Maine Central Institute (Top Ranked Private School for 2025)

5.00 (1 review)

295 Main St
Pittsfield, ME 04967

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Tel: (207) 487-3355

www.mci-school.org

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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 Stats (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:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Other school association(s)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

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

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

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

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP Language & Composition, AP Literature & Composition, AP Physics, AP Statistics, AP Studio Arts, AP US Government, AP 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

$42,750

View national tuition avg.

% on Financial Aid

20%

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

18 sports

Sports

Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Riflery, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

57 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:
Aomori Travelers, Calligraphy, Chess, Chinese, Creative Writing, Culinary Club, Culture Diversity, Dorm Counsil, French, Key Club, Kindness Krew, Longboard Club, Masardis, Math Team, Model UN, National Honor Society, Outdoor Adventure Club, Robotics Club, Role Playing Game, Science & Outing Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Student Leadership Committee, Tennis/ Chess Club, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
3D Design, Art, Art and Design Fundamentals, Art Survey, Bossov Ballet Theater, Bossov Ballet Theater ( pre-professional Ballet), Ceramics, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Contemporary A Capella, Digital Music Production, Drama, Festival Theatre Ensemble, guitar, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, Intro to Costume, Introduction to Theatre, Music in Society, Painting, Paper Art Club, Piano Lessons, Sculpture, Social Theater, Stage & TV Make-up, Studio Foundations I & II, Technical Theatre-Stagecraft, Theatre Arts, Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Esports Club, Fencing Club, Lacrosse, Volleyball Club

School Notes

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

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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 10/28/2024

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.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Michelle Oviatt Kereluik

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