The Best Private Schools in Exeter, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Exeter. 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
Maine Department of Education
The Maine School of Science and Mathematics is a nationally-recognized public magnet school that serves as a premier private school alternative for academically gifted students from throughout Maine, including the Exeter region. As a residential high school, MSSM offers an intensive STEM-focused curriculum with opportunities for college-level coursework and research. The school features state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced computing resources, and partnerships with universities and research institutions. Students consistently achieve exceptional results in national competitions and college admissions. While requiring a competitive application process, MSSM provides significant financial aid and serves as Maine's top option for students seeking advanced mathematics and science education.
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Bangor Christian Schools
Bangor Christian Schools
Bangor Christian Schools is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 30 minutes from Exeter, it serves families throughout Penobscot County with a comprehensive academic program. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong college preparatory curriculum with 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service initiatives.
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All Saints Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
All Saints Catholic School provides exceptional private education for students in pre-K through 8th grade, serving families throughout central Maine including the Exeter area. The school combines rigorous academics with faith-based education in a nurturing environment. Features include SMART Board technology in every classroom, specialized instruction in STEM subjects, foreign language exposure, and comprehensive arts programming. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and has consistently high standardized test scores. Parent satisfaction is notably high with families praising the strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and well-rounded educational approach that prepares students for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Exeter, Maine
What are the private school options for families residing in Exeter, Maine, and are there any schools directly in the town?
Exeter itself is a small, rural town without a private school campus within its immediate borders. However, families in Exeter, ME, commonly consider private institutions in surrounding areas, typically requiring a commute. Notable options include Bangor Christian Schools (PreK-12, Bangor, ~45-minute drive), offering a comprehensive Christian education, and All Saints Catholic School (PreK-8, Bangor, ~45-minute drive). For academically gifted students in high school, the prestigious, public magnet Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) in Limestone is also an option, though it is a boarding school located over 3 hours north. Most private schooling for Exeter residents involves looking toward the Bangor region.
How does tuition for private schools near Exeter, ME, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for day schools like Bangor Christian or All Saints Catholic typically ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 annually for elementary grades, which is generally at or slightly below the Maine private school average. Maine offers specific financial assistance programs that Exeter families can utilize. The most significant is the Maine Town Tuitioning Program, where some towns without public secondary schools may pay tuition for students to attend approved private schools; however, Exeter operates its own public school (Exeter Consolidated School), so this may not apply. All schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maine also has a tax credit scholarship program (Educational Opportunity Tax Credit) for donations that fund scholarships. Directly contacting school financial offices is crucial for the most current aid packages.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools accessible from Exeter, Maine?
The private schools accessible from Exeter provide distinct specializations. Bangor Christian Schools offers a strong college-prep curriculum integrated with biblical worldview teaching and may have specific STEM or arts tracks. All Saints Catholic School provides a faith-based foundation with a focus on community service and character development. While not a private school, the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM), a public magnet boarding school, is a renowned option for advanced STEM education, featuring research opportunities, advanced lab spaces, and a residential college-like environment. For Exeter families, the choice often hinges on seeking a faith-based environment or, for high school, an elite STEM-focused boarding experience.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Bangor region that serve Exeter, ME, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Bangor Christian and All Saints Catholic usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with priority deadlines often in March. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and typically a family interview or student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter. Given the commute from Exeter, it's especially important to inquire about transportation options, as some schools may offer limited bus service from hub areas. We strongly recommend initiating contact with admissions offices by early fall to secure application materials and schedule visits, as spaces, particularly in lower grades, can be limited.
For an Exeter resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Exeter Consolidated School) with private options in the Bangor area?
The primary considerations are educational philosophy, program breadth, and logistics. Exeter Consolidated School is a small, close-knit K-8 public school, after which students attend Regional School Unit 64 (Piscataquis Community High School) in nearby Guilford. This offers continuity within the community and no tuition. Choosing a private school in Bangor involves a significant daily commute (45+ minutes each way) but provides alternatives: a specific religious education, potentially smaller class sizes at certain grade levels, or a continuous PreK-12 pathway at one institution. Parents must weigh the value of a community-based education against the desire for a specialized religious or academic environment, factoring in the substantial time and transportation commitment required for the private options.