The Best Private Schools in Dennysville, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dennysville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Washington Academy
Washington Academy
Washington Academy is a highly-regarded independent day and boarding school serving students from Dennysville and surrounding Washington County communities. Established in 1988, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs, International Baccalaureate options, and diverse extracurricular activities. The 60-acre campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, athletic fields, and arts spaces. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes personalized learning and college readiness. The school serves as a regional educational hub for Eastern Maine, drawing students from multiple towns including Dennysville through its bus transportation system.
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Sumner Memorial High School
Regional School Unit 24
Sumner Memorial High School is a well-established regional high school serving multiple communities in Hancock County, including students from the Dennysville area. Founded in 1972, the school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum alongside comprehensive career and technical education programs. The school features modern science laboratories, technology integration, competitive athletic programs, and strong arts education. With a focus on community engagement and student success, Sumner provides transportation services that make it accessible to Dennysville families seeking quality private education alternatives in the region.
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Shead High School
Eastport School Department
Shead High School is a respected educational institution serving the coastal communities of Washington County, including Dennysville. Established in 1976, the school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with unique programs in marine studies reflecting its coastal location. The school maintains small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports and arts. Located approximately 25 miles from Dennysville, Shead High School serves as an important educational option for families in the region seeking quality private school alternatives with proven academic outcomes and community-focused education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dennysville, Maine
What are the actual private school options available for families residing in Dennysville, Maine?
Dennysville itself is a very small town, so there are no private schools physically located within its borders. However, families in Dennysville commonly consider nearby "private" options, which in this region of Washington County, ME, are primarily independent town academies. These include Washington Academy in East Machias (a private, non-profit academy serving grades 9-12), Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan (a public school that was historically private and now operates as a public magnet school within RSU 24), and Shead High School in Eastport (a public secondary school). For younger grades, true private options would require a longer commute to schools like the Pine Tree Society in Bath or faith-based schools in larger hubs like Bangor. It's important to understand the unique public-private hybrid history of many academies in this part of Maine.
How does tuition work for Washington Academy, and are there financial aid options for Dennysville families?
As a private academy, Washington Academy charges tuition for students who are not residents of its sending towns (which include East Machias, but not Dennysville). For the 2024-2025 school year, the day student tuition is approximately $12,500. Dennysville residents would pay this rate. However, significant financial aid is available. Families should complete the School and Student Services (SSS) financial aid application. Additionally, Washington Academy offers merit-based scholarships, and Maine residents may be eligible for the Maine State Tax Credit for Educational Opportunity, which can provide a credit for a portion of private school tuition. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly to discuss your specific financial situation.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the academy-style schools accessible from Dennysville, ME?
Schools like Washington Academy leverage their private academy status to offer programs distinct from smaller local public schools. Washington Academy features a robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) center with programs in Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, and Early Childhood Education, which are popular draws. They also have a strong Marine Science program, leveraging the coastal environment of Washington County. For athletics, they offer sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball, which may provide more competitive opportunities. Sumner Memorial High School, while now public, maintains a focus on experiential and place-based learning, often incorporating the local natural and cultural resources of the Downeast region into its curriculum.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a Dennysville student applying to Washington Academy?
The process for Dennysville residents is that of an "out-of-district" or tuition student. The timeline typically begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., fall 2024 for the 2025-2026 school year). Key steps include: 1) Submitting an online application (available on the WA website) by the priority deadline, usually in early spring. 2) Providing current academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a records release from your current school. 3) Scheduling a campus visit and interview, which is highly recommended. 4) Applying for financial aid concurrently through the SSS platform. Admissions are rolling, but applying by the priority deadline ensures full consideration for both admission and financial aid. Contacting the admissions office by January is advisable.
How does the choice between a local public school (like Dennysville Elementary) and a private academy for high school impact a student's college preparation in rural Maine?
In the Dennysville context, the choice often boils down to attending the designated public high school (which may involve a longer bus ride to a consolidated school) versus paying tuition for a private academy like Washington Academy. For college preparation, Washington Academy often provides a broader range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dedicated college counseling staff, and a historically established reputation with New England colleges. The smaller class sizes can allow for more individualized attention. However, the public school route through a school like Shead or Sumner may offer a tighter-knit community and still provide solid preparation, especially for students who are self-motivated. The decision should factor in the student's academic drive, need for specific programs, the family's ability to manage tuition or commute, and the social fit of a larger, more diverse student body versus a smaller, local one.