The Best Private Schools in Farmingdale, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmingdale. 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
MSSM is Maine's premier public magnet high school specializing in science and mathematics education, serving students from across the state including the Farmingdale area. As a residential school with competitive admissions, it offers rigorous STEM-focused curriculum, advanced placement courses, and research opportunities. The school consistently ranks among the top STEM schools nationally and provides a comprehensive residential life program with extensive extracurricular activities and college preparation support.
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St. Dominic Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
St. Dominic Academy is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Farmingdale and surrounding communities in central Maine. The school offers a comprehensive academic program including International Baccalaureate courses, advanced placement options, and strong arts and athletics programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Erskine Academy
Independent non-profit
Erskine Academy is an independent secondary school serving students from Farmingdale and multiple surrounding communities in central Maine. The school offers a balanced educational experience with comprehensive college preparatory courses, honors programs, and career-technical education pathways. With a historic campus that has been modernized over time, Erskine provides strong athletic programs, arts education, and extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention while offering diverse learning opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmingdale, Maine
What are the private school options specifically available for residents of Farmingdale, Maine?
While Farmingdale itself is a small town, residents have access to several notable private secondary schools in the surrounding Kennebec County and Central Maine region. The most prominent are St. Dominic Academy, with campuses in nearby Lewiston and Auburn, offering a Catholic, college-preparatory education for grades 7-12, and Erskine Academy in South China, an independent high school serving multiple towns. Although the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) in Limestone is a statewide magnet public boarding school, it is often considered alongside private options due to its competitive admissions and specialized focus. For younger grades, families in Farmingdale often look to smaller private academies or faith-based schools in Augusta, Gardiner, or Hallowell.
How does the tuition for private schools near Farmingdale, Maine, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Farmingdale area varies significantly by school and grade level. For example, St. Dominic Academy's high school tuition is approximately $10,000-$12,000 per year, while Erskine Academy's tuition is set by a town tuitioning contract for sending towns, with a private pay rate typically higher. A key financial consideration specific to Maine is the "Town Tuitioning" program (20-A MRS § 5204(4)), where some towns without public schools at certain grade levels (like high schools) may pay tuition for students to attend approved private schools, including Erskine. Additionally, Maine offers a limited tax deduction for educational expenses. All major private schools offer need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools accessible from Farmingdale, ME?
The private schools accessible from Farmingdale provide distinct academic pathways. St. Dominic Academy emphasizes a structured liberal arts curriculum with strong theology, arts, and athletics programs. Erskine Academy is known for its comprehensive career and technical education (CTE) tracks alongside college-prep courses, allowing students to gain certifications in fields like automotive technology, health sciences, and culinary arts—a rare blend in a private school setting. While not a private school, the nearby Maine School of Science and Mathematics represents a highly specialized option for academically gifted students in STEM, accessible via a competitive application process. This mix offers Farmingdale families choices between faith-based education, integrated career training, and elite STEM focus.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Dominic Academy or Erskine Academy for a Farmingdale family?
The enrollment process for Farmingdale families typically begins in the fall prior to the desired school year. For St. Dominic Academy, the process involves an application, submission of records, a family interview, and a placement test, with priority deadlines often in January or February. For Erskine Academy, the process depends on whether Farmingdale has a tuitioning agreement; if so, the process is coordinated through the local school district. If applying privately, direct contact with Erskine's admissions is required. It's crucial for Farmingdale parents to initiate inquiries early (by October/November) to understand specific requirements, attend open houses (often held in fall and winter), and meet financial aid deadlines, which are usually in the spring.
How do the private school options near Farmingdale, Maine, compare to the local public schools, particularly regarding class size and college preparation?
For Farmingdale students, the default public pathway is through Regional School Unit 2 (Hallowell, Farmingdale, Richmond, Monmouth, Dresden). The key comparisons lie in environment and specialization. Private options like St. Dominic Academy and Erskine Academy generally offer smaller average class sizes (15-20 students) compared to the larger regional public high schools, allowing for more individualized attention. Academically, both private schools have strong college placement records, with St. Dominic offering a classical prep curriculum and Erskine providing a blend of AP courses and hands-on CTE. The choice often comes down to a desire for a specific religious ethos, integrated career training, or a smaller community feel versus the no-tuition cost, broader extracurricular offerings, and localized peer networks of the public RSU 2 system.