBenson.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777647659/thadenschoolorg/lhdnojynxunnfaw8oedq/Lillian_ArWildlifeScratchboard1-SarahBenson.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1777647659/thadenschoolorg/lhdnojynxunnfaw8oedq/Lillian_ArWildlifeScratchboard1-SarahBenson.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1777647659/thadenschoolorg/lhdnojynxunnfaw8oedq/Lillian_ArWildlifeScratchboard1-SarahBenson.jpg","width":2200}])
The Thaden Visual Arts Department is pleased to announce that Lillian B. '33 placed first for Grade 5 in the 2026 Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest hosted by Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) for her scratchboard piece titled "Spring Vibrations." An online exhibit of all the winning artworks will be displayed on the Arkansas Wildlife Federation website by June. Lillian’s artwork will also be published in the upcoming summer issue of AWF's Arkansas Out of Doors magazine.
As a winner, Lillian is invited to a special awards reception at the Arkansas State Capitol on Saturday, May 9, where Arkansas Wildlife Federation will recognize her and the other winning artists and unveil the traveling art exhibit featuring the artwork. Congratulations, Lillian!
![Arkansas Young Arts Association Winner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777058374/thadenschoolorg/cq1kfkhlkbllessceqvx/FlyerGIFs7.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777058374/thadenschoolorg/cq1kfkhlkbllessceqvx/FlyerGIFs7.gif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777058374/thadenschoolorg/cq1kfkhlkbllessceqvx/FlyerGIFs7.gif","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777058374/thadenschoolorg/cq1kfkhlkbllessceqvx/FlyerGIFs7.gif","width":1067}])
Earlier this month, 12 students traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to compete in AYAA (Arkansas Young Arts Association), the state's largest student art competition, with 62 schools and 1,380 students represented from across the state. We are happy to announce Thaden students swept the Functional Ceramics awards, winning 1st-4th place!
Our students won the following awards:
Cambria F. '26: Fiber Arts Expressive 1st place
Emil S. '26: Digital Abstract 1st place
Violet B. '27: Fiber Arts Realistic 3rd place
Eliza S. '28: Functional Ceramics 1st place
Natalie W. '28: Functional Ceramics 2nd place
David R. '26: Functional Ceramics 3rd place
Stellen H. '28: Functional Ceramics 4th place
Robyn B. '26: Sculptural Ceramics 3rd place
Be sure to look for their pieces on display around campus.
![Student Art on Display at Fayetteville Public Library]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776435920/thadenschoolorg/bd6sm31c8cdv5pdznys4/FlyerGIFs6_1.gif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776435920/thadenschoolorg/bd6sm31c8cdv5pdznys4/FlyerGIFs6_1.gif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776435920/thadenschoolorg/bd6sm31c8cdv5pdznys4/FlyerGIFs6_1.gif","width":640}])
The Thaden Visual Arts Department is thrilled to announce that five students, in Grades 5 and 7, are participating in the 2026 Arkansas Art Educators’ Northwest Arkansas Regional Art Show Competition. The artwork is displayed at the Fayetteville Public Library from April 11 to May 2 in the Lucky Day Lobby (level 200). Two-dimensional art created by K-12 grade students in the Northwest regional counties of Washington, Benton, Carroll, Boone, Marion, Madison, Newton, Searcy, Pope, Van Buren, and Conway is on display during the exhibition. Winning artists will also be invited to an awards ceremony and a state show at the end of the exhibition.
Participating Thaden students include: Vivian M. ‘31, Grace S. ‘31, Elijah W. ‘31, Emery M. ‘33, and Vivienne S.D. ‘33.
Please go to the Fayetteville Public Library and check out our amazing artists' work!