The Best Private Schools in Ellsworth, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellsworth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Maine Coast Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
Maine Coast Waldorf School offers a unique educational approach that integrates academics, arts, and practical skills. Serving families from Ellsworth and the broader coastal region, the school emphasizes holistic development and experiential learning. The curriculum includes foreign languages from early grades, music instruction, handwork, and extensive outdoor education. The beautiful campus features gardens, play spaces, and dedicated classrooms designed to support the Waldorf philosophy. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and the deep, meaningful education it provides.
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John Bapst Memorial High School
Independent College Preparatory School
John Bapst Memorial High School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school that attracts students from Ellsworth and throughout eastern Maine. The school offers a rigorous academic program with over 20 Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive arts programs. The historic campus features modern science laboratories, technology resources, and athletic facilities. Known for its strong college placement record and competitive academic teams, John Bapst provides transportation services for students from Ellsworth, making it accessible for families seeking a challenging educational environment with extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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George Stevens Academy
Independent School
George Stevens Academy is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from Ellsworth and throughout Hancock County. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. Features include advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performance spaces, and athletic fields. Known for its supportive community and dedicated faculty, GSA prepares students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellsworth, Maine
What are the primary private school options available for families in Ellsworth, Maine, and do they serve all grade levels?
Ellsworth, ME, serves as a hub for several notable private schools, though they are not all located directly within the city limits. The most prominent options include George Stevens Academy (GSA), a private high school (grades 9-12) located in Blue Hill but serving many Ellsworth students; Maine Coast Waldorf School, offering programs from Early Childhood through 8th grade in nearby Surry; and John Bapst Memorial High School, a college-preparatory high school (grades 9-12) in Bangor, which is a common commute for Ellsworth families. For full K-12 private coverage, families often combine schools or consider day student options at boarding schools farther afield. This means parents in Ellsworth typically consider a regional approach to private education.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Ellsworth, Maine, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maine residents?
Tuition in the Ellsworth region varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at George Stevens Academy and John Bapst is approximately $15,000-$18,000 for day students, while Maine Coast Waldorf School's lower school tuition is generally lower. A critical financial consideration for Maine residents is the "Maine Town Tuitioning" program. Some surrounding towns without public high schools (like some on nearby islands) contract with and pay tuition to private schools like GSA for their students. While Ellsworth itself has a public high school, making its residents ineligible for this specific program, it highlights a unique funding model in the state. All mentioned schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maine residents should also investigate the state's "Opportunity Maine Tax Credit" for eligible education expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ellsworth, Maine, offer that leverage the local environment and culture?
Private schools in the Ellsworth area are distinguished by programs deeply connected to Maine's coastal and natural environment. George Stevens Academy is renowned for its Marine Science program, utilizing its proximity to the Gulf of Maine for hands-on research and boat-based learning. Maine Coast Waldorf School integrates environmental stewardship, farming, and outdoor education into its holistic curriculum, with students regularly engaging with the forests and shores of the Penobscot Bay region. John Bapst, while more urban in Bangor, offers strong programs in engineering and global studies, with many students participating in unique travel opportunities. All these schools provide access to exceptional outdoor activities like sailing, skiing, and hiking, making the location a key component of the educational experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like George Stevens Academy or John Bapst for an Ellsworth-based student?
The enrollment process for the leading private high schools serving Ellsworth families begins early. For schools like John Bapst and George Stevens Academy, the main application deadline for the following fall is often in January or February, with rolling admissions thereafter if spaces remain. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a student essay. Many require an interview and a standardized test like the SSAT or an independent entrance exam. Open houses are usually held in the fall, and it is highly advisable for Ellsworth parents to attend these events, often scheduled for October-November, to understand the commute and community. Given that these schools draw from a wide region, applying by the priority deadline is crucial for securing a spot.
For families in Ellsworth, what are the key considerations when deciding between the Ellsworth Public Schools system and a private school in the region?
The decision between Ellsworth Public Schools (EPS) and private options hinges on several local factors. EPS provides a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 pathway with recently updated facilities. The primary draws for private schools in the region are often smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like Waldorf or intensive marine science), and a particular educational philosophy. A major practical consideration is the commute: attending GSA, Waldorf, or John Bapst involves a daily drive of 20-45 minutes, which impacts family logistics and extracurricular participation. Financially, the cost of private tuition is significant versus the no-tuition public option. However, some families seek the private school environment for its specific community focus or academic intensity, which they feel better prepares students for competitive colleges. It's recommended to closely compare EPS's advanced placement and vocational offerings with the specialized programs of the private schools.
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