Best Maine Private Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 163 private schools serving 19,427 students in Maine (there are 596 public schools, serving 167,472 students). 10% of all K-12 students in Maine attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).

The average private school tuition is $17,972 for elementary schools and $29,114 for high schools (view national tuition averages).

The private schools in Maine include Kents Hill School, Berwick Academy, and Thornton Academy.

The average acceptance rate is 75% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 16% and the student-teacher ratio is 9:1.

37% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Christian or Catholic.

Kents Hill School Photo - Located in central Maine, Kents Hill School is an independent, coeducational boarding and day school grades 9-Postgraduate Year attracting 200 students from Maine, the United States, and around the world. Since 1824, Kents Hill has been dedicated to providing transformative experiences rooted in the power of community, character, and core values.

Mount Merici Academy Photo - Mount Merici Academy, an Ursuline school, is dedicated to nurturing the whole child- mind, body, and spirit- providing love and guidance so that students can achieve their personal best.In partnership with families, our mission is to instill values of respect, responsibility and self-discipline, teaching students in the Ursuline Serviam tradition of service to our community and the world.

Oxford Hills Christian Academy Photo - Making Disciples for Christ

Lee Academy Photo - Lee Academy, a respected boarding program has hosted students from 16 states, seven Asian countries, five Central American/Caribbean countries, 10 European countries, Australia, Israel and Canada.

Hyde School Photo - Located in the quaint and historic shipbuilding city of Bath, Maine, on the Kennebec River, the 145-acre Hyde-Bath School campus was founded in 1966. Year-round, students and faculty enjoy miles of wooded running, bicycling, and cross-country skiing trails that extend beyond the campus.

Riley School Photo - Our campus is a classroom

Ashwood Waldorf School Photo - Ashwood Waldorf School's grade school building

Friends School Of Portland Photo - Rainbow in Spanish

Penobscot Christian School Photo - Eathan O'Bryant of the Harlem Globetrotters visited PCS in March 2009 to present the "C.H.E.E.R. for Character" program. It stood for "Character, Healthy Mind & Body, Enthusiasm, Effort, Responsibility."

L'ecole Francaise Du Maine Photo - Beginning in preschool, our weekly swim program at the Casco Bay YMCA is a highlight of our physical education program

Maine Coast Semester At Chewonki Photo - During the semester, students live on our 400 acre peninsula. With over five miles of trails and an organic horse powered farm, students always have new places to explore.

Fryeburg Academy Photo - New LaCasce Dining Hall

North Yarmouth Academy Photo - North Yarmouth Academy has a 20+ acre campus in Yarmouth, Maine. Ten minutes from Portland and less thank two hours from Boston. Our campus includes a newly renovated ice arena and fitness & wellness center.

Seacoast Waldorf School Photo - Part of German class in the grades was baking German cookies for a celebration. Children learn German and Spanish starting in first grade.

Cheverus Photo - High School is a time of growth, change, and discovery. At Cheverus, we accompany students and families through this exciting and sometimes challenging time in their lives. Our goal is to educate students in a deep and meaningful way. Our approach to education is meant to prepare students for college -- and for life.

Top Ranked Maine Private Schools by County (2025-26)

County

# Schools

# Students

% of K-12 Students in Private Schools

Androscoggin County

1,837

11%

Aroostook County

128

Cumberland County

4,130

10%

Franklin County

Hancock County

634

10%

Kennebec County

1,645

10%

Knox County

444

10%

Lincoln County

2,375

40%

Oxford County

1,303

14%

Penobscot County

1,673

Piscataquis County

397

17%

248

582

109

418

10%

York County

3,407

12%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in Maine?

The top-ranked private schools in Maine include Kents Hill School, Berwick Academy, and Thornton Academy.

How many private schools are located in Maine?

There are 163 private schools are located in Maine.

How much do private schools cost in Maine?

The average private school tuition in Maine is $17,972 for elementary schools and $29,114 for high schools

How diverse are private schools in Maine?

Approximately 16% of students in Maine private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).

What percentage of students in Maine go to private school?

10% of all K-12 students in Maine attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).

What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Maine?

37% of private schools in Maine are religiously affiliated, with most being Christian or Catholic.

Which private schools in Maine are often viewed compared to one another?

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