The Best Private Schools in Moody, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Moody. 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
The New School offers an innovative, student-centered approach to education with a focus on project-based learning and community engagement. Serving Moody and the southern Maine region, the school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving. The curriculum integrates arts, technology, and outdoor education with traditional academic subjects. Small class sizes and personalized attention ensure each student receives individualized support. The school is particularly noted for its inclusive community and progressive educational philosophy.
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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 Moody and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 200 courses, including 24 AP classes. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong academic tradition, diverse student body, and exceptional college placement record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. James School
Catholic Schools of Maine
St. James School is a respected Catholic private school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students from Moody and the greater Biddeford-Saco area. The school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic preparation, featuring modern STEM labs, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The close-knit community emphasizes character development, service learning, and family involvement. Students consistently perform above national averages on standardized tests and are well-prepared for high school admission to top private and public schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Moody, Maine
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Moody, Maine, and are they located directly in town?
While Moody itself is a small town, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding York County area. The most prominent options include Thornton Academy in Saco (a private day and boarding school for grades 6-12), The New School in Kennebunk (serving grades K-12 with a progressive approach), and St. James School in Biddeford (a Catholic school for Pre-K through grade 8). None are located within Moody's town limits, so commuting is a necessary consideration. Many families in Moody also explore private schools in nearby cities like Portland or South Berwick, making school choice in this region largely about the commute you're willing to make.
How does the tuition for private schools near Moody, Maine, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Moody area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Thornton Academy is approximately $21,000, while The New School's tuition ranges from about $16,000 to $19,000 depending on grade level. St. James School, as a parish-affiliated school, is often lower, typically around $6,000-$8,000. These figures are generally in line with or slightly above the Maine private school average. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Thornton Academy and The New School have substantial endowment funds for this purpose. Maine also offers the Town Tuitioning Program, but this is not applicable in Moody as the town maintains its own public school system (MSAD 60). Parents should inquire directly about aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Moody offer that might not be available in the local public schools (MSAD 60)?
Private schools in the Moody region often provide specialized programs that differentiate them. Thornton Academy boasts extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, a renowned STEM center, and competitive athletic leagues. The New School is distinctive for its project-based, student-driven learning model, micro-elective courses, and a strong focus on social-emotional learning and the arts. St. James School offers a structured, faith-based education with character development integrated into the curriculum. These schools may provide smaller class sizes and more individualized attention than the regional public schools (like Noble High School), along with unique opportunities like Thornton's boarding program that brings global perspectives to the classroom.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Moody, Maine families, and when should we start?
The process for schools like Thornton Academy, The New School, and St. James School generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often held September-November), 2) Submitting an application by January or February for priority consideration, 3) Providing student records and teacher recommendations, and 4) Completing a student visit or interview. Financial aid applications usually have a concurrent deadline. For the most sought-after grades (particularly kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), starting the process 12-18 months in advance is advisable. Rolling admissions may be available for other grades, but spaces can fill quickly. Given Moody's location, scheduling visits and accounting for travel time to Saco, Kennebunk, or Biddeford is an important logistical factor.
For a family in Moody considering the choice, what are the practical pros and cons of private versus public school within the MSAD 60 district?
The decision hinges on family priorities. The public MSAD 60 system (culminating at Noble High School) offers a tuition-free, comprehensive education with diverse programs and the benefit of attending school with local community peers. It involves no commute beyond the district. Private options require a significant financial investment and a daily commute of 15-30 minutes to neighboring towns. In return, they often offer smaller class sizes, specialized pedagogical approaches (like progressive education at The New School or college-prep at Thornton), distinct community cultures, and sometimes more extensive extracurricular or advanced academic offerings. For Moody families, the defining factors often come down to the desired educational philosophy, the value placed on a specific program (e.g., STEM, arts, faith-based), and whether the family budget and logistics can accommodate the private school commitment.