<p>Thacher was ranked first among a list of topflight schools in a survey conducted by the Independent School Gender Project (ISGP) that measures student perceptions of school and community life. Another survey conducted during the 2008-2009 school year by Pacific Consulting Group of Palo Alto measured extremely high satisfaction levels among Thacher parents and students and showed that substance use by students is practically nonexistent at Thacher.</p>
<p>The perceptions tabulated in these surveys are why we have the lowest attrition rate of any top boarding school, comments Head of School Michael K. Mulligan. But its something our faculty and staff all work at every day. We hand pick the best students, attract and keep the best teachers, and work together day in and day out to create a culture in which each student is known, is supported, and is challenged to be his or her very best. Im not saying its always easy, but it sure is nice to have this work validated by survey results like these.</p>
<p>According to the 2009 ISGP survey results, The Thacher School is the very best of all 23 schools, with six grades of A and no grade of C. Earning one grade of A is unusual for a school. Earning six grades of A is truly outstanding and exemplary. The study surveyed students level of comfort at school; perceptions of equity, stress and health; body attitudes and behaviors; lack of pressure regarding substance use and sex; and respect and diversity. Among the 23 schools that participated in this years survey were Cate School, Deerfield Academy, The Hotchkiss School, Milton Academy, St. Pauls School, Taft School, and The Webb Schools.</p>