The Best Private Schools in Princeton, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Princeton. 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)
As Maine's premier public magnet school for academically gifted students, MSSM serves students from Princeton and across the state with a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum. The residential program allows students from rural areas like Princeton to access world-class science and mathematics education. The school features state-of-the-art laboratories, research opportunities with university partners, and consistently produces national merit scholars. While publicly funded, it functions as a selective private school alternative with competitive admissions and exceptional academic outcomes.
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John Bapst Memorial High School
Independent Catholic School
John Bapst Memorial High School is a highly respected independent Catholic school in Bangor that serves students from Princeton and surrounding regions. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing exceptional college preparatory education. With a diverse student body and extensive extracurricular offerings including championship athletic teams and award-winning arts programs, John Bapst maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence and student development. The school's historic campus features modern academic facilities and serves as a regional educational leader.
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Washington Academy
Independent
Washington Academy is a highly-regarded independent day and boarding school serving students from Princeton and surrounding Washington County communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and arts spaces, the school provides a well-rounded education. The international student program adds cultural diversity, and the school maintains strong college acceptance rates to competitive universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Princeton, Maine
What are the private school options for families residing in Princeton, Maine, and are there any located directly in the town?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the town limits of Princeton, Maine. However, families in this rural Downeast community commonly consider several highly-regarded private and independent schools within a reasonable driving distance. The most prominent options include Washington Academy (a private high school in East Machias, about 45 minutes away), the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (a public magnet residential school in Limestone, about 2.5 hours away, but often considered a private-school alternative), and John Bapst Memorial High School (an independent school in Bangor, roughly 1.5 hours away). Many families also explore day schools in larger hubs like Ellsworth or boarding schools elsewhere in New England.
How does the tuition for private schools near Princeton, ME, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maine residents?
Tuition for day schools accessible from Princeton varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, Washington Academy's tuition is approximately $14,500 for day students, while John Bapst is around $13,000. The Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) is tuition-free for Maine residents, though there are room and board fees for its residential program. Critically, Maine offers the "Maine Town Tuitioning" program, where some towns without public high schools will pay tuition for students to attend approved public or private schools. Princeton does not have its own public high school, so families should contact the Princeton School Department to see if town tuitioning applies and which schools (like Washington Academy) are approved recipients. All major private schools offer need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Princeton area offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Given Princeton's small size and remote location, nearby private schools provide specialized programs that expand opportunities. Washington Academy features a renowned Marine Science program, leveraging its coastal location, and extensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. John Bapst offers a comprehensive Advanced Placement program, a globally-focused curriculum, and competitive athletics and arts. The Maine School of Science and Mathematics provides an unparalleled, immersive STEM curriculum at a college-like intensity, including research opportunities, which is unique in the state. These schools can offer a breadth of advanced courses, world languages, and clubs that a small, rural public school system may be unable to support due to scale.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private high schools like Washington Academy or John Bapst for a student from Princeton?
The process typically begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. For Washington Academy and John Bapst, families should attend open houses (often in October-November), submit an application by January or February, and provide transcripts, teacher recommendations, and sometimes attend an interview or shadow day. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. For the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, the application is highly competitive and involves a separate state-run process with deadlines in early spring for 9th and 10th-grade entry. It's crucial for Princeton families to plan for transportation and, if applicable, to initiate conversations with the Princeton School Department early regarding town tuitioning contracts.
For a family in Princeton, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school pathway (SAD 14/MSAD 14) and a private school option further away?
The decision hinges on several Princeton-specific factors. The local pathway typically involves Princeton Elementary School (K-8) and then choice of a public high school via tuitioning, which may lack the specialized programs of a private school. Choosing a private school like Washington Academy or John Bapst involves a significant daily commute (1-1.5 hours each way) or exploring boarding options, impacting family logistics and student time. Academically, private schools may offer more AP courses, smaller class sizes, and different extracurriculars. Financially, families must weigh the cost of private tuition against the potential for town tuitioning support. The social aspect is also key—attending a regional private school means building a peer network from a wider geographic area versus the close-knit local community.
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