The Best Private Schools in Eastport, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Eastport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Maine School of Science and Mathematics
Public Magnet School (Private School Alternative)
While technically a public magnet school, MSSM serves as a premier private school alternative for academically gifted students from throughout Maine, including the Eastport region. Consistently ranked among the nation's top STEM high schools, MSSM offers rigorous advanced placement courses, undergraduate-level mathematics, and cutting-edge science research opportunities. The residential program allows students from rural areas like Eastport to access world-class STEM education. With exceptional college placement rates and nationally recognized academic programs, MSSM provides an elite educational opportunity for motivated students from Washington County and beyond.
Programs:
Washington Academy
Independent
Washington Academy is a highly-regarded independent day and boarding school serving the Down East region, including Eastport. With over two centuries of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The 60-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school serves both local students and international boarding students, providing a diverse educational environment with strong college placement records.
Programs:
Shead High School
Independent
Shead High School is Eastport's local independent high school known for its strong academic programs and community focus. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with college preparatory courses, vocational technical education, and specialized programs in marine studies reflecting the coastal community's heritage. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Shead provides personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships. The school features modern facilities including computer labs, science laboratories, and athletic facilities, serving as an educational cornerstone for the Eastport community.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Eastport, Maine
What are the private secondary school options specifically available to families residing in Eastport, Maine?
Eastport itself is a very small city, so most private secondary options are regional. The primary local option is **Washington Academy** in nearby East Machias, a private, independent high school that serves as a key choice for many Eastport families. Additionally, **Shead High School**, while a public school in Eastport, is sometimes mentioned in private school conversations due to its specialized marine trades program, but it is not a private institution. For academically gifted students, the state-funded **Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM)** in Limestone is a public magnet boarding school, often considered an alternative to private education. True, traditional private day schools are limited in Washington County, so families often look at boarding schools elsewhere in Maine.
How does the tuition at Washington Academy compare to private schools in larger Maine cities, and what financial aid is available for Eastport families?
Washington Academy's tuition is generally lower than that of private schools in Portland or southern Maine. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition is approximately $13,500, with boarding costs extra. This is competitive for the region. Critically, the academy offers significant need-based financial aid, and as a Maine resident, your child may be eligible for the **Maine Town Tuitioning Program**. Some Maine towns without their own public high school, which can include certain arrangements in Washington County, may pay tuition to approved private schools like Washington Academy. Eastport families should contact both the Washington Academy financial aid office and the Eastport school department to explore all possible funding avenues.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private school options accessible from Eastport offer, particularly related to the local environment and economy?
Schools serving Eastport leverage Maine's coastal and natural resources. **Washington Academy** features a renowned **Marine Science & Aquaculture Program**, including hands-on work with a salmon hatchery and aquaculture tanks, directly relevant to Eastport's maritime economy. They also offer robust STEM pathways and outdoor education. While not a private school, the nearby **Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM)** provides an unparalleled depth in advanced mathematics, engineering, and computer science. For a direct maritime trades focus, Eastport's own **Shead High School** (public) has a strong program, but private options emphasize college-prep science integrated with the local environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Washington Academy, and are there considerations for Eastport students regarding transportation?
Washington Academy operates on a rolling admissions basis but recommends applying by **February 1st** for the following fall to ensure priority consideration for placement and financial aid. The process involves an application, transcripts, recommendations, and a student interview. For Eastport families, a key logistical consideration is **transportation**. The academy provides a limited bus service from certain hub areas, but the ~45-minute commute from Eastport may require private arrangements or carpooling. It's essential to discuss transportation options with the admissions office during the application process. Boarding is also an option for students 14 and older.
How do the private and public school options in Eastport, Maine, differ in terms of class size, curriculum flexibility, and post-graduate support?
In Eastport, the comparison is largely between sending your child to the local public **Shead High School** or to a regional private option like **Washington Academy**. Shead offers very small class sizes due to the small community, a standardized public curriculum, and a strong vocational marine program. Washington Academy, as a private institution, offers smaller average class sizes than many public schools, a broader selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and more flexibility in crafting a college-preparatory curriculum. A significant difference is in post-graduate support: Washington Academy has a dedicated college counseling office with extensive networks, whereas smaller public schools may have counselors covering many duties. The choice often hinges on seeking specialized college-prep resources versus a tight-knit local community school with vocational strengths.