The Best Private Schools in Burlington, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
John Bapst Memorial High School
Independent Catholic School
John Bapst Memorial High School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving students from across eastern Maine, including the Burlington area. Founded in 1928, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive arts and athletics. The school is known for its academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and athletic complexes. The school serves as a regional educational hub for rural communities like Burlington.
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Bangor Christian Schools
Bangor Christian Schools
Bangor Christian Schools provides comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school, serving families throughout Penobscot County including Burlington. Established in 1971, the school offers a strong academic program grounded in Christian values with college preparatory coursework, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school is particularly noted for its tight-knit community atmosphere and individualized attention, making it a popular choice for families in surrounding rural areas.
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Lee Academy
Lee Academy
Lee Academy is one of Maine's oldest independent schools, founded in 1845, serving students from rural communities including Burlington. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with unique features including an international boarding program, post-graduate year options, and strong STEM curriculum. The 60-acre campus features modern academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. Lee Academy is particularly recognized for its personalized approach to education and successful track record of preparing students from rural areas for college success. The school's extensive bus service makes it accessible to students throughout Penobscot County.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burlington, Maine
What are the private school options for families living in Burlington, Maine, and are there schools within the town itself?
Burlington, ME, is a small, rural town, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. Families typically look to schools in nearby larger communities. The top regional options include John Bapst Memorial High School (a private, independent Catholic school in Bangor), Bangor Christian Schools (a Pre-K-12 Christian school in Bangor), and Lee Academy (a private boarding and day school in Lee). Transportation from Burlington to these schools is a key consideration, as it often involves a significant daily commute, with carpooling or boarding (at Lee Academy) being common solutions.
How does tuition for private schools in the Burlington, Maine, region compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, John Bapst Memorial High School's tuition is approximately $11,500 for day students, Bangor Christian Schools' tuition ranges from around $6,500 to $9,500, and Lee Academy's day student tuition is roughly $14,000 (with boarding significantly higher). Maine offers the "Maine Town Tuitioning" program, but it is not applicable in Burlington as the town operates its own public school. However, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maine residents may also be eligible for the state's "Opportunity Maine Tax Credit" for certain educational expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Burlington, Maine, offer that might not be available in the local public school?
Schools in the region offer specialized programs that leverage their private status. John Bapst is renowned for its robust Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum and prestigious humanities program. Lee Academy, with its boarding component, offers unique opportunities like the Intensive English Program for international students and specialized arts and technology tracks. Bangor Christian Schools provides a Bible-integrated curriculum across all subjects. For a Burlington student, these schools can offer a wider array of advanced courses, global perspectives, and specialized faith-based education compared to the smaller, rural public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Burlington, Maine, area?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often held October-January) at schools like John Bapst, Bangor Christian, or Lee Academy. 2) Submitting applications by early spring (deadlines can range from January to March). 3) Completing required admissions testing or shadow days. 4) Applying for financial aid concurrently (using platforms like FACTS). Given the commute from Burlington, a shadow day where your child spends a day at the school is highly recommended to assess the logistics and fit. Rolling admissions may be available if spots remain.
For a family in rural Burlington, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Bangor or Lee?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The primary consideration is **transportation**; attending a private school requires a daily commute of 45 minutes to over an hour each way to Bangor or Lee. **Cost** is significant, encompassing both tuition and increased transportation expenses. **Community vs. Opportunity**: The Burlington public school offers a close-knit, local community, while private schools provide broader academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and potentially a more diverse peer group. **Boarding** at Lee Academy is an option that solves the commute but is a major lifestyle and financial change. Families must weigh the desire for specialized programs against the value of local convenience and community.
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