Four images are combined to showcase teachers, students, and dinosaurs at a typical day at The New School. Clockwise from the upper left, a teacher and student laugh, a student in a dinosaur costume, a teacher and student show off a hand puppet, and several students dance in theater class.

Looking for an independent high school with a strong community? The New School might be right for you!

About The New School

Celebrating our 25th year, The New School is a progressive, independent high school providing a unique, student-driven, democratic learning experience for youth from Southern Maine and New Hampshire. Our campus is within walking distance of downtown Kennebunk and is a short drive from the coast, which often serves as a classroom.

The New School works with our students by:

  • Offering rich, integrated learning experiences within and outside the classroom that ignite students’ talents and passions
  • Giving students a strong voice in the design of the curriculum and the governance of the school
  • Providing a safe, supportive learning environment where differences are honored and bullying is not tolerated
  • Coupling a challenging academic program with authentic assessment methods that honor students’ strengths and nurture their growth, and
  • Integrating social and environmental responsibility into the curriculum and everyday life at the school

At The New School, students learn how to take charge of their education. Interests and passions are ignited by a wide range of choice in the curriculum and the experience of designing their own courses of study.

Join us for an online session

Every Thursday throughout March, we will be holding Virtual Information Sessions: March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th starting at 7:00 pm (Eastern time zone).

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qkn-etbb-wvz
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 530-777-5718‬ PIN: ‪940 257 780‬#

Schedule a tour with us!

Provide your contact information in the form below and we’ll be in touch as quickly as possible!

Save on school year 2025-2026 pricing!

If you enroll for the upcoming school year before April 15, 2025, you can lock in SY 24-25 pricing. Additionally, until April 15th, when you use waiver code ADVENTURE while applying, your application fee is free!

Families that reside in Arundel and Action receive even larger discounts when enrolling. Contact us to find out more!

After your initial informative visit to The New School, you are invited to apply for the school. Once the application has been received, your student will be formally interviewed by a member of the teaching staff. The application, references, and transcripts are reviewed by the admissions coordinator and teaching staff to determine if the school can meet the academic needs of the student.

Find out more about the application process on our Steps in the Admission Process page.