The Best Private Schools in Cambridge, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cambridge. 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
John Bapst is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory high school serving students from Cambridge and throughout eastern Maine. Located in Bangor, the school offers rigorous academic programs including numerous AP courses, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts programs. With nearly a century of educational excellence, John Bapst consistently ranks among Maine's top private schools. The school provides transportation services from surrounding communities and has a strong track record of college acceptance at selective institutions nationwide.
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All Saints Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
All Saints Catholic School serves students from Cambridge and surrounding communities in the Bangor region. As a Diocesan Catholic school, it provides faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school offers small class sizes, individualized attention, and comprehensive programs including STEM education, music, art, and physical education. Located in nearby Bangor, it serves as a regional private school option for families in the Cambridge area seeking Catholic education with proven academic results and strong community values.
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Bangor Christian Schools
Bangor Baptist Church
Bangor Christian Schools provides comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school, serving families from Cambridge and the greater Bangor region. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a biblical worldview framework, offering college preparatory curriculum, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With five decades of operation, the school has established a strong reputation for character development and academic achievement. The campus features modern facilities and serves as a regional private school option for families seeking faith-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cambridge, Maine
What are the private school options for families living in Cambridge, Maine, and are there schools directly in town?
Cambridge itself is a small, rural town without a private school located within its municipal boundaries. However, families in Cambridge, ME, typically look to nearby Bangor for private education options. The top-regarded schools in the region include John Bapst Memorial High School (an independent college-prep school in Bangor), Bangor Christian Schools (a Pre-K through 12 Christian school in Bangor), and All Saints Catholic School (a Pre-K through 8 school, also in Bangor). For Cambridge residents, attending these schools involves a commute, but they represent the primary private institutions serving the greater Penobscot County area.
How does tuition at private schools near Cambridge, ME, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Bangor area serving Cambridge families is generally below the national average but can vary. For the 2023-2024 school year, John Bapst Memorial High School's tuition is approximately $12,500, Bangor Christian Schools' high school tuition is around $8,900, and All Saints Catholic School's elementary tuition is roughly $6,500. These schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maine residents should also explore the Maine State Tuitioning Program, which may provide limited tuition assistance for students in towns without a public high school, though eligibility is specific and complex. All three schools have active fundraising to support their aid programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Cambridge, Maine, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Bangor/Cambridge region offer specialized programs that attract families from rural towns. John Bapst is renowned for its robust Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, award-winning robotics and debate teams, and extensive arts programs. Bangor Christian Schools offers a Bible-integrated curriculum and strong music and athletic programs within a faith-based environment. All Saints Catholic School provides a structured, values-based elementary education with small class sizes. A key differentiator for Cambridge families is the consistent offering of these specialized programs, which might be subject to budget fluctuations or limited enrollment in smaller, rural public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like John Bapst or Bangor Christian for a student from Cambridge?
The process for Cambridge families is similar to that for other out-of-town applicants. For fall enrollment, the ideal timeline begins a full year in advance. Open houses are typically held in the fall (October-November). Application deadlines for John Bapst and Bangor Christian are often in January or February for the following academic year. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or entrance assessment. Rolling admissions may be available if spaces remain. It's crucial to apply early, as some grades, particularly entering freshman classes, can fill quickly. Transportation from Cambridge is the family's responsibility, which is an important logistical factor to consider.
For a family in Cambridge, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local MSAD (Maine School Administrative District) public schools and a private school in Bangor?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. The primary consideration is the daily commute of 30-45 minutes each way to Bangor, which impacts family schedules and extracurricular participation. Academically, private schools offer a different environment, often with smaller average class sizes and distinct curricular focuses (e.g., college-prep, faith-based). Financially, it involves weighing tuition costs against the no-tuition public option, though the Maine Tuitioning Program might offer some relief in specific cases. Socially, attending a private school in Bangor means your child's peer group will be largely from the greater Bangor area, which can be a pro or con depending on the family's perspective on community connection versus expanded opportunities.