Maine Charter Schools
Maine authorizes tuition-free public charter schools that operate with greater flexibility than traditional public schools while remaining accountable to state academic standards. Charter schools are available statewide to all Maine students, though admission is by lottery if applications exceed available seats.
Program Type: Free public schools with operational flexibility
Current Status: Maine has 9 active charter schools serving approximately 2,700 students. Maine will reach its statutory cap of 10 charter schools when Moxie Community School opens in Fall 2026.
Availability: Statewide. All charter schools are open to Maine residents regardless of where they live (subject to lottery if over-subscribed).
Tuition: $0. Free to all Maine students. Charter schools are publicly funded through state per-pupil allocations.
Admission Process:
- No special entrance requirements – No tests or academic prerequisites
- Lottery system if applications exceed available seats
- Seats are competitive due to limited capacity statewide
Transportation:
- Free to students within school’s service area
- May be available for out-of-district students (varies by school)
- Families living outside service areas may need to arrange their own transportation
Current Charter Schools:
Baxter Academy for Technology and Science (Portland, grades 9–12) – STEM-focused college prep with project-based learning and hands-on technology integration
Maine Arts Academy (Augusta, grades 7–12) – Arts-integrated curriculum with daily instruction in dance, film, music, theater, and visual arts
Maine Connections Academy (Virtual, grades 7–12) – Full-time online public school with structured teacher-led format and regular live classes (LiveLesson® sessions). One of Maine’s highest graduation rates.
Maine Virtual Academy (Virtual, grades 7–12) – Full-time online public school blending live instruction with self-paced coursework; offers greater flexibility than Maine Connections Academy
Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (Hinckley, multiple grades) – Focus on natural sciences, agriculture, forestry, and hands-on outdoor learning
Fiddlehead Center of Arts and Sciences (Gray, PreK–8) – Integrates arts and sciences using the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy
Community Regional Charter School (Skowhegan/Cornville, PreK–12) – Learner-centered, proficiency-based model across three campuses
Ecology Learning Center (ELC) (Multiple locations) – Hands-on, project-based learning integrated with local community and environmental science
ACADIA Charter Academy (PreK–6) – Focus on developing student independence and academic achievement
Pending Expansion: Moxie Community School (Portland, grades 6–12) approved to open Fall 2026. This will bring Maine to its statutory cap of 10 charter schools.
Application Timing:
- Year-round rolling enrollment or annual application windows (varies by school)
- Some schools announce specific deadlines (e.g., January 1 for following school year)
- Apply early – Charter school seats and virtual school slots fill quickly due to limited capacity
- Check individual school websites for enrollment status and deadlines
Virtual Charter Schools: Both Maine Connections Academy and Maine Virtual Academy often have enrollment caps and may have waitlists. Applications fill quickly; apply as early as possible.
Special Features: Charter schools focus on innovation including:
- Project-based learning
- Specialized curricula (arts, STEM, environmental science, virtual learning)
- Greater operational autonomy while meeting state standards
- Innovative teaching methods and school design
Funding: State per-pupil allocation (public funding); same as traditional public schools
Can Combine With Other Programs? No. Charter schools are free public schools. No additional public funding mechanisms exist for charter attendees. Students cannot use town tuitioning or other scholarships while enrolled in charter schools.
Contact: Maine Charter School Commission – info@mainecharterschoolcommission.org