The Best Private Schools in Sargentville, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sargentville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Bay School
Independent
The Bay School is a highly regarded independent school located just 15 minutes from Sargentville in Blue Hill. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school emphasizes progressive education with strong outdoor and experiential learning components. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a curriculum that integrates academics with arts, music, and environmental education. Their campus includes modern facilities with extensive outdoor learning spaces, and they maintain strong community partnerships throughout the Blue Hill Peninsula region.
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George Stevens Academy
Independent
George Stevens Academy is one of Maine's oldest and most respected independent secondary schools, located in nearby Blue Hill and serving students from Sargentville and surrounding communities. The academy offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and performing arts. The 150-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, arts centers, and science labs. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, GSA provides extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts programs, and community service initiatives.
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Sumner Memorial High School (Private/Independent)
Independent
Located approximately 20 minutes from Sargentville in Sullivan, Sumner Memorial High School serves as a key educational institution for the eastern Blue Hill Peninsula region. While operating as a public school, it functions similarly to an independent school for the communities it serves. The school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum alongside career and technical education programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong sense of community, dedicated teaching staff, and comprehensive student support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sargentville, Maine
Are there any private schools physically located within Sargentville, Maine, and what are the primary options for families in the area?
There are no private school campuses physically located within the town limits of Sargentville, ME. However, families in Sargentville commonly consider several nearby independent schools, which are the primary options. The most frequently referenced is The Bay School, a Pre-K through 8th grade independent school in Blue Hill, about a 20-minute drive. For high school, George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill (a private academy with a public charter) and Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan (a private/independent school) are key options, both within a 25-30 minute commute. Sargentville's rural setting means most private education involves commuting to neighboring towns in Hancock County.
How does the tuition at private schools like The Bay School near Sargentville compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for day schools in the Sargentville area is generally below the national private school average but can be significant relative to local incomes. For the 2023-24 school year, The Bay School's tuition ranges from approximately $10,000 for Pre-K to $18,000 for middle school. George Stevens Academy's private tuition is roughly $16,000-$18,000. Maine offers the "Maine Resident Tuition Contract" program for towns without a public high school, which can significantly subsidize costs at schools like George Stevens for eligible Sargentville residents. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in the Maine Children's Scholarship Fund for partial tuition assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Sargentville students offer, particularly related to Maine's coastal environment?
Private schools in the Blue Hill Peninsula area leverage their coastal Maine location for distinctive programs. The Bay School emphasizes place-based and environmental education, with curriculum integrated into local farms, forests, and the shoreline. George Stevens Academy offers renowned marine science and boatbuilding programs, direct access to oceanographic research, and a strong sailing team. Sumner Memorial High School provides agricultural science and sustainable living courses. These programs offer Sargentville students hands-on learning deeply connected to the region's maritime culture, ecology, and economy, which is a defining feature of education here compared to more urban settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like The Bay School that Sargentville families should be aware of?
For Sargentville families, planning is crucial due to limited seats and earlier deadlines than public schools. The Bay School and similar institutions typically have an application deadline in January or February for the following fall, with admissions decisions released in March. The process often includes a school tour, parent interview, and student visit day. Given the small size of these schools (often 100-200 students total), applying early is strongly advised. For George Stevens Academy, Sargentville residents should also investigate the specific contract tuition application process through their local school union (Union 76) well in advance, as those deadlines are mandated by the state and separate from the private admissions office.
For a Sargentville resident, what are the key practical differences between sending a child to a nearby private school versus the assigned public school (Sedgwick Elementary, then Deer Isle-Stonington High School)?
The key differences involve commute, educational approach, and cost. The public school path involves busing to Sedgwick (K-8) and then to Deer Isle-Stonington High School, which can involve long bus rides (30-45 minutes). The private options require parent-provided transportation to Blue Hill or Sullivan. Academically, private schools like The Bay School offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students) and progressive, project-based curricula, while the public schools provide a more traditional, state-standardized model. For high school, George Stevens Academy offers a wider array of Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs than the smaller public high school. The cost is the most significant factor: public school is free, while private requires tuition, though contract tuition and aid can offset this for eligible families in Sargentville.
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