Maine Central Institute Photo #5

Maine Central Institute

Maine Central Institute is an independent college preparatory day and boarding high school founded in 1866.
MCI pledges to provide a rigorous, comprehensive educational program to a multicultural student body with a wide range of abilities and interests.
In a safe and caring atmosphere, students will acquire knowledge, self-esteem, social responsibility, and the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for global citizenship and lifelong learning.
A high level of rigor and expectation of excellence in all components of the school's operation is critical, whether that be the academic program, the residential program, the co-curricular activities or the overall support system at the school.
The people at MCI work diligently to focus on each student as an individual to ensure that every person grows academically, socially and physically and becomes a global citizen.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Top Ranked ME School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 356 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $42,750
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Maine Central Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maine for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1866
Summer School Offered
Yes
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Sun. Jun 7, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
356 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Maine Central Institute Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
65%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
11 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP BiologyAP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BCAP Chemistry
AP Computer ScienceAP Language & Composition
AP Literature & CompositionAP Physics
AP StatisticsAP Studio Arts
AP US GovernmentAP US History
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Collared shirts and khakis, skirts, dresses, sweaters. No sleeveless shirts, jeans, tennis shoes, hooded sweatshirts, baseball hats.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
20%
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
57 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Aomori TravelersCalligraphy
ChessChinese
Creative WritingCulinary Club
Culture DiversityDorm Counsil
FrenchKey Club
Kindness KrewLongboard Club
MasardisMath Team
Model UNNational Honor Society
Outdoor Adventure ClubRobotics Club
Role Playing GameScience & Outing Club
Student AmbassadorsStudent Council
Student Leadership CommitteeTennis/ Chess Club
Yearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
3D DesignArt
Art and Design FundamentalsArt Survey
Bossov Ballet TheaterBossov Ballet Theater ( pre-professional Ballet)
CeramicsConcert Band
Concert ChoirContemporary A Capella
Digital Music ProductionDrama
Festival Theatre Ensembleguitar
Instrumental Jazz EnsembleIntro to Costume
Introduction to TheatreMusic in Society
PaintingPaper Art Club
Piano LessonsSculpture
Social TheaterStage & TV Make-up
Studio Foundations I & IITechnical Theatre-Stagecraft
Theatre ArtsVocal Jazz Ensemble


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Esports ClubFencing Club
LacrosseVolleyball Club

School Notes

  • School Motto: MCI engages a multicultural student body with diverse abilities and interests in a rigorous and comprehensive college and career preparatory experience.
  • School Mascot: Husky
  • Maine Central Institute is a traditional day and boarding program with college preparatory academics and a wide variety of athletics, arts, music, theatre, and on campus clubs and activities. The student body is made of people from all over the world and including many different parts of the US. Maine Central Institute Academic highlights:
  • Manson Essay: It is a distinguished Junior essay (college-level) requirement originating in the late 1800's. All Juniors spend months researching and writing on a topic of their choice and end the assignment with an oral presentation of their essay in front of their peers.
  • One to One ipad program: in 2013, MCI made a commitment to technology use in and out of the classroom by providing iPADs for all students and faculty members. Ipad and apple TV is used in our curriculum.
  • Senior project: It is a capstone assessment, integrating students' mastery of communication skills, research techniques, public speaking conventions, and organization for independent, self-directed learning. Students devote five weeks to their chosen learning objectives, then present their knowledge and product to peers, family and community members.
  • Bossov Ballet Theater: Bossov Ballet Theatre at Maine Central Institute is both a performing company and an international pre-professional ballet school. It offers pre-professional syllabus prepares students for a professional ballet career.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Joe Bell '04 - Notable in athletic and entrepreneurial circles. -
    • Brian Leary '72 - Renowned in business and economics. -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Maine Central Institute cost?
Maine Central Institute's tuition is approximately $42,750 for private students.
What schools are Maine Central Institute often compared to?
Maine Central Institute is often viewed alongside schools like Foxcroft Academy by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Maine Central Institute?
Maine Central Institute famous alumni include: Joe Bell '04 - Notable in athletic and entrepreneurial circles. and Brian Leary '72 - Renowned in business and economics..
What sports does Maine Central Institute offer?
Maine Central Institute offers 18 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Riflery, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Maine Central Institute is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maine for most sports offered.
What is Maine Central Institute's ranking?
Maine Central Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maine for: Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Maine Central Institute?
The application deadline for Maine Central Institute is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5  
I grew up in Pittsfield and attended MCI (class of 89). Although our boarding students come from all over the world none of them are not at home at MCI. You will find teachers who really care about you academically socially and with your sports or whatever you're into. My best friend says it is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, and I agree, but I would like to add to that description that each person is given the freedom to be themselves, and accepted as they are. MCI will assist you by making sure you are well prepared as you move forward towards the goals you have set for yourself. You will not regret spending your high school years in my hometown community. If you do decide to attend MCI, please tell them that Shelly Oviatt sent you to check them out, and promised you no regrets.
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Quick Facts (2025)

  • Top Ranked ME School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 356 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $42,750
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Maine is $17,972 for elementary schools and $28,863 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Maine is 75% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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