2024 Best Private High Schools in Maine

• Kents Hill, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  87 reviews

Sophomore: The environment at Kents Hill is like nowhere else. After just my first year there, I felt welcomed, accepted, and encouraged to grow there. I met people from all over the world, and made friends that I know will last a lifetime. The education is also top-tier! The campus is beautiful during all seasons, the buildings are just gorgeous, and the faculty and staff are the kindest people! As a female student of color in this age, going to school in a predominantly white state, I feel safe on campus at Kents Hill- but the same unfortunately can't be said for when I leave campus. That is my only drawback though! I love Kents Hill a lot, and cannot wait to go back and meet more new people and continue my education.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Portland, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: We joined the Waynflete community during the pandemic and could not have been more impressed. Coming from NYC, our frame of reference were high caliber schools, with strong academics and an emphasis on social emotional support. I wondered if the kids would experience the same in a smaller city and smaller school. I was blown away. Running a school during the pandemic is no small feat, and the administration at Waynflete handled it beautifully with clear communications and well thought out contingency plans. The kids were in school in person nearly the entire year. The small class size and individualized attention has resulted in increased confidence and grasping of new skills with openness and excitement. Both my children have learning differences and they have been supported with tutors, occupational therapy, and teachers who monitor their needs and progress with care. I've loved getting to know the diverse parent community and felt a warm welcome when we arrived.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 579

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Bethel, ME•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  33 reviews

Parent: Our first year student is really enjoying Gould and very excited about the upcoming Winter term! She will be able to enjoy the winter season as a FreeSkier competing as well as attending school.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 226

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Bath, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  81 reviews

Parent: Our family is so grateful to Hyde! After Hyde, my son went on and graduated from Tufts University, thanks to his teachers/coaches and the focus on leadership development that he gained at Hyde. It also has a diverse population of students/faculty from all over the world that create a family-like atmosphere. Parent involvement like no other school in America...with a focus on character!... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 123

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• South Berwick, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: Berwick has been an incredible place for our two daughters to learn. They're thriving academically in the small class sizes and with the support to help them along the way. The overall school community is inclusive and kind and a true joy to be a part of. As a Berwick Academy alum myself, I'm thrilled to have my children at the school that helped me grow into the woman I am today. The division-wide programs and cross-division opportunities are just one-of-a-kind.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 540

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Hebron, ME•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  164 reviews

Junior: I'm currently a junior at Hebron and have absolutely loved my experience. The thing that has set Hebron apart from others, for me, is how accepting and welcoming the students and staff are here. I've been able to truly be myself academically and be who I am. In addition to the academics and wonderful teachers, the facilities at Hebron are unbeatable; it's another reason that I fell in love with Hebron when I first stepped foot on campus. The small, close-knit community on such a beautiful campus truly makes Hebron special. Being able to walk around school and knowing everyone you see is something special and something that can't be done at many other schools. Overall, Hebron has allowed me to express myself and thrive in an environment where it's acceptable to be yourself and do what you do best. Hebron will be a hard place to let go of when the time comes, I truly will never take what Hebron has offered me for granted, it's a special place!... Read 164 reviews

• grade A

• Students 214

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Carrabassett Valley, ME•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  52 reviews

Freshman: CVA is everything I have wanted and more. If I had to choose my very favorite aspect of it, I would have to say the sense of community. Carrabassett Valley is a small town, and I love that. I feel confident in saying I could ask almost anyone for a favor and they would do it willingly and be there for me. I feel like I have a personal experience with every single student and staff member at CVA and I love that!... Read 52 reviews

• grade A

• Students 106

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Yarmouth, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  48 reviews

Parent: My children have attended NYA for 9 years. The school is welcoming, accepting, encouraging, and challenging. I love the school so much I have dedicated my time to volunteering and helping at school. If you are looking for somewhere that is special and seriously committed to making your child a better person holistically, check it out!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A

