The Best Private Schools in Lubec, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lubec. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
John Bapst Memorial High School
Catholic
John Bapst Memorial High School is a top-rated private Catholic school in Bangor, approximately 2.5 hours from Lubec, known for its academic rigor and comprehensive programs serving grades 9-12. It features a strong college preparatory curriculum with numerous AP courses, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities including technology labs, a library, and athletic complexes. Extracurricular activities span sports, clubs, music, and community service, fostering well-rounded development. With high parent satisfaction and a reputation for excellence, it attracts students from Lubec and beyond, offering transportation and support services for regional families.
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George Stevens Academy
Independent
George Stevens Academy is a private independent school located about one hour from Lubec, serving grades 9-12 with a focus on personalized education and community engagement. It excels in academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses, and unique offerings like marine biology due to its coastal setting. The school has well-maintained facilities, such as science labs, art rooms, and performance spaces, and supports a range of extracurriculars including athletics, music, and drama. Parents and students praise its dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong college preparation, making it a popular choice for families in the Lubec region.
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Washington Academy
Independent
Washington Academy is a highly-regarded private co-educational school serving grades 9-12, located approximately 30 minutes from Lubec. It offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on individualized learning. The school features modern facilities, including science labs, arts studios, and athletic fields, and provides diverse extracurricular activities such as robotics, sports, and community service. With boarding options available, it attracts students from Lubec and surrounding areas, boasting a high college acceptance rate and positive parent feedback for its supportive environment and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lubec, Maine
What are the private school options for families residing in Lubec, Maine, and are there any schools located directly in town?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the town of Lubec itself. Families in Lubec typically look at well-regarded independent schools in the broader Downeast and coastal Hancock/Washington County region. The most commonly considered options include Washington Academy (a private high school in East Machias, about a 30-minute drive), George Stevens Academy (a private high school in Blue Hill, about a 1-hour 15-minute drive), and John Bapst Memorial High School (a private high school in Bangor, about a 2-hour 15-minute drive). These schools actively recruit students from Lubec and surrounding Washington County, with many providing transportation or boarding options to accommodate the distance.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Lubec, ME, compare, and are there financial aid programs specifically for Maine residents?
Tuition for day students at the primary private options near Lubec varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, approximate tuition ranges are: Washington Academy (~$14,000), George Stevens Academy (~$18,000), and John Bapst (~$16,000). Critically for Maine residents, the state's "Town Tuitioning" program does not apply to Lubec as the town operates its own public schools. However, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, and Maine residents may also be eligible for the Maine State Tax Credit for Educational Opportunity, which provides a credit for tuition paid to private schools. Additionally, some schools have dedicated scholarship funds for students from Downeast communities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Lubec students offer that leverage the coastal Downeast environment?
Schools in this region often integrate Maine's unique coastal and environmental resources into their curricula. Washington Academy, for instance, has a renowned Marine Science program that can include field studies relevant to the Passamaquoddy Bay and Bay of Fundy ecosystem. George Stevens Academy offers hands-on learning in boat building, marine technology, and sustainable fisheries science, directly tying to local maritime industries. John Bapst, while further inland, provides strong college-prep programs with opportunities for independent study projects that students from Lubec can design around local history, ecology, or aquaculture. These programs provide a contextual education that connects classroom learning to the community and environment of Downeast Maine.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Lubec student applying to a private high school like Washington Academy or George Stevens Academy?
The process typically begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses or scheduling a shadow day (often involving a significant drive for Lubec families). 2) Submitting an application by January or February of the enrollment year. 3) Providing standardized test scores (like the SSAT, though often waivable), transcripts, and teacher recommendations. 4) Completing a financial aid application (FAST or SSS) simultaneously if seeking assistance. Given the distance, schools are usually accommodating with virtual interviews. Rolling admissions may be available after priority deadlines. It's crucial to contact the admissions office early to discuss transportation and logistical plans, which are a key part of the decision for families in remote Lubec.
For a family in Lubec, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Lubec Consolidated School) and a private regional high school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public pathway involves attending Lubec Consolidated School K-8, then transitioning to a nearby public high school, which may involve a longer bus ride as well. The primary advantages of private options are specialized academic programs (like marine science), smaller average class sizes, and, for schools like Washington Academy, a residential dormitory option that eliminates a daily commute that can be over an hour each way in winter weather. The trade-offs are significant: high tuition costs, even with aid, and the student being farther from home. Families must weigh the value of specific programs against community connection, cost, and the practicality of daily travel on rural Route 189 and coastal highways.