The Best Private Schools in Kennebunkport, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kennebunkport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Berwick Academy
Independent School
Berwick Academy is Maine's oldest independent school and serves students from Kennebunkport and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12 with small class sizes and individualized attention. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character education and community engagement alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities nationwide.
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The New School
Independent Progressive School
The New School serves Kennebunkport families with its innovative, student-centered approach to education from pre-K through high school. The school emphasizes experiential learning, community partnerships, and individualized academic pathways. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a curriculum that balances academic rigor with creative expression and real-world problem solving. The school's progressive educational model prepares students for college while fostering critical thinking and social responsibility.
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Thornton Academy
Independent Day and Boarding School
Thornton Academy serves students from Kennebunkport and throughout southern Maine with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school offers over 200 courses including 24 AP options, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. With modern facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts auditorium, and athletic complex, Thornton provides a well-rounded educational experience. The school maintains strong college placement records and offers both day and boarding options for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kennebunkport, Maine
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Kennebunkport, ME, and are they located directly in town?
While Kennebunkport itself is a small coastal town without a large number of private school campuses, families typically look to excellent independent schools in the surrounding Southern Maine region. The most prominent options include Berwick Academy in South Berwick (a Pre-K through Grade 12 day school), Thornton Academy in Saco (a Grade 6-12 day and boarding school), and The New School in Kennebunk (offering Montessori through high school). Kennebunkport parents often commute 20-45 minutes to these schools. It's important to note that these schools serve the broader region, so admission is competitive and not guaranteed for local residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Kennebunkport, ME, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maine residents?
Tuition for the top private schools near Kennebunkport varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000 to $40,000+ for day students, with boarding costs higher at Thornton Academy. All these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. As a Maine resident, you may also explore the Maine State Tax Credit for Educational Opportunity, which provides a credit for tuition paid to private schools. Additionally, some schools participate in town tuitioning agreements for specific grades if your local public school does not offer them, but this is less common in the Kennebunkport area. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school (using the SSS/Clarity application) and to meet their deadlines, which are often in the winter prior to enrollment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Kennebunkport offer that leverage the coastal Maine environment?
Schools in the Kennebunkport region uniquely integrate Maine's coastal and environmental resources into their curricula. Berwick Academy has a strong marine science and sustainability focus, with access to the nearby Salmon Falls River and coast. Thornton Academy's STEM programs and outdoor clubs take advantage of the region's natural laboratories. The New School emphasizes experiential and place-based learning, often incorporating local ecology, maritime history, and community partnerships into its projects. Many schools also have robust sailing teams, outdoor leadership programs, and arts initiatives inspired by the area's vibrant creative community and historic seaport setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kennebunkport, ME, and when should we start?
The admission process for competitive private schools in Southern Maine is lengthy, and families in Kennebunkport should start planning 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following fall, and completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the SSAT or ISEE) in the winter. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in March. For popular grades like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, spaces are limited, so early inquiry is essential. Some schools may have rolling admission for other grades, but waiting lists are common.
For a family moving to Kennebunkport, how do the local public schools (RSU 21) compare with the nearby private school options?
Kennebunkport is part of the well-regarded RSU 21 district, which includes Kennebunk High School. The comparison often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Public schools offer a robust, tax-funded education with strong arts and athletics. Private options like Berwick Academy, Thornton Academy, and The New School typically offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, distinct pedagogical approaches (like Montessori at The New School), and often more extensive college counseling. The decision may hinge on whether you seek a specific religious affiliation (less common in these particular schools), a particular learning environment, or specialized programs not available in the public system. Many families in the area choose based on the "best fit" for their child's needs rather than a stark quality difference.