• Students 394

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Camden, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: Watershed School prepares students for life after high school. Instead of learning what to think, students learn how to think. The close teacher-student relationship means students learn how to communicate with and work with adults. All of these skills benefit students in college and beyond. The students are also supportive of each other. There is no bullying or any other "typical" drama that sometimes comes with high school. The school has a nice percentage of international students, and this allows local students to learn about life in other countries. Most importantly, the students really like to be at school, they're excited to learn, and they look back on high school fondly.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 24

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Bangor, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  186 reviews

Sophomore: John Bapst Memorial High School allows students the ability to explore interests and presents students many opportunities to expand knowledge in a wide array of subjects. I have been able to take a wide variety classes, allowing me to be able to further narrow down my idea for what I want to do in college and as a career, which is something that is incredibly helpful when figuring out which colleges to apply to!... Read 186 reviews

• grade A

• Students 487

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Portland, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  125 reviews

Senior: Cheverus has an extremely welcoming community. As freshman students are given a classic Cheverus experience through the school's many traditions. School spirit comes alive for students at sporting events, productions of the arts, STEM competitions and more. There is truly something for everyone at Cheverus. The teachers care about their students and want to see them exceed. Students care about their education and the work that they put in to do well in school. At Cheverus, being smart isn't frowned upon, but supported. With under 400 students, the community is very tightly knit throughout all of the grades.... Read 125 reviews

• grade A

• Students 361

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Freeport, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  39 reviews

Parent: Our daughter has been attending Pine Tree Academy for 6 years and has loved it! The teachers go above and beyond and care so much about the students. They meet each student where they are at academically, socially, and emotionally. The elementary level program is amazing! The teachers and administration have been very supportive, and respond to any concerns right away. It is important to us for our children to have a well rounded education that is spiritually based, and that will ultimately prepare them for college and the real world. So far, we have had a great experience and look forward to our children's future at Pine Tree!... Read 39 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 112

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Kennebunk, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: Without TNS (The New School) I would've been left out to dry after my previous school closed due to financial issues caused by COVID. TNS was not merely a replacement though. Entering as a junior, it asked me to accomplish measurable goals for the sake of my learning experience, while allowing me unparalleled freedom in how I chose to tackle said goals. The school is democratic, and encourages or requires students to engage with their community, as well as how the school is run. Not only that, but the school's culture is very open. There are less artificial barriers between teachers, students and staff, which allows for more honest communication between everyone. The school is open, accommodating, and encouraging. I would recommend that those who strive to achieve many different and unique types of learning in an environment suited to self direction and freedom go to TNS.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 30

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Auburn, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: I have three children, two graduates and one current high school student. This school is the best decision we have made as parents. The teachers know my kids and value who they are as individuals. My children have become the absolute best version of who they are meant to be specifically with the guidance and learning they have received at St. Dom's. They feel seen, heard, and cherished. The teachers are invested, and the academics are challenging and truly prepare the students for life after high school no matter what that looks like.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 476

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Saco, ME•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  270 reviews

Senior: This school has prepared me so well for college! Whether it’s on the track or in the classroom, there’s always someone around you to help lead you in the right direction. I came from another private school where I was practically failing each class, and after transferring to Thornton, my grades increased drastically. I even made NHS! There’s so many clubs, sports, activities, and community service around campus, not to mention the variety of different courses and electives. It’s the biggest school in Maine, and is basically like a mini college. It gives you the opportunity to take classes through our public college school system too for both high school and college credits, which can be really helpful (Thornton pays for the college course too). Overall amazing prep for college!... Read 270 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,420

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Lisbon, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: The people at Open Door are incredible, they are always trying to help you with your education and also helping you grow in God. It is a very small school so everyone knows everyone which allows a lot of us to be very close to one another. The people are very genuine. The education we receive is a very good one, the classes are harder than normal which challenges us to become better students.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 75

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• South Paris, ME•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: Oxford Hills Christian Academy (OHCA) is not just a school, but also a community of people who will be your friends through everything. The High School English and Theatre Teacher is absolutely fantastic and tries her hardest to make classes fun and enjoyable, while still challenging you to do your best. The atmosphere is amazing, with great ethics and morals being taught alongside regular class material. Come and see for yourself!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 48

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Newcastle, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  130 reviews

