The Best Private Schools in Kennebunk, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kennebunk. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The New School
The New School
Located in the heart of Kennebunk, The New School offers progressive, student-centered education for grades K-12. The school emphasizes project-based learning and individualized attention with an average class size of 12 students. Their innovative curriculum integrates traditional academics with hands-on experiences, including extensive arts programs and outdoor education. The campus features modern classrooms, art studios, and collaborative learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and commitment to developing critical thinking skills. The school maintains strong community partnerships and offers comprehensive college counseling for upper school students.
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Waynflete School
Waynflete School
Waynflete School, located in nearby Portland, is a highly respected independent school that attracts students from Kennebunk and surrounding communities. The school offers a progressive education from pre-K through grade 12, featuring the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for upper school students. Waynflete's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global perspectives. The campus includes modern academic buildings, art studios, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its strong arts programs and competitive athletics. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Waynflete provides personalized attention and has an excellent record of college placements at selective institutions.
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Thornton Academy
Thornton Academy
Thornton Academy is one of Maine's oldest and most prestigious independent day and boarding schools, serving students from Kennebunk and surrounding communities. The academy offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 200 courses, including 26 Advanced Placement options. The 80-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Known for academic excellence, Thornton maintains small class sizes and offers diverse extracurricular activities from competitive athletics to robotics and theater programs. The school has a strong track record of college placements to top universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kennebunk, Maine
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Kennebunk, Maine, and what are their key characteristics?
While Kennebunk itself is home to a few smaller private options, the most prominent schools serving Kennebunk families are in the surrounding region. **Thornton Academy** in Saco (about 15 minutes away) is a historic, co-ed day and boarding school for grades 6-12 known for its extensive academic, athletic, and arts programs. **The New School** in Kennebunkport offers a progressive, project-based education from preschool through high school with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. **Waynflete School** in Portland (approximately 35 minutes away) is a highly regarded Pre-K through 12 independent school celebrated for its rigorous academics and commitment to fostering ethical, engaged citizens. Kennebunk parents often consider this regional mix of traditional, progressive, and college-preparatory models.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Kennebunk, ME area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maine residents?
Tuition in the Kennebunk area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 at The New School to over $40,000 for boarding students at Thornton Academy. Waynflete's upper school tuition is around $40,000. Importantly, Maine offers the **Maine State Tuition Program**, which allows students from towns without public schools at certain grade levels (like a local high school) to use state-funded tuition to attend approved private schools, potentially including Thornton Academy. All major schools also offer substantial need-based financial aid from their own endowments. Additionally, Maine has a **tax credit scholarship program** that can provide further assistance to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Kennebunk that leverage Maine's environment and culture?
Schools in this region deeply integrate Maine's coastal and natural resources into their curricula. **The New School** has a renowned Marine Biology and Sailing program utilizing the Kennebunk River and Atlantic Ocean. **Thornton Academy** features a robust Applied Technology Center with programs in Marine Science and Aquaculture, directly connecting to local industries. **Waynflete**, while in Portland, emphasizes environmental stewardship and outdoor education through its proximity to Casco Bay. All schools offer unique January-term or immersive courses focused on local history, sustainability, and the arts, often partnering with community organizations like the Seashore Trolley Museum or Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Kennebunk, Maine region, and are there key local deadlines?
The admission process for these schools generally begins in the fall, with application deadlines typically between **January and February** for the following academic year. **Waynflete** and **Thornton Academy** have firm January deadlines for first-round consideration. **The New School** often has a rolling admissions process but encourages early application. A unique local consideration is the **Town Tuition Contract** process. For families in Kennebunk's sending districts for grades where no public school exists, there is a specific town-driven timeline (often in the spring) to apply for public funding to attend an approved private school like Thornton Academy. Open houses and tours usually run from September through December, and attending these early is highly recommended.
For families considering both, what are the primary distinctions between Kennebunk's public schools and the surrounding private school options?
Kennebunk's public schools (RSU 21) are highly rated, offering a comprehensive, tuition-free education with strong academic and extracurricular programs. The choice for private schools often centers on specific educational philosophies, smaller class sizes, and specialized programs. For example, **The New School** offers a distinct, student-driven progressive model not found in the public system. **Thornton Academy** provides a much larger campus, boarding options, and a vast array of electives and AP courses that can exceed a public school's offerings. **Waynflete** offers an urban, diverse environment and a continuous Pre-K-12 pathway. The decision frequently hinges on a family's preference for a particular pedagogical approach, the desire for a certain campus culture, or the utilization of Maine's tuitioning programs for specific grades.
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