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.
Private Education Insights
Cambridge, Maine K-12 Private Academy Costs: A Parent's Financial Guide
When considering private education for your child in Cambridge, Maine, understanding the full scope of k12 private academy cost is a crucial first step in your family’s journey. The investment extends beyond simple tuition, encompassing a commitment to a specific educational philosophy and community. Here in the Cambridge area, families have several excellent options, each with its own financial structure and value proposition. Navigating these costs requires a local lens, as expenses and available support can differ significantly from larger metropolitan areas.
Looking at schools accessible to Cambridge residents, you’ll find a range. All Saints Catholic School in Bangor offers a faith-based elementary education, while John Bapst Memorial High School provides a renowned college-preparatory experience for older students. Bangor Christian Schools presents a continuous Pre-K through 12th grade pathway. The published tuition for these institutions varies, often increasing from elementary to high school levels. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect base tuition figures for these schools to generally range from approximately $6,000 to $15,000 annually per student. It is essential to contact each school directly for the most current and precise numbers, as these figures are subject to change.
However, the true k12 private academy cost involves looking behind the headline tuition number. Many families are pleasantly surprised to learn that significant financial aid and scholarship opportunities exist, making private education more accessible than the sticker price might suggest. Maine offers the Maine Town Tuitioning Program, which can be a vital resource for families in certain eligible towns, though specific availability should be verified with your local school administrative unit. Additionally, all the mentioned schools typically have robust need-based financial aid programs funded through endowments and charitable donations. John Bapst, for instance, awards substantial aid annually. It is always worthwhile to complete the financial aid application process, as a family’s demonstrated need can greatly reduce the final out-of-pocket expense.
Beyond tuition, factor in ancillary costs that are part of the private school experience in our region. These can include registration or application fees, technology charges, textbooks, uniforms (if required), and activity fees for sports or arts programs. For Cambridge families, transportation is a key logistical and financial consideration. Unlike public schools, private institutions usually do not provide district-wide busing. The cost and time commitment of daily travel to Bangor, roughly a 20-30 minute drive, must be factored into your family’s budget and schedule. Many families form carpools with others in the Cambridge, Charleston, and Dover-Foxcroft areas to mitigate this.
Ultimately, evaluating the k12 private academy cost is about measuring value. It’s an investment in small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and often a tailored curriculum that aligns with your family’s values. We recommend scheduling visits to All Saints, John Bapst, and Bangor Christian Schools. Speak openly with admissions officers about your budget, inquire about all possible aid, and calculate the full picture of fees and transportation. This upfront diligence will provide clarity, allowing you to make a confident decision for your child’s educational future right here in Central Maine.