For the 2026 school year, there are 163 private schools serving 19,450 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 $17,936 for elementary schools and $29,300 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Maine include Thornton Academy, Kents Hill School, and Berwick Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 78% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 16% and the student-teacher ratio is 9:1.
Overview
This State (ME)
US
# Schools
163 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
19,450 Students
5,710,445 Students
% Average Students of Color
16%
34%
Student By Grade
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
2,259 Teachers
508,029 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
11:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
59%
55%
Average Class Size
13 students
15 students
Average Number of AP Courses
13 courses
13 courses
Average SAT score
1215
(Out of 1600)
1233
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
26
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$22,532
$14,888
Average Summer Program Cost
$2,098
$1,163
Average % on Financial Aid
37%
34%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$11,886
$7,117
Average Acceptance Rate
78%
82%
Average Endowment Size
$23.79 million
$62.08 million
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.47
0.65
# American Indian Students
96 Students
30,181 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
912 Students
265,311 Students
% Asian Students
5%
5%
# Hispanic Students
546 Students
507,916 Students
% Hispanic Students
3%
9%
# Black Students
750 Students
417,221 Students
% Black Students
4%
7%
# White Students
13,584 Students
2,937,824 Students
% White Students
71%
52%
# Hawaiian Students
33 Students
22,255 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
3,294 Students
1,473,932 Students
% of Others Students
17%
26%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Average Number of Extracurriculars
14 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
9 sports
7 sports
Top-Ranked Maine Private Schools by County (2026)
Popular neighborhoods: North Deering (3 schools), Outer Ohio (1 schools), South Eliot (1 schools), Kittery Point (1 schools), Back Cove (1 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in Maine?
The top-ranked private schools in Maine include Thornton Academy, Kents Hill School, and Berwick 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 $17,936 for elementary schools and $29,300 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?
Which private schools in Maine are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Maine include: Center For Teaching & Learning vs. Damariscotta Montessori School, Pine Grove School vs. Winfield Children's House, Foxcroft Academy vs. Maine Central Institute
Recent Articles
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.
