The Best Private Schools in West Kennebunk, Maine
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in West Kennebunk. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The New School
Independent
The New School is a highly regarded independent school located just minutes from West Kennebunk in downtown Kennebunk. Founded in 1999, this progressive school serves students from early childhood through high school with a strong emphasis on project-based learning and individualized education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a curriculum that balances academic rigor with creative expression. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The high school program emphasizes college preparation with 100% of graduates typically accepted to four-year colleges. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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Thornton Academy
Independent
Thornton Academy is one of Maine's oldest and most prestigious independent day and boarding schools, serving students from West Kennebunk and surrounding communities. Located approximately 15 miles away in Saco, this historic institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with over 200 courses including 24 AP options. The 80-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic complexes. Thornton Academy is particularly noted for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and diverse extracurricular offerings. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and a track record of excellent college placements, the school maintains high parent satisfaction and academic outcomes.
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St. James School
Catholic Schools of Maine
St. James School is a highly respected Catholic elementary and middle school located in nearby Biddeford, serving families from West Kennebunk and the surrounding region. Founded in 1956, the school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic programming. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and STEAM education, with specialized programs in Spanish language instruction beginning in preschool. The school features modern classrooms, technology labs, a library, and playground facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's safe, family-oriented environment, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community. The school maintains small class sizes and offers before and after-school care, making it accessible for working families in the West Kennebunk area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in West Kennebunk, Maine
What are the primary private school options serving families in West Kennebunk, Maine, and what are their educational models?
West Kennebunk itself is a small village, so families typically look to private schools in the broader Kennebunks/Southern Maine region. The most prominent options include The New School in Kennebunk, which is a progressive, project-based K-12 school emphasizing experiential learning. Thornton Academy in Saco is a historic, college-preparatory day and boarding school for grades 6-12, known for its extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs. St. James School, a Catholic school in Biddeford, offers a faith-based education for preschool through 8th grade. Many West Kennebunk families also consider schools in Portland or other nearby towns, but these three are the most locally recognized.
How does the tuition for private schools in the West Kennebunk, ME area compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition in Southern Maine's private schools varies significantly by model and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, The New School's tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower school to $22,000 for high school. Thornton Academy's day student tuition is around $18,000-$20,000 for grades 6-12. St. James School, as a parochial option, is often more accessible, with tuition around $6,000-$8,000. These figures are generally at or above the Maine private school average due to the region's higher cost of living. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Thornton Academy and The New School have substantial endowment-funded assistance. Maine also offers a limited tax deduction for K-12 tuition expenses, which can provide some relief.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from West Kennebunk that leverage Maine's environment and culture?
Schools in this area often integrate Maine's unique resources into their curricula. The New School has a strong focus on sustainability and outdoor education, with programs in marine biology, sustainable agriculture, and wilderness skills that take advantage of the nearby coast and forests. Thornton Academy offers specialized courses in marine science, utilizing its proximity to the Gulf of Maine, and has robust visual and performing arts programs that connect with local galleries and theaters. St. James School emphasizes community service projects within the Biddeford and Kennebunk communities. This regional focus provides students with a deeply contextualized learning experience that is distinctive to Southern Maine.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission requirements for private schools like Thornton Academy and The New School for a family moving to West Kennebunk?
Planning is crucial, as timelines can be earlier than public schools. For fall entry, most private schools in the area have application deadlines between January and February, with decisions released in March. Thornton Academy, due to its boarding component, has rolling admissions but encourages fall applicants to apply by January 15. The New School typically has a February 1st deadline for first-round consideration. Common requirements include a completed application, teacher recommendations, school records, a student essay or interview, and standardized testing (often the SSAT for secondary grades). For families relocating to West Kennebunk outside these windows, it's essential to contact admissions offices directly, as some spaces may be available in certain grades.
For a family in West Kennebunk, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to these area private schools?
Transportation is a key logistical factor. West Kennebunk is not part of a centralized private school bus system. Families are primarily responsible for arranging their own transportation. Some schools, like Thornton Academy, offer private bus routes for day students that may include stops in the Kennebunks for an additional fee, but coverage is not guaranteed. Carpooling with other local families is a very common solution. The drive to The New School or St. James School is typically 15-25 minutes, while Thornton Academy is about a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic on Route 1 or I-95. When evaluating schools, factoring in the daily commute time and coordinating schedules with other West Kennebunk families is highly recommended.