Student Life
We offer a variety of co-curricular programs and activities that give students opportunities to explore and pursue their interests and to build confidence while growing as leaders, volunteers, and contributors to the life and spirit of our community. As part of our all-inclusive tuition, we provide transportation service to and from campus on a schedule that allows all of our students to participate fully in after-school programs and activities.
Thaden Clubs
Clubs at Thaden are open to most Middle School and all Upper School students. We do not offer any clubs for Lower School students at this time but we do offer a robust after school program in partnership with Mobius.
Roots and Wings Literary Magazine
Model United Nations
Join in policy making, defense arguments, and simulated United Nations. Meets every Thursday in Kittyhawk. Grades 7-12.
Dungeons and Dragons
Join a new campaign with friends after school, Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:00 in the Library. Grades 6-12.
Green Team
Are you passionate about the environment? Want to engage in sustainable practices on campus? Grades 6-12
Student of Color Union
An affinity space for students of color. Meets alternating Thursday's during Upper School lunch. Grades 6-12
Girls Learn International
Seeking to empower girls worldwide to advocate for human rights and equality? Join GLI every Thursday in room B117 during lunch. Grades 9-12
GSA
An affinity space meeting monthly or bi-monthly for students who identify as LGBTQ, questioning their identity, or allies of the community. Grades 6-12
NASA Club
Are you passionate about space and science? Meets every Wednesday 3:30-5:00. Grades 6-12
Middle School Rockband
For those who are about to rock! Meets every Monday in the PAC (3:30 - 5PM). Grades 6-8
Board Game Club
Card games, board games, and overall fun! Meets Thursdays in the Library 3:30 - 5PM. Grades 6-12
Chamber Orchestra
Practices occur every Monday in the Music Room from 11:15 - 11:55. Grades 6-12
Business Club
Our student led apparel store is led by our Business Club. Grades 9-12
Archery Club
Take aim at this olympic sport! Traveling to The Quiver every Thursday 3:30 - 5PM. Additional fees may apply. Grades 6-12
Art Club
Field trips, portfolio curation, and art studio time! Meets Every Wednesday in the Art Room 3:30 - 5PM. Grades 6-12
Japanese Animation Society
Immerse yourself in dialogue on the storylines and themes represented in Japanese animation. Meets after school Fridays. Grades 6-12
Vinyl Club
Do you enjoy the warmer and more natural sounds of music on vinyl? Gather every Friday during Upper School Lunch to listen, eat, and unpack rich classics. Grades 9-12
Trout Unlimited
Passionate about fishing and waterway conservation? Meets every Thursday from 3:30 - 5PM. Grades 8-12
Folklore Club
If you enjoy folklore, myths, and fairy tales, the Folklore and Mythology Club is the perfect place for you. Meetings are held every Tuesday and Thursday during the second half of lunch in the library. Grades 6-8
Podcast Club
Grade 6 students can join Podcast Club to explore the world of storytelling, creativity, and media production!
Climbing Club
Climb to new heights with our climbing team! Competing in part with the American Scholastic Climbing League. Additional fees may apply. Grades 9-12
Welding Club
Learn a valuable trade and assist in set design, campus repairs, and worthwhile projects! Grades 9-12
Science Olympiad
Take part in friendly competitions and challenges covering all aspects of science! Grades 6-8
Navigating Horizons
Thaden Global Education Program: Navigating Horizons
Louise Thaden, an accomplished aviator, symbolizes the spirit of exploration, courage, and pushing boundaries. Navigating Horizons captures the essence of the program's mission, which is to empower students to venture beyond familiar boundaries, explore diverse cultures, and develop the skills necessary to navigate an interconnected world. This program embodies Thaden's dedication to providing transformative global education experiences that inspire students to embrace new perspectives and embark on a lifelong journey of discovery. Contact Mr. Elliott for more information.
Exciting Growth and New Partnerships Await!
