Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki offers a select number of 11th-grade students the chance to live and work on a 400-acre saltwater peninsula, with the goal of exploring the natural world through rigorous courses in natural science, environmental issues, literature, history, mathematics, languages and studio art.
Each semester, we create an intentional and highly engaged community comprised of 42 exceptional students and 15 faculty members.
In our college-preparatory semester school, we push students to produce top-quality academic work as well as to think broadly about the value, importance, and meaning of their education.
Maine Coast Semester students return to their sending schools with increased self-confidence, an appreciation for the rewards and responsibilities of community living, a strong sense of ownership for their education, and enhanced skills.
At its heart, Maine Coast Semester is an academic program that challenges students` thinking, asking them to go deeper into learning.
We also ask students to participate in an intentional community of peers and teachers in a natural setting, so our graduates come away with more than just an incredible education.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: 11
- Enrollment: 46 students
- Average class size: 7 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 11
Year Founded
1988
Student Body
Total Students
46 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
9%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
7 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 15 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition changes yearly, but is roughly equivalent to the cost of a semester at a New England boarding school.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$14,500
Admissions Director
Sheryl Stearns
Admissions Associate
Alexis Grillo
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Decomposers (a capella group), Yearbook
School Notes
- Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Maine Coast Semester At Chewonki?
The application deadline for Maine Coast Semester At Chewonki is Feb. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 9/20/2018
This program was the most incredible experience that my daughter has had academically and socially. The teachers, the Maine Coast, the Outward Bound meets challenging academics was by far life changing. Her view on the world has opened up and her appreciation for the world around her and the environment is beyond amazing. She became her most authentic self and I am so proud of her to have made the decision to apply, accept and meet the demands of this program. I would recommend this to anyone with a rising Junior.
5 5/17/2016
The Chewonki Semester School was probably the most fulfilling experience of my academic career. The teachers and students are among the wisest and most thoughtful group of people I have ever encountered. Classes were all discussion based and incredibly stimulating.
GO. You won't regret it.
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