The Best Private Schools in Jonesboro, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jonesboro. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Gould Academy
Independent
While located further from Jonesboro, Gould Academy is a premier independent boarding and day school that serves students from throughout Maine, including the Downeast region. With a distinguished history dating back to 1836, Gould offers an exceptional college preparatory program with particular strengths in STEM education and outdoor leadership. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and a commitment to developing well-rounded students through academic rigor, arts, athletics, and character education. Many families from coastal Maine communities choose Gould for its outstanding reputation and comprehensive educational experience.
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George Stevens Academy
Independent
George Stevens Academy is a highly-regarded independent day school serving the Blue Hill Peninsula and surrounding communities including Jonesboro. Founded in 1976, the academy offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with unique programs in marine science, visual arts, and performing arts. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development, GSA has built a reputation for preparing students for success in college and beyond.
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Sumner Memorial High School (Private Division)
Regional School Unit 24
Sumner Memorial High School serves as a key educational institution for the Sullivan and surrounding areas, including Jonesboro residents. The school offers a robust college preparatory program alongside career and technical education pathways. Known for its strong community involvement and dedicated teaching staff, Sumner provides students with comprehensive academic support and diverse extracurricular opportunities. The school's location along the coastal route makes it accessible for families in the Jonesboro area seeking quality private education options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jonesboro, Maine
What are the private school options for families living in or near Jonesboro, Maine?
Jonesboro itself is a very small, rural town, so there are no private schools physically located within its borders. However, families in Jonesboro typically look to several notable independent schools within a reasonable driving distance in Downeast and coastal Maine. The most prominent options include George Stevens Academy (a private high school in Blue Hill, about a 45-minute drive), Sumner Memorial High School's Private Division (in Sullivan, roughly 50 minutes away), and Gould Academy (a prestigious boarding/day school in Bethel, about a 2.5-hour drive). For younger grades, parents often consider smaller local private academies or homeschooling cooperatives, as the immediate area is predominantly served by the Jonesboro Elementary School (public) for K-8.
How does the tuition at private schools near Jonesboro, Maine, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for day students at schools like George Stevens Academy and Sumner's Private Division is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for families in Washington County, where median incomes are often lower. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at these regional academies typically ranged from $10,000 to $18,000. Gould Academy, as a boarding school, has a higher comprehensive fee. Critically, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maine has the unique "Town Tuitioning" program. Since Jonesboro does not operate a public high school, the town may pay tuition (at a state-approved rate) for students to attend an approved public or private school, which can substantially offset costs for families choosing one of the designated private options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Jonesboro offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Downeast Maine region capitalize on their spectacular coastal and rural setting. George Stevens Academy has a renowned Marine Science program with direct access to the Gulf of Maine for research. Many of these schools integrate outdoor education and sustainability into their curricula, featuring programs in forestry, sailing, and outdoor leadership. The arts are also a strong focus, with connections to local artisan communities and cultural institutions like the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. This environment-focused, hands-on learning is a defining characteristic that differs from a standard urban or suburban private school experience.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private academies serving Jonesboro students, and are there deadlines for town tuitioning?
The process typically begins in the fall or early winter prior to the desired enrollment year. Families should contact admissions offices at schools like George Stevens Academy or Sumner Memorial High School by December or January. The process involves an application, student records, recommendations, and often a visit/interview. For families planning to use Maine's Town Tuitioning program, it is **crucial** to communicate with the Jonesboro town office well in advance—often by the spring—to understand the specific application deadlines and approval process for the town's tuition payments. Missing municipal deadlines could mean losing the town funding portion, making the private school cost entirely the family's responsibility.
For a family in Jonesboro, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school pathway and a private academy?
The primary considerations are educational model, cost, and community. Jonesboro students attend a small, close-knit public elementary school (K-8) before being tuitioned to a nearby high school (public or private). The private academy path (e.g., GSA) often offers smaller class sizes, specialized academic tracks, and more diverse extracurricular activities starting in 9th grade. However, it requires a significant commute. The town tuitioning benefit can make a private high school financially comparable to a public one if the private school is on the town's approved list. Families must weigh the desire for a specific programmatic focus against the value of a student potentially attending a regional public school with peers from neighboring towns. The sense of community is strong in both settings but differs in scale and scope.