School Around Us

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School Around Us Photo #1 - Students help plan and organize class trips at the end of the year which always offer a wide variety of adventures.
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School Around Us Photo #1 - Students help plan and organize class trips at the end of the year which always offer a wide variety of adventures.
School Around Us Photo #2 - Small class sizes and a nurturing environment help children at School Around Us become their best selves academically, socially and emotionally.
School Around Us Photo #3 - Outdoor play time is a big part of every day at School Around Us. There is a half hour break mid-morning and an hour for lunch when students might play capture the flag, kick a soccer ball around, dig tunnels in the giant sand box, build a fort, skate or sled in the winter or swim at a nearby pond
School Around Us Photo #4 - The annual spring play is a beloved tradition at SAU. There are on-stage parts for all ages and plenty of options for those who would rather work behind the scenes.After an intense six-week rehearsal period there are two public performances with packed attendance.
School Around Us Photo #5 - The Middle Group prepares for their class trip! They will be taking a three day cross country ski trip with The Maine Huts and Trails. They have been training with their packs and all to ensure their endurance for this challenging adventure.
School Around Us Photo #6 - Project-based learning. Math students designed and created model homes using problem-solving, area and perimeter, real-world math skills, and creative expression. Students have a personal connection to this type of project and skills are used in an authentic way.
School Around Us Photo #7 - Embracing the Arts. Students from age 6 to 14 created art and displayed it in a public Art Show. Collaboration with Atria Senior Living in Kennebunk allowed for a fabulous way for children to present their creativity.
Founded in 1970, School Around Us offers a holistic approach to education that nurtures the mind, body, heart and spirit, and encourages involvement in the natural and global worlds.
The small class size enables teachers to work flexibly with diverse learning styles and cultivate students' individual interests. Students come to SAU from communities throughout southern Maine.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 25 students
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1970

Student Body

Total Students
25 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
School Around Us Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
8 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
none

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Please call for tuition information.
Admissions Director
Flora

School Notes

  • School Around Us is very different from public schools in that we are holistic in nature; we focus on the many aspects of a child including academic, social, emotional, and physical skills. Creative expression, theatrical skills, learning through free play and environmental concerns are emphasized and honored in the daily curriculum. With a teacher/student ratio of 1:8, children are able to receive the benefits of individualization and camaraderie with their peers and teachers.SAU`s curriculum includes traditional academic subjects as well as "theme" classes where students explore subjects in-depth for up to eight weeks. Creativity and hands-on learning are central to SAU's approach. Students spend a lot of time outdoors; the school is situated on six acres that include pine woods, a brook, trails and access to a pond for swimming and skating. SAU parents have significant involvement in the school's operations.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline for School Around Us?
The application deadline for School Around Us is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (9 reviews)
5  
Our family has had an amazing, wonderful journey with SAU. The school and community have worked out great for our two kids, one who graduated last year the other about to start 6th grade in 2020. We love the long time spent running around outside and education which covers not only the ABC's, but respect for others and caring for the environment. Thank you SAU!
- Posted by
5  
With 6.5 years at SAU (so far), it's been amazing to be part of a school that values its teachers, students and parents - as well as our greater community and our planet. Young people here help determine how their time is spent, so they maintain their love and interest for learning. Play and free exploration goes a long way to keep the young people in touch with their wisdom.
- Posted by
5  
I am so happy we found School Around Us for our daughter. She is a curious, energetic kid who benefits from the freedom of playtime, the music/all-school play, and the incredibly caring teachers.
- Posted by
5  
SAU has been a wonderful experience for our family so far. This is our first year and we are just loving the way our daughter feels at home in this school. She is growing so much and discovering more about herself because of the holistic approach of the school.
- Posted by
5  
After almost 4 full years at SAU I couldn't be happier with my child's education. His teachers have been outstanding. He has been educated as a whole person, holistically, and having a fabulous time. He's 13, happy, and loves school and I like that.
- Posted by
5  
We are new to SAU and I can honestly say my son has never been happier at school. Although it's not academically "rigorous" the pressures of public school were too much for him. The curriculum is somewhat traditional (math, reading, writing) but the kids are also given choices in areas like science and history so that they will be interested in what they are learning. There's a lot of play time outside which is great for my son who is very active. There's some access to extra-curriculum activities (eg, guitar lessons, soccer) but not as much as at a larger school. Parents work hard for the school, which can be a challenge but keeps tuition costs down. For us it is well worth it.
- Posted by
5  
I love that creative expression and developing social and emotional skills are valued just as much as language arts, math and science. I am so grateful for the astonishing teachers!
- Posted by
5  
Both of my children went through this school from grades K-8 and it was a fabulous experience for both! My children are well rounded, responsible, intelligent kids who have a strong voice and desire to learn. They are currently both in High School and are doing great in another local private school, but I am certain they will do well anywhere! The teachers are fabulous at SAU and know the children as people and treat them respectfully and lovingly. Music and art are strong focuses and academics are learned in hands on meaningful ways.
- Posted by
5  
School Around Us is a wonderful school. My son graduated last year and is doing excellent in high school. I know that SAU contributed to his quest for knowledge, critical thinking skills and solid sense of self. He knows his passions as a learner. Thank you SAU.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 25 students
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in York County, ME is $14,216 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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