The Best Private Schools in Old Town, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Old Town. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Maine School of Science and Mathematics
Public Magnet School (Private School Alternative)
While technically a public magnet school, MSSM functions as a premier private school alternative serving gifted students from across Maine, including Old Town. Established in 1995, this residential school offers an intensive STEM-focused curriculum with college-level mathematics, science, and technology courses. The school features state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, and a rigorous academic environment that consistently produces national merit scholars and STEM competition winners. MSSM regularly ranks among the top specialized schools in the United States.
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John Bapst Memorial High School
Independent Catholic School
John Bapst Memorial High School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Old Town and the greater Bangor region. Founded in 1928, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive arts programs including theater and music, and competitive athletic teams. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. With a diverse student body and strong college placement record, John Bapst consistently ranks among Maine's top private high schools.
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All Saints Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
All Saints Catholic School serves students from Old Town and the Bangor area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education grounded in Catholic values. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, STEM programs, and individualized learning approaches. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and shared spaces with St. John's Church. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Old Town, Maine
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Old Town, Maine, and do they serve all grade levels?
Old Town itself is home to a limited number of private schools, with **All Saints Catholic School** being a prominent local option offering a Pre-K through 8th-grade education. For high school, many Old Town families look to nearby **John Bapst Memorial High School** in Bangor, just a 15-minute drive away, which serves grades 9-12. Additionally, the prestigious **Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM)** in Limestone is a state-wide public magnet school with a residential program, often considered alongside private options for academically advanced students. This means families in Old Town typically consider a regional mix of local, commuter, and specialized boarding schools to cover all grade levels.
How does tuition for private schools in the Old Town, Maine area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition in the Old Town area is generally at or slightly below the Maine private school average due to the region's cost of living. For the 2024-25 school year, expect ranges of approximately $6,000-$8,000 for elementary grades at local parochial schools and $14,000-$16,000 for high school at institutions like John Bapst. Most schools offer robust financial aid packages based on demonstrated need. Importantly, Maine has the **"Maine Town Tuitioning"** program, but it is not applicable in Old Town as the city maintains its own public secondary school. However, some schools participate in statewide scholarship programs like the **Maine Children's Scholarship Fund** for K-8 students, which can provide significant assistance to qualifying families.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools accessible from Old Town, Maine?
The private and specialized schools accessible from Old Town offer distinct academic pathways. **John Bapst Memorial High School** is known for its strong college-preparatory curriculum, extensive AP course offerings, and unique programs like its award-winning Robotics team and Mandarin Chinese language studies. **All Saints Catholic School** integrates faith-based education with STEM initiatives. For students with exceptional aptitude in math and science, the **Maine School of Science and Mathematics** provides a unparalleled, immersive residential experience with university-level research opportunities. This concentration of options within a short drive allows Old Town students to pursue specialized interests in college-prep, faith-based learning, or STEM rigor.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission requirements for private schools serving Old Town, Maine families?
Timelines and requirements vary by school type. For **All Saints Catholic School**, the application process for the following academic year typically opens in January, with rolling admissions thereafter, requiring transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. **John Bapst** has a more structured timeline, with priority applications due in early February for the fall; their process includes an entrance exam (the HSPT), academic records, and recommendations. The **Maine School of Science and Mathematics** has the earliest and most competitive process, with applications due in early January, requiring standardized test scores, extensive teacher recommendations, and a focus on STEM potential. It's crucial for Old Town parents to research each school's website in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year.
For an Old Town resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Old Town High School is part of the local RSU 34 and offers a solid education with the convenience of proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school like John Bapst involves a daily commute to Bangor (approx. 15-20 minutes), annual tuition, but often provides smaller class sizes, a different peer environment, and a distinct curricular focus (e.g., classical education, broader AP options). For families valuing a specific religious education, All Saints fills that niche. The unique consideration for highly gifted students is MSSM, which involves a residential commitment. Parents should weigh the logistics of transportation, the financial investment, and the specific educational philosophy or specialization not available in the well-regarded local public system.