We are thrilled to announce that our program includes partnerships with schools in Durban, South Africa and Buenos Aires, Argentina. As we continue to grow, we are eager to share more information with you about the next steps in the application process and the amazing opportunities available through our newly partnered schools. Stay tuned for updates and further details on how you can be a part of this enriching global education experience.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement Partners
Use the resources below to find community partners that seek volunteers as individuals or groups! Additionally, reach out to our Community Based Learning council to find out more ways to get involved designing Thaden curriculum, attending seminars, and getting active in our community. Contact Mr. Slaton for information regarding the CBL Council.
Community service holds immense significance in your personal growth and the betterment of society. Engaging in acts of service allows you to make a positive impact, develop empathy, and cultivate essential skills for your future. By dedicating your time and effort to helping others, you gain a deeper understanding of the challenges people face, fostering compassion and a sense of responsibility. Community service provides an opportunity to develop crucial skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These skills will prove invaluable as you navigate through college, careers, and beyond. Your actions have the power to create lasting change and inspire others to follow suit.
Community Partners
- Bentonville Animal Services
- Best Friends Animal Shelter
- Habitat for Humanity
- NWA Food Pantry
- NWA Women's Shelter
- Pedal It Forward
- Teen Action Support Center (TASC)
Bentonville Animal Services
Bentonville Animal Services is always looking for dog walkers! All ages are welcome to volunteer albeit, if under 16 must be with a parent.
Best Friends Animal Shelter
Contact Best Friends Animal Shelter for ways you can be involved in volunteering at the site, sponsoring a food drive, collecting blankets, and more!
Habitat for Humanity
Connect with Habitat for Humanity for opportunities to build local homes, restock the ReStore, and other helpful projects!
NWA Food Pantry
Gather a few friends or family to volunteer at the Center in Lowell organizing, sorting, and packaging goods to be delivered to the community. Volunteer opportunities can be found on the NWA Food Bank Website.
NWA Women's Shelter
To learn more about ways to support our local Women's Shelter please contact Travis Baker. The shelter offers multiple opportunities in the thrift store in addition to drives and events outside of the shelter. Get involved today!
Pedal It Forward
Help build bicycles for community members! For more information on ways to be involved please contact Kenny Williams.
Teen Action Support Center (TASC)
For more information on ways to be involved please contact Angela Smith or via phone (479) 636-8272).
Internships
We are delighted to celebrate the many opportunities that Thaden students pursued through summer internships offered by community partners and other friends of the school. With internships, our students extend their learning and serve the region, demonstrating the promise and real-world applications of a Thaden education.
Working close by, Laura Bailey '25 and Sam Wiseman '24, acted as summer camp interns at Buddy Pegs, a youth cycling program that held camps across Bentonville and the Northwest Arkansas region -- including on the Thaden campus -- in June and July. "Through my internship I developed valuable skills of leadership and mentorship that I can use in many other parts of my life," says Laura. "I love coaching kids from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels who are all keenly interested in the bicycle." Sam adds, "Every week, kids found ways to challenge me with their never-ending questions, which I often didn't have answers to. This inspired me to learn from them and to ask more questions. It was an infinite loop of building knowledge."
Over at the Peel Compton Museum and its affiliate park, Coler Preserve, Amelia Abellan '24 and Anna Raymond '23 gave tours and worked with staff to plan and execute programs. Amelia particularly enjoyed introducing visitors to interesting objects in the collections. Her favorite? The courting couch in the parlor. As she says, "Most people on the tours really get a kick out of it, and I agree it is pretty funny, but I think it really gives an interesting look into life in the Victorian era." At Coler, Anna taught mountain biking skills and spent many hours on Esther's, her favorite trail. "I love working with the programs team," she says, "Coler is so gorgeous and I can show it off to my friends and family."
And just down the road from Thaden, Oshen Rehobson '23, Tobias Stanley '23, and Cooper Zylowski '23 got a glimpse into digital data management in their roles as interns as Movista, a Software as Service (SaaS) company reimagining the future of work and global retail management. As Tobias observed, "A lot of what we do is digitizing hard-copy data, which I learned enables much better quality control and improves supplier-retailer communication."
Are you interested in sponsoring an intern?
Thaden is always looking for new partnerships and opportunities for our students to learn hands on experience. Please contact Tyler Elliott to share the opportunity!