Parent: I have a senior at Lincoln Academy and the Theater and Performing Arts program changed his trajectory in a wonderful way. I thought so highly of the staff and programming at Lincoln that I joined the staff his Junior year. I have two Freshman there now and they are completely engaged. The faculty and staff are thoughtful, hard working and dedicated to the students and one another with the goal of making the Lincoln experience better ever day. The best compliment I received from a parent is "Lincoln Academy is so great at supporting kids to let their "freak flag" fly." And that is true from any perspective from which you are coming. Supporting the needs of the community has been part of Lincoln Academy since its opening in 1801 when it opened as a co-educational town academy from the very beginning!... Read 130 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 581

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Fryeburg, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  114 reviews

Senior: Fryeburg Academy is a private school with a lot of character. My personal experience was rather positive, though I heard from others that it was less so. As with most high schools. Generally, the faculty try their best to improve and help any sort of situation, whether it be bullying, a flaw in academics, or ignorance. Their opportunities for extracurriculars are fantastic, and it continues to grow each year. However, what I would change is their priorities. Their music and arts programs are phenomenal, with a musical every year and thousands of dollars of funding being put into that program every single year. Overall, Fryeburg Academy always has room for improvement, but compared to other high schools, it's a calm and academically challenging institution.... Read 114 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 572

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Dover Foxcroft, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  135 reviews

Senior: Overall, I had a great experience at Foxcroft Academy. Foxcroft offers Ib and Ap classes, many of which I took and was able to earn college credit. The school also offers a variety of sports, and I was able to be on teams for three seasons, participate in multiple during the same season. The variety is consistent through clubs as well as sports. I am a member of many community service oriented groups at Foxcroft such as Key Club, NHS, and Student Council. Throughout my years I have made important connections with teachers and students through the offerings of Foxcroft Academy.... Read 135 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Freeport, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  45 reviews

Parent: We began at MCWS 3 years ago. We are now heading into 7th grade and have had a wonderful experience. The learning style allows students to take a deeper dive into their lessons to fully understand the topic. The hands on approach to learning and the field trips to support a specific block is outstanding. My child has experienced astronomy by stargazing with his class and geology by taking a trip to explore rock formations, not just learning from a book. The quality of teachers and teaching is outstanding - teachers take the time to understand the student and their needs. I do wish the school offered more athletics, but we are able to find teams outside of the school is acceptable. The school does offer athletics for each season, multiple clubs and student council.... Read 45 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 254

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Pittsfield, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: While Maine Central Institute certainly has it’s flaws and quirks that could be approved upon, I wouldn’t want to have attended high school anywhere else. My family has a deep traditional relationship with MCI spanning back to the the early 20th Century. MCI is a firm traditional institute, which has many opportunities for the wide range of students that attend school. Local students are given a rare opportunity to meet and interact with boarding students that hail from a wide range of countries across the globe. MCI has a strong sense of community that envelopes not only the faculty but the students as well, and generally the teachers have deep and understanding relationships with their students. Overall, MCI is a fine high school and truly sets its student body up for success.... Read 70 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Wiscasset, ME•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: Great teachers and staff that are devoted to the improvement of each of their students. As a small school the staff is able to help each student individually and give them the personalized assistance that they need. My experience here has been wonderful and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a better quality education for their child.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 38

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• North Bridgton, ME•

• Private School•

• 12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Senior: This school is good. Nice athletics. There is a college feel as far as responsibility and freedom. There are still restraints though. Good college prep experience.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Students 14

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Blue Hill, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  52 reviews

Parent: I am a parent of a current senior at George Stevens Academy. We moved to Blue Hill at the beginning of my daughter's junior year - a challenging time to transfer high schools. We were both nervous. My daughter's experience has been outstanding! Not only has she been challenged and supported academically developed, my daughter has thrived. She has participated in athletics and has found a genuine group of friends and peers. My daughter has found her academic strengths and has been so happy here. This is a safe, supportive, caring environment and not only has my child developed strong peer relationships, but she has also made incredible connections with her teachers, advisor, and administrator. We are so glad we made this decision!... Read 52 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 331

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1