The Best Private Schools in Holden, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Holden. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
All Saints Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
All Saints Catholic School serves the greater Bangor area including Holden, offering a comprehensive Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong community atmosphere. Programs include advanced STEM curriculum, comprehensive arts education, and character development. The school maintains modern facilities and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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John Bapst Memorial High School
Independent
John Bapst Memorial High School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Holden and throughout eastern Maine. Founded in 1928, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM academy, and outstanding arts programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, John Bapst consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and student success outcomes.
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Bangor Christian Schools
Bangor Christian Schools
Bangor Christian Schools provides comprehensive Christian education from kindergarten through 12th grade, serving families in Holden and the greater Bangor region. The school offers a biblically-integrated curriculum with strong college preparatory programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With over 50 years of educational excellence, the school maintains small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, and a supportive community environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields supporting a well-rounded educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Holden, Maine
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Holden, Maine?
Holden itself is a smaller town, so most private school options are located in the greater Bangor area, which is easily accessible. The most prominent include John Bapst Memorial High School (a private, independent college-preparatory school in Bangor for grades 9-12), Bangor Christian Schools (a Pre-K through 12th-grade Christian school in Bangor), and All Saints Catholic School (a Pre-K through 8th-grade school in Bangor). Some Holden families also consider schools further afield, such as those in the Greater Bangor area. It's important to note that transportation to these schools is typically the family's responsibility.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Holden, ME area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maine residents?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, John Bapst Memorial High School tuition is approximately $13,500, Bangor Christian Schools ranges from around $6,500 for elementary to $8,800 for high school, and All Saints Catholic School is roughly $6,000-$7,000. A critical financial consideration for Maine families is the "Maine Town Tuitioning" program, but this is not applicable in Holden as the town has its own public schools. However, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maine residents may also be eligible for the state's "Educational Opportunity Tax Credit" for certain degrees if they stay in Maine to work, which can be a long-term consideration.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Holden, Maine offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this region often leverage their independence to offer specialized tracks. John Bapst is renowned for its robust Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, unique courses like Maritime Studies, and extensive international student programs that create a global classroom environment. Bangor Christian Schools offers a Bible-integrated curriculum and specific programs in music and fine arts. All Saints Catholic School provides a faith-based foundation with a strong emphasis on community service. Compared to Holden's public schools, these private institutions often have smaller class sizes and can offer niche programs that cater to specific educational philosophies or preparatory goals.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Holden, Maine families?
The process is school-specific but generally follows an annual cycle. For schools like John Bapst and Bangor Christian, the application window for the following academic year typically opens in the fall (October-November), with priority deadlines in early winter (January-February). The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or entrance assessment. For All Saints Catholic School, the process may begin even earlier, with re-enrollment for existing families in the winter. Given the limited seats, especially in popular grades, it is highly advised for Holden parents to begin inquiries and campus visits a full year in advance.
For a family in Holden, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school in the Bangor area?
The foremost consideration is daily transportation, as no public school busing is provided for private school students in Holden. Families must arrange carpooling or private transportation to schools in Bangor, which is a 10-20 minute commute. Secondly, consider the community connection: many families at these schools come from across the Greater Bangor region, so your child's peer network may be more geographically dispersed than in the local Holden public school. Finally, evaluate the school's alignment with your long-term goals—whether it's the college-prep focus of John Bapst, the K-12 continuity at Bangor Christian, or the faith-based elementary foundation at All Saints—to minimize another school transition later.