The Best Private Schools in Randolph, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Randolph. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
All Saints Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
All Saints Catholic School is a highly-regarded Pre-K through 8th grade institution serving the greater Bangor area, including Randolph. With a 4.7/5 rating from parent reviews, the school offers a comprehensive Catholic education emphasizing academic excellence, character development, and community service. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and gymnasium. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of preparing students for top high schools throughout Maine.
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St. Michael School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
St. Michael School serves Pre-K through 8th grade students from Augusta and surrounding communities including Randolph. With a 4.5/5 rating, this established Catholic school provides a rigorous academic program with particular strength in mathematics and language arts. The school features dedicated music and art programs, technology-integrated classrooms, and a strong focus on community values. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and comprehensive preparation for high school. The school maintains accreditation and has deep roots in the central Maine educational community.
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Cony Middle & High School (Private Academy Program)
Augusta School Department
While primarily a public school, Cony Middle & High School serves as a regional educational hub for Augusta and surrounding towns including Randolph, offering comprehensive college preparatory programs. With a 4.3/5 rating, the school provides extensive Advanced Placement courses, robust career technical education pathways, and competitive athletic programs. The facility includes modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a strong track record of college admissions and student achievement, making it a respected educational option for families in the Randolph area seeking comprehensive secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Randolph, Maine
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Randolph, Maine, and what grade levels do they serve?
Randolph, ME, is served by a small number of private institutions, primarily with a religious affiliation. The notable options include All Saints Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade) and St. Michael School (Pre-K through 8th grade), both located in nearby Augusta. For high school, a key option is the Private Academy Program at Cony High School in Augusta, which is a public school with a private, tuition-based academy track offering a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. Given Randolph's size, most private schooling requires looking toward the Augusta area, which is a short commute and considered the educational hub for the region.
How does tuition for private schools in the Randolph, Maine area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Randolph-area private schools like All Saints Catholic School and St. Michael School is generally below the national private school average but aligns with Maine's more modest cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for these K-8 schools typically ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 per year. The Private Academy Program at Cony High School has a separate tuition cost. Importantly, Maine offers the "Maine Town Tuitioning" program, but this is not applicable in Randolph as the town must not operate a public school at a specific grade level, which Randolph does through MSAD 11. However, all schools offer need-based financial aid, and many local families utilize diocesan aid for Catholic schools or payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Randolph/Augusta area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Randolph/Augusta corridor often emphasize small class sizes and values-based education. All Saints and St. Michael integrate Catholic teachings throughout their curriculum and offer sacramental preparation. A standout program is the Cony Private Academy, which provides an accelerated, honors-level track within a public school setting, featuring advanced placement courses, dedicated college counseling, and a distinct diploma. These schools often have more flexibility for community-based projects and partnerships with local Augusta institutions, such as the Maine State Museum or the State House, for civics education, which is a notable advantage in the state capital region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Randolph, Maine families, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like All Saints Catholic School and St. Michael School typically begins in January for the following fall, with priority given to existing families and parish members. Applications are due by March, and acceptance notifications go out in early spring. Due to their small sizes, these schools can have waitlists, particularly for popular grades like Kindergarten. The Cony Private Academy program has its own selective application process, often requiring transcripts, recommendations, and an entrance exam, with deadlines usually in the winter. It's crucial for Randolph parents to initiate inquiries by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year to secure a spot and complete any necessary parish registration requirements for the Catholic schools.
For a family in Randolph, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local MSAD 11 public schools and the available private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific academic goals. Randolph's public schools (part of MSAD 11/Gardiner Area) offer a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 pathway with standard extracurriculars. The private alternatives offer smaller, more intimate settings with religious formation (Catholic schools) or a highly focused college-prep track (Cony Academy). Transportation is a key practical consideration; while MSAD 11 provides busing, private schools usually require parents to arrange transportation to Augusta. Financially, public schools have no tuition, whereas private options require a significant investment. Families seeking a close-knit community with a specific value system or an accelerated academic environment may prefer the private options, despite the cost and commute